Scott and Lindsey

Weekend of 12.16-12.18

2011-12-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Friday: Gingerbread House
Saturday: Abravenel Children's Concert, Settebello, Sherlock Holmes, cookies all hours of the night!
Sunday: Scott and I both teach, Colby/McDermott Party

New Blog, New Look, New Day

2011-10-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with two blogs, has ended up being too much for me, and in the interest of simplifying my life, I'm moving everything over to my work blog,

www.greenapplephotographyonline.com/blog

I really hope this doesn't bum anyone out, but I like the idea of all my work and thoughts being located in one area.

So, without further ado, if you would like to follow the adventures of Miss Lucy and all the Stewart happenings, they will now be in my shiny new spot, which has been so professionally designed and beautified. It's a big step up! If you want to find the Lucy posts, they will always be under the personal category, so super easy to find.

Thanks so much for joining us over there!

The Fair

2011-10-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

Cool weather, delicious, homemade ice cream, no crazy people (that we argued with), no bugs in beverages, and clean, unused spoons. Yep, this trip was a success!

2011 Greek Festival

2011-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Good food, good company, good music. What's not to love?

the camp-out

2011-09-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Scott and I don't go camping nearly enough. We used to, but you know, life got busy. We have been talking all year, though, how we wanted to take Lucy, and we are so happy we got a little night away. Bruce and Lynette are lucky to have access to this wonderful property in Kamas. They have been going for years, and it is the best.

Ollie gets to run as much as he wants, the kids get dirty, there is a natural spring, and a river, and a deck, and a latrine! and s'mores (but not together) and lots and lots of stars.

We hope this is the beginning of many wonderful camping trips together as a family. Thanks Bruce and Lynette for taking care of all of us!

Family Pictures

2011-09-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

We had our family photos taken by the Uh mazing Yan. We just love her. And she is moving to Denver, so any Denver peeps (Taryn!) should totally check her out. She is beautiful person and a beautiful photographer, so you kind of want to hate her, except remember, she is a beautiful person, so you can't. Thanks Yan! We love them!

deer valley part two

2011-09-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, the Stewart's went to see Idina Menzel up at Deer Valley. The music was really good, she talked quite a bit, and her dress was the best performance dress I have ever seen (yellow, long, cut-out back, tan leather skinny belt), but the real thing I remember were 6 squirmy kids, sitting smack dab in the middle of people who were there to listen with all seriousness. Unfortunately, the group of pre-teens we had the good fortune to sit next to last time, were nowhere to be found. Instead, we were sitting by those who enjoy fine wine and fancy crackers. And so, we brought out the candy, and the Iphones, and the toys, and willed our children to be quiet so we could enjoy a night out, already! And I think we found a compromise, of sorts. There were no major melt-downs, but there were some giggles and laughs, and when Lucy saw Samantha, she screamed, "SAMMY!!!!!!" at the top of her lungs, because she loves her just that much.

And then Scott tried to take a picture with Lucy and me, and she screamed, because she wasn't loving me that much right then. She was in one of her, "all about daddy stages." Oh, and these few were all the pictures I took, since there were very strict signs about no picture taking. I think the fine print mentioned a public execution if you took a picture with your "professional" camera. Which means Iphones were okay, I think (why didn't I take pictures with my Iphone?!) Except now they offer an Iphone camera class at the U, and I'm not sure if that qualifies the "Ip" as a professional camera. Confusing. Anyway, I was intimidated, and so quickly, and clandestinely snapped these shots. Whew. Summer activity documented.

The end. Except a warm shout-out to Lynette for securing us the tickets. Thank you!

the day after

2011-09-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Scott and I had originally planned to get away the weekend of the Cecret Hike, but that didn't work out. And then we thought we would go camping, but that didn't work out either. We decided to take advantage of the mountains anyway and enjoy them as much as possible. And since we had a rare, rare Sunday dinner home, we decided to go back up for some more tin foil dinners. This time, we did Calzones. And they were delicious. We're so fancy. You will have to imagine them, since I didn't take a picture.

We usually like to head up Millcreek. It's kind of our thing. It's close, we have the perfect little hidden spot, right next to a trailhead, that's never taken, and we can bring Oliver. This Sunday, we decided to get all crazy, and go up Big Cottonwood instead. Big mistake. Huge! The spots were all taken. We were so sad. And then I spied a tucked away gem. Apparently, at the "Amphitheater," you can pay for your picnic site. We gladly forked over $7. Although not as private as our normal place, it comes with running water for the bathrooms, and a children's playground. Pretty sweet.

I discovered a couple of things on this adventure. That Lucy knows her name, and know no longer needs to be introduced. She would go up to strangers and say, "I Lucy." Also, she liked to go far, far away from Scott and I and see how long she can push it, before we make her come back. She has no sense of personal space, as she went up to a cute little girl about her age, stood right in front of her, and gently touched her face with her hand.

One of my favorite things about Lucy is the sparkle in her eye. She is full of mischief and fun. You can see it in the photos, I think. What a sweet little weekend. I wonder if our next baby will be as well documented as Lucy is!

cecret lake

2011-09-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

We hiked, threw rocks, ate fruit snacks (Lucy), had a mini tantrum (Lucy), got mosquito bites, almost got a parking ticket, and relished in the grandeur and beauty (Scott and Lindsey.) Utah Mountains are gorgeous, and Scott and I are often left asking, why don't we spend more time in them. WHY?! WHY?! It was a perfect early evening hike, and was serene, despite the popularity of the trail.

part three

2011-09-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

You know, just another day at the market, doing my thing. This particular weekend Scott was out of town fishing, and I'm just lucky enough to have an awesome friend like Kim to go with me. Want an example of how Kim is a much better friend than I am? Just look at the BW photos she took below. She took photos of me and Lucy, and I didn't take a single one of her. Super lame on my part. But I loved spending time with my Lucy and my awesome bosom buddy, as Anne Shirley would say.

There was a petting zoo this time around, and me oh my, Lucy was in love. Little piglets are super cute. So cute, that we didn't even stop to look at the other animals. I kind of have a routine at the market, and it always involves limeades. See how much Lucy is enjoying it too? Keeping the McDermott tradition alive with mint limeades. I have such happy memories of making my own as a kid, with mint from the backyard.

Sometimes I feel like Scott and I just run, run, run; always cleaning and cooking, and errand shopping and poopy diaper changing. It's fun to look back and realize we really did play, and have fun this summer.

tin foil dinners are my favorite

2011-09-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

Traditions are the best, and tin foil dinners are at the top of my list of things to do in the summer. Scott and I have a system. We have a perfect spot we like up Millcreek Canyon. We like to make a stew, this time, with veggies from our CSA, and we like Petite Ecolier cookies for our S'mores. It's an art.

This year we headed up with the entire Stewart Clan, including Senor Ollie. Who refused all hot dog offerings, but accepted steak.

We sure love our family and the funniest part? Lucy burned out, and kept trying to go to the car.

another trip to the market

2011-09-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

I've gone 3 times this year. Here's trip #2.

Saturday Love

2011-08-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

Saturdays off, are few and far between, so we tend to pack it in when we can.

This particular Saturday included our first time at the Market, and the Eagles (fake Eagles) up at Deer Valley. We drank freshly squeezed, freshly shaken, mint limeades from our favorite stand, Sweet Salt Lake. Ate mango, dark chocolate cookies, from Ruby Snap, and relished all that was sweet and delicious.

Later, we headed up to Deer Valley, and enjoyed good music, and lots of kid wrangling. A million thanks goes out to the flock of pre-teen girls who sat in front of us, and played and played with Lucy and Samantha. It was almost like we didn't have kids with us. Almost.

Saturdays with my family are extra sweet.

P.S. Let us all say a fond farewell to the Polaroids. After 3 steady years, I'm down to my last box. Thanks Target, for supplying me with well over 500 treasures. I'm glad I bought you out over a six-month period. Dear, Impossible Project, I wish I loved you, but I don't. Dear Polaroid, come back please.

Dear Lucy

2011-08-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

Where do I start? You are so crazy grown-up, I can't even stand it. You pretty much do everything. Your vocab is insane. New words and phrases,

Ollie barkin'
I want! I want! I want!
I hold/hug you
chips
c'mon!
swimming!!!
friends
no nigh, nigh
sleep in mommy's bed?
you asleep mommy?
you tired mommy?
yay! bye bye!
I'm Lucy
stay Ollie

You pretty much take me by the hand and lead me everywhere. Personal space is not your specialty. And when we meet new people, you like to touch their face, or stand really close. Shyness is a thing of the past, and you say, "HI!" to everyone! You are a crazy, scary, climber, so I signed us up for gymnastics. Right now I tend to find you standing on the table, climbing into your chair, or sitting on the back of the couch. You hate being in the grocery cart, love sitting in the front seat of the car (when I'm not driving), hate little kid spoons and forks, and want to be a big kid all the time. Going down slides scare you, but you like to climb up. You pretty much think you are the boss, ALL THE TIME, and hate time-outs, but are starting to get them more. Diaper changes are still a challenge, and so are bedtimes. I have discovered it is just because you don't want to be alone. If I lay on the floor in your room, you are fine. Or if you come lay down with me you are fine too. But most of the time, you are laughing. Laughing is your favorite and mine too.

Whitney and Lucy

2011-08-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Whitney and Jake came out to visit in July, and Lucy fell in love.

it was hot and so we got sno-cones

2011-08-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Sun Valley

2011-08-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

We went to Sun Valley in June with the Stewart clan. And I hardly took any pictures. For example, we went on bike rides every day, and I didn't take a single picture. And the house we stayed at was huge and gorgeous and a had a river in the backyard, but still not a single documentary photo. It's kind of sad, but not really. Sometimes I like not taking photos. I don't have to look to far to know why my camera sat in my bag all week. The week before our trip, I had 2 sittings, 2 back to back weddings, my birthday, Father's Day, and I taught the lesson for Relief Society. Yeah. That kind of takes it out of you. But, we did have an awesome time. Bruce and Lynette are so great to do this annual trip (locations may change, but a vacation happens every summer!) I think family trips are essential. I love watching Lucy building relationships with her cousins.

So to sum up the trip,

Good food, bike rides, Dance Central, treats, treats, treats, treats, games, melt-downs, swimming, nap times, bike rides, shopping, movie watching, sleeping, playing.

We can't wait for next year!

The 4th

2011-07-31T23:14:00.000-07:00

See, here’s the thing about film, every event in your life is delayed in your blog post by several weeks. Which is okay, because I’m still behind in posting about several years. So it helps take the pressure off.

But here are the photos from our 4^th of July weekend. As you can tell, it was awesome. I didn’t even take photos of half of it. I mean, Scott and I hosted another calzone, movie night with my family the Saturday before, and we didn’t get one picture. Even though it was really fun, and I had striped swizzle straws. And I didn’t take any photos of the breakfast I made after our parade. It was pretty good too. I made a pea dip, which sounds really funny and naughty, but tastes really good. And of course, there are no photos of me, and sadly, none of Scott. I was wondering why, and then I remembered he stayed back most of the parade to redo the muffins I made that morning. It was actually pretty tragic. After staying up until 2 AM to make homemade cinnamon rolls, I decided I should make muffins as well. So, I got up at 6AM to make those. And then I turned the oven 100 degrees too high and burned them. I may have said a bad word. Or two. And the muffins I made had fresh cherries, which I had pitted with a knife. For the record, this isn’t the most practical way to do things (I'm buying a Cherry Stoner next season.)

Anyway, to back up, for our 4^th of July, we had my family over for the local parade and then back to our house for a breakfast. A couple of words about the parade, when I say local, I mean small. I’m not saying Murray is the most awesome parade I have ever been too, but it is our own little quirky neighborhood parade, and I love it. It doesn’t hurt that I basically have to walk out my front door to see it. A good example of the quirkiness is the little girl walking around, holding a stuffed prairie dog, and crying, “SAVE THE PRAIRIE DOGS! THEY NEED OUR HELP!” And everyone watching was muttering, “we hate prairie dogs!” Scott and I are included in this group. They dig up our lawn and leave big holes. Also, the candy was all gone by the time the parade reached us. We tried using Lucy as bait, but it didn’t really work, and Whitney and I caught several cheerleaders giving us crusty’s. "What?!" We have a 2-year-old! We aren’t cheaters."

Later, for dinner we headed to the Stewart’s for a wonderful barbeque, where the kids stripped down and swam, even though it was pretty cool.

And then Dan, Tara, Spencer and Evie joined us at our place for fireworks. Another great thing about our house, we can watch the fireworks from our front lawn. And since the big fireworks are now legal, we had a 360 degree pre-show from all our neighbors. I have to give a shout out to Alex and Carly, whose personal firework display lasted longer than the actual fireworks.

All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend the holiday, with all of our family.

And the next day, I slept in! Happy Delayed Holidays everyone!

Colby is super excited about the parade

The mayor

Whitney and Jake, in town from Buffalo

I'm not sure what this is a float of. A rest home, maybe?

We want candy!!

Rambo beads. Manly, yet well accessorized.

The damage

Priceless!

We Went On A Bike Ride...

2011-07-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

And ate fresh veggies from our CSA,
And made Italian style burgers (roasted garlic, tomato sauce, and mozzarella)
and then saw Harry Potter at the Drive-Inn.

This summer I decided to take a couple of weekends off. If I don't, then I work every Friday and Saturday, and that's no bueno. This particular Friday, I thought I had off, and then I scheduled a last minute sitting (I have a hard time saying no), and then the sitting fell through. So, we treated the day as a gift, and put together a last minute adventure. We biked, we ate, we wrestled Lucy at the Drive-Inn. Actually, the move was a rather fortuitous thought of Scott's. It was opening day of Harry Potter, tickets were all sold out, and in the midst of us trying to figure out how to get tickets, Scott remembered our favorite movie spot. We bought some yummy chocolate and soda's, stocked Lucy up on popcorn...and made it through 75% of the movie with no tears. Success!

And if this seems a little idyllic, it's because it was. My normal life consists of working until 1AM, not eating, and bursting into tears at the weirdest moments. I'm not pregnant, I'm overwhelmed. Lucy comforted me the other day, with hugs, and, "you okay Mommy?" Sweet, family filled days like this are joyous and much needed. I love my two loves.

I Love You Much

2011-07-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Some random stories about Lucy...

-The other day when I was leaving to go somewhere, she ran down the street with Scott, crying, "no buh bye mama, no buh bye." If that isn't the saddest thing, I don't know what is.

-When I picked her up from the gym daycare yesterday, she had "borrowed" the workers hair scrunchies, and pulled them up her arm Rambo style.

-When Peter Pan is on, she goes, "Fly! Fly! Fly!"

-I was doing a shoot for a cousin yesterday, and while normally she isn't very clingy, she was very needy then. No matter how many times I picked her up and hugged her, she just wasn't happy. Finally, when we were getting ready to leave, she held my face, gave me kisses on both cheeks, and said, "I love you much."

-Also yesterday, Scott went with her to pick up some pizza. The waiting area, also sells Gelato, and Lucy looks at Scott, and said, "Daddy, mmmmmm, yummy!" and proceeded to mooch 20 spoonfuls of gelato from the ice cream workers. Every time she said, "thank you," they gave her more. Every time she said, "more," and held up her spoon they gave her more. She was in her glory.

She likes to watch movies sitting in a tupperware container. We really need to get her a chair.

Her favorite thing to do is play, and if you will play with her, she will be your best friend. She is very affectionate and loving and she makes us laugh every day. We love her very, very much!

Cousins!

2011-07-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Lucy sure loves her cousins. They are all so sweet to her, and she has a special relationship with each of them.

Evie, she is completely fascinated by. If I can't find Lucy and Evie is around, it's pretty much a guarantee she is sitting by her, trying to play. She wants to sit in Evie's chair, and play with Evie's toys, and touch Evie's hair (who can blame her?)

Spencer and Lucy are buddies, with very different interests. Spencer likes to play trains and Lucy likes to stand right in the middle of his train tracks, or pulls the cars off the tracks. Spencer says "Lucy" so cute, and gives her hugs and smiles.

Sammy and Lucy are best friends. They may fight sometimes and Lucy often gets a good case of the mine's around Sammy, but she also wakes up 50% of the mornings saying, "Sammy! Sammy dance! Sammy play!" Lucy loves Sammy very, very much.

Jamesie is also so loving to Lucy. Lucy often says, Sammy!James! in one quick sentence, like they are the same person. Jamesie gives Lucy lots of hugs, and says, "Lucy is so cute!" We love James! P.S. James also said Lucy looked like Rapunzel today (the part after her hair was cut!)

Jacob looks out for Lucy, and helps her. He is like the big brother she doesn't have. Jacob never seems to get frustrated with her spicy ways, and is very kind. Jacob is also a VERY impressive dancer. The kid has moves I never had. He leads all of our dance parties.

We love that Lucy gets to have all these sweet cousins to play with, since it is so quiet over at our house.

Fashionista

2011-07-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

My Last Hawaii Post :( or Haleiwa!

2011-07-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ah, Haleiwa. Home to some of the best food we had on our trip. I'm fondly thinking of you, Matsumoto's, Wailua Bakery, and Kua 'Aina Burgers. This particular trip was smack in the middle of Waimea Bay and the Birthstones. Maybe our full day with no nap explains Lucy's meltdown at the stones.

See the photo below where Lucy is looking down, most intently? Yeah, there is a gecko down there, that terrified and fascinated her. His little tongue was licking all the food she threw down. At least someone liked it. I, personally, liked the coconut sticky bun. Or the homemade ice cream sandwiches. Or the delicious veggie and hummus sandwich on homemade wheat bread. A welcome, healthy respite after our constant diet of burgers and fries and pie.

Ummm, why don't we live in Hawaii again?

The Birthstones

2011-07-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

Just off of a main highway, that runs through the central valley of Oahu, down from the Dole Plantation, lies the Kukaniloko Birthstones Monument. It's easy to miss, just a small marker, and a red dirt road in the middle of the plantation points you in the right direction. But although initially inconspicuous, the Birthstones were easily one of our favorite things we did. I'm not sure why exactly, but Scott and I make it a point to visit sacred places. There is something about going to a spot that has been sacred for hundreds of years, and standing where others have stood that's pretty cool. I'm looking at you, Temple Church, Westminster and Stonehenge. I'm not sure if it is just because these spots are old, or because there is so much history associated with them, or if it is just because we are nerds, but it is one of our favorite things to do when traveling. Ok, it's probably because we are nerds. Anyway, this spot was peaceful (ignore the screaming baby in a diaper), and amazingly beautiful. If based on beauty alone, we could see why it was so special.

Lucy Love

2011-07-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

A gluttony of Lucy photos for your viewing pleasure.

My favorite, favorite, favorite thing that Lucy does right now is, hold my face in her sweet little hands, and tell me, "I love you much." Sometimes she says, "I love you much, mom." It makes up for the time, and then some, when she pushed me, and said, "I push you."

Naughty and nice habits sometimes go hand in hand. And for the record, I think Lucy is the prettiest girl I have ever seen. And I'm her momma, so I get to think that.

Also, I don't want to forget how she yells, "YESS!! and runs (and her run is pretty darn cute) to the pool when I ask her if she wants to go swimming. Or how she says no to everything we say when she is grouchy. No bath! No treats! No milk! No crickets! No dragons! No octopus! We start making up ridiculous things when she is in this mood.

Or how she says, "I grouchy." Or adds an s, after everything. "I go in waters. Baths!!! Bye byes." It kills me when she says, "Ollie, sad," when Oliver sits under the table. She decided that all on her own. Or that she skips when she is super excited. I love that she is minimally whiney, super adventurous, cudley and affectionate, smart as can be, loves babies, a picky eater (OK I hate that she is a picky eater), happy, climbs into bed in the morning and snuggles, dances and is friends with everyone she meets. She is not my baby anymore. She is my Lucy and we get to be buddies. Pretty cool, right?

P.S. These are the kind of photos you get, when your child refuses to look at you and is super into daddy and not so much you at that particular moment. You get lots of running away from you photos.

I love every single one.

Miss Trouble

2011-06-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

Lucy goes where Lucy wants to go.

Picture this: Clothes soaked through from the swim diaper, near naked baby, sacred birth stones and quiet special moments, from all those not connected to Lucy.

She ran screaming and crying through 1,000 year old birth stones. The place where Hawaiian Royalty came for centuries to have their babies. There may or may not have been tourists putting their hands on the stones, laying down wreaths of flowers, and attempting to absorb, what I can only imagine was feminine energy from the rocks.

I think their experience may or may not have been affected by a wild child running around, attempting to climb on the birthstones and otherwise wrecking havoc. For the record, we DID NOT, let her climb on the stones. But we lost the battle as far as clothes and tantrums went. I like to call this stance, "Whatever you do Mom, don't EVEN THINK ABOUT PICKING ME UP, or I will karate chop you in half."

Summer Fun

2011-06-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Scott and I have been wanting to plan an outdoor movie night ever since we moved into our house. And 4 years later, we never have. We got close last year, with our Lost Party Finale, but typical, it rained. Magically, though, I had a Friday free AND it was sunny and nice. Since we have disastrously burned pizza on the grill twice, we wanted to give calzones a try.

And it ended up being a win, win, win. We invited some family over, made up some dough, hung up a sheet and were ready to go. The only small problem with outdoor movies, is that it doesn't really work until 9 PM. It's not for the faint of heart (all you over 30 and younger than 3!) Wait, that was just about all of us.

Here are some photos of the affair. Yeah, our yard is big and crazy. Do you see all the gopher mounds? Or the huge patches of dirt. For some reason, that never stops little 20-month old toes.

A lucky star does not hang over me. I took this photo literally 2 seconds before it started raining. Until that moment, we had no idea it was coming. Reminds me of the time it rained out our Lost Party. Or my wedding. Or pretty much any part I plan.

Oh Happy Paris

2011-06-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Do you ever read the blog,

Oh Happy Day?! If you don't, you should. It's one of my favorites, and the author, Jordan, is living in Paris right now with her family. And she is giving away a trip to Paris. What?!? Scott and I have always talked about living in Italy for a year or two, but so far, we have never had the guts to just do it. Her experiences are making me rethink that. But, in the meantime I wouldn't mind a trip to Paris. I took 4 years of French in high school, with the sole goal of making a trip there. I even watch French films. And I sure like striped shirts. Doesn't that mean I we deserve it? It would be a dream. If we could manage getting the baby part, Paris would be the perfect Babymoon.

So, if you want to enter, (and you should, although it makes my chances worse), go here,

Oh Happy Day Goes to Paris

My fingers are crossed and triple crossed.

Now You See Her! Now You Don't!

2011-06-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Peak a Boo, is awfully entertaining. Her hands splayed out in the first photo kills me. She made sure to do that every time.

A Common Lament

2011-06-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

How did this happen? How did my baby grow out of being a baby? In this photo she looks so grown-up. In a blink of an eye she is not even going to be a toddler anymore. I can see glimpses of the woman she is going to grow up to be. This makes me infinitely sad, yet utterly blessed. Lucy is my greatest joy. I still think that, even though Lucy ~~cried~~ screamed during every car ride today. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful, precocious, loving, happy, stubborn, independent, fashion loving little girl.

But oh, sometimes I miss her as a baby. Is there a way I can enjoy all the loveliness of today AND yesterday, whenever I want? Walk down the block, skipping with her, and hold her sweet little newborn body against mine when we fall asleep? And I guess that is one very good reason on why we have more babies. So we can have the best of both worlds.

I would like the best of both worlds, please.

The Longest Day EVER

2011-06-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Polynesian Cultural Center seemed like a good idea at the time. $200, 10 melt-downs, 8 hours, epic puking, and two very worn out parents later, not so much.

More pictures and stories to follow.

A Girl and Her Dog

2011-06-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

How can I be sad when I have these two?

I love when Lucy tells Oliver, "Ollie come on up!" and pats the bed. Getting Oliver was one of the best thing we could have done for Lucy. She has such a sweet heart around animals.

Resorting

2011-05-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

There was a time, not too long ago, that Scott and I stayed in cheapie hotels. For us, it was good enough to just go on a vacation. We didn't have to stay anywhere luxurious. At least, that is what I would tell myself. But in my secret heart of hearts, I longed to stay in fancy places. Rooms with down comforters, and fireplaces. Sheets that didn't look like they have been there since 1980, and continental breakfasts without smashed donuts. And if there was a deep soaking tub or walk in shower, oh be still my heart. I can pinpoint when I decided that I was through with $60 dollar a night hotels. Remember this?

Enter Hawaii. I wanted to stay in a resort, just for once. Just to be fancy. Just because I had never been and always wanted to. But we also wanted something Lucy friendly. And so we compromised. Two nights at the Turtle Bay and 5 nights at a beach house. I know, this post is kind of obnoxious. But just think back to the hostel we stayed in when I was pregnant. You know the one with gun shots heard at night, and a night club downstairs? Yeah, I didn't use to be so high maintenance.

Anyway, to finish my ode to the Turtle Bay, it was awesome. Sure, when we first got there they put us in the handicap accessible room. And then when we requested a change, they put us in a room that was already occupied. That got awkward for a second. But finally, we were settled in our very own cottage, with a view of the ocean, and a hammock just outside, complimentary champagne for the mix-up (nice thought, he he!), and chocolates on our pillows. Did I mention Charles hooked us up with free t-shirts too? Who's Charles? Just one of the awesome staff members who chatted with us about Alpine, Utah and the Laie Temple Re-dedication. The Turtle Bay was really fun. But I have to say, 2 days was about perfect. After that, we were ready to be in our little, family friendly beach house.

But back to the Turtle Bay. Did you see the picture of the pool? Cool, right? The view? Amazing. And did I mention, there was a tub large enough for 4 people in our huge, luxurious bathroom. I kid you not. We had our very own swimming pool.

Dear,

2011-05-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Cousins, thank you for being such good friends to Lucy. She thinks you are the coolest. Thanks for playing so good with her at her first sleep over.

Rain, seriously? I hate to complain, but Scott has the day off, it's May 30th, and it's 40 degrees outside. I would say I'm overreacting, but then I read it's the wettest May since 1860 and the wettest Spring since 1875. Way to be rain. Way to be.

Deer Valley, you are awesome. Thanks for the snow. I mean it. I now get to check off hot tubing in the snow off my list. Who would have thought it would happen at the end of May?

Lucy, we love you so much, and you were very good in letting mom and dad have a mini one night stay away. But now you are super grouchy. Maybe we will wait another 18 months to do this.

Anniversary. You were awesome. Caputo's sandwiches, gelato and park time with Lucy? Yes, please. An overnight stay in Deer Valley. Double yes, please.

St. Regis, you also, were awesome. Next time though, I'm bringing some treats. I couldn't justify spending $15 for a hot chocolate. But your bathrooms are the nicest I have ever seen. Thank you for that.

Pounds gained, You were worth it. I'm looking at you bread pudding and chocolate raspberry tart for brunch. Oh, and you fettucini with a pea cream sauce. I don't regret you.

Yard work, bikes rides, the zoo, and picnics. I guess you are going to have to wait until I don't need to wear a coat.

Our Secret Beach

2011-05-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

We had a secret beach in Hawaii. All you had to do was go through this tunnel of trees and you were there. Our beach house was basically in the bottom right corner of the photo. There may have been other people on our secret beach, but it sure didn't feel like it. The beach access was nestled in the neighborhood, several houses from the road. Meaning you pretty much had to be in the know to go there. We felt so lucky to have a beach basically in our front yard. How the other half lives is pretty nice.

Crispy

2011-05-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

We grilled pizza last night. It was super yummy, except for the fact that the bottom burned. And our pizza stone also turned black. I'm assuming that isn't good? Next time we will try for a lower temperature. I had potato/caramelized onion/cherry tomato pizza. Scott had a Margherita.

Oh, and when I say the bottom burned, I'm not kidding. It was as burned as you could possibly get, without lighting on fire. I think this calls for a repeat. Let the pizza experimenting perfection begin!

Lucy Updates

2011-05-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

Do people get tired of Lucy updates? Too bad, if you do, because she is hilarious right now. And when I say hilarious, I'm not exaggerating. She is so chatty and has such strong opinions. For example, she is obsessed with her summer PJ's. I need to post a picture of them. She finds them in the dirty clothes and sobs and sobs and sobs until you put them on her. Scott tried to put on her winter PJ's one cold day, and Lucy was heartbroken, crying, "No! No! No!", trying to run away, and basically having a complete meltdown. Finally he gave up, pulls out the summer ones and Lucy squeals, "YES!" and climbs in his lap so he could put them on. She prefers her summer PJ's with her winter boots. The girl has style.

She also says the cutest things. It's funny to see how your child mimic you. For example, she has started patted things and saying, "Ollie, come on up!" I always pat the bed for Ollie to do stories with us, and now she walks around inviting Ollie to jump up on things. She likes to sing songs with actions, jump on her walks, explore, throw rocks, give crazy kisses, march, go through my purse and shut my computer because I'm not paying enough attention to her.

Ahh me, I'm seriously loving her lately. We have been having so much fun. In the next week or so we are going to start swimming and doing bike rides. Having Lucy in our world is the best thing that has ever happened to Scott and I. We just love her to pieces.

This isn't a real Polaroid. This is a photo taken with my iPhone and run through the Shakeit App. I see myself taking a lot more snap shots than I previously have. I'm so excited about this!

Pearl Harbor

2011-05-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Pearl Harbor day started off at 5:30 AM. This was because we were planning on going to Hanauma Bay and wanted to beat the traffic and crowds. We didn't beat the traffic and there were no crowds. Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays. But Scott and I are nothing, if not resourceful. We just turned the car around and headed over to Pearl Harbor. I should mention that we hadn't showered in two days, and were planning on washing our ripeness away in the ocean. Instead, we wandered a national monument in our swim clothes. Luckily, I was wearing a cover-up dress and Scott had sandals and a swim top. Unfortunately the swim top was a little tight. Which is why Scott purchased his very own Pearl Harbor T-Shirt. We are never a fan of wearing a t-shirt around at the actual place we purchased it. Hard Rock Salt Lake City for example, is just not that cool. But it was the lesser of two evils.

We were really excited to see Pearl Harbor, but organized activities involving strollers and confinement are not Lucy's current forte. Let's just say we are glad we saw it and we managed to keep Lucy on the boat and Memorial.
If that isn't successful parenting, I don't know what is.

Scott, swim shirt, t-shirt and Lucy hand down his shirt. Awk-Ward!

I don't know why the backs of people fascinate me, but I always seem to take this photo.

Hanuauma Bay II

2011-05-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hanauma Bay was one of our favorite parts of the trip. The simple reason was that Lucy LOVED being in the water there. And since it was the only time she loved the ocean, it was really fun for us. Since the waves were pretty much non-existent, she could splash, and wade, and play.

Funny story about Hanauma Bay. We had heard from multiple sources how quickly the parking lot fills up, so we were sure to wake up at 5:30 on Tuesday to make the drive from the North Shore to Honolulu. We threw on our suits, packed up the snorkeling gear, skipped showers, and fought traffic only to arrive and discover that it is closed on Tuesday's. So, we made a quick change of plans and headed to Pearl Harbor instead. Scott was in his swim shorts and skin tight swim shirt. We were just grateful he decided last minute to bring sandals, instead of just his swim shoes. Otherwise we would have been those weirdos walking around Pearl Harbor!

A couple of days later we did the same thing, and got to Hanauma Bay around 7:30. It was nice to be there early, but when we left at 1PM, they were still letting people in. Ha ha! Jokes on us. But we don't let an early morning and an 18-month-old stop us. After snorkeling we ate at the Wailana Coffee House in Honolulu, went on our waterfall hike at Manoa Falls, and finished at the Valley of the Temples. That is just how we roll. Lucy was awesome this day (don't ask Scott about the Valley of the Temples. I prefer to remember her being awesome.)

Oh, and there may have been an incident of me having a panic attack snorkeling. Suffice it to say, I'm a little claustrophobic, freaked out in the middle of the water, was more worried about the coral than myself, and ending up making a complete fool of myself (with a few minor injuries.) Next time I'm going to remind myself to be in my happy place before I put on the mask.

Lucy's 1st Experience with a Beach

2011-05-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

The sand was fun, the water was scary. I didn't take a picture of her screaming as Scott put her in the ocean. She never really liked the water, but the sand was super awesome.

I'm so glad we stayed at the Turtle Bay for our first two nights. It was fun resorting it up for a little while. So fancy.

Sunset Beach

2011-05-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

We didn't chose our beach house for the bathrooms or kitchen. We chose it because it had bikes, scuba gear, beach supplies, toys and one small park lot away from the beach. Literally, we walked through some trees and we were here. On a very quiet, residential stretch of Sunset beach. We loved it. We came here pretty much every day to play and watch the sunset. One way or the other we saw the sunset on a beach every single night, except for our Polynesian Cultural Night. As Lucy would say, Aweeesome.

Hanauma Bay

2011-05-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ted's Bakery/Dole Plantation

2011-05-09T07:38:00.001-07:00

Come With Me, My Love...

2011-05-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

It's Cinco De Mayo today. These pictures have nothing to do with that at all and neither does the song stuck in my head. That's okay though. Today I made vegetarian burritos. I cut up my first avocado and made black beans from scratch. Which, I discovered, means an 8 hour soak, 2 hours of cooking, and then additional time sauteing with jalapenos, onions and garlic. I decided to skip the gym tonight, which I dearly needed and take a walk with my family instead. That was the right decision. It rejuvenated my soul to be in the sun, with my family, and no pressure of chores or work. I visited my dad and sisters. I talked to Kyle from his mission in Guatemala. Taryn hung up on him. She thought someone was prank calling. I'm still laughing about that! My dad is doing okay, but still weak and hurting. Lucy played hard with her cousins, and took a late, late afternoon nap. I grocery shopped and retouched; returned emails and organized. Just a fairly normal day. I'm loving Lucy so much lately. We have conversations. She is picky about her shoes, she wants bread not applesauce. She likes to give me kisses on my neck. We play peek a boo and ready-set-go in the stores so she wont try to stand up. We chase Oliver like we are lions, and she sits in my laps spontaneously for book readings and snuggles. She has become neurotic over her baths. Once a favorite pastime, she has pooped one too many times and now only stands up in the tub. Her personality is so distinct. A couple of weeks ago, I found I was getting so frustrated with her. I think I found the solution. More playtime! Really, that has solved so many of our struggles. I don't want to be constantly frustrated with her and then one day realize she is a big girl and doesn't need me quite so much. It's weird, but I sometimes think of myself in the future, and how much I will yearn for these small, silly days. I really think I'm living some of the best bits of my life right now.

Lucy on the Beach

2011-05-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to remind myself why Scott and I live in Utah and not somewhere with a beach. I think it has something to do with our jobs...

I Really, Really Want to Go Back

2011-05-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

I Want To Go Back

2011-05-02T13:08:00.001-07:00

Peeps + Surgery

2011-04-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

I had these photos of Lucy all ready to post on Monday morning. It was going to be titled, Like Mother, Like Daughter, but then something scary happened on Monday, and I didn't get around to it. On Monday morning I found out that my dad was going in for emergency heart bypass surgery the following morning.

That's a lot to take in.

Not just your run of the mill bypass surgery, but 5 bypasses. If you think sitting in a hospital room hearing your dad has a 30% chance of having a lethal heart attack in the next year isn't scary, then I'm not sure what scares you. Hospital rooms, hospital gowns, nurses, tubes and machines, change your indestructible dad into someone a little more fragile. He didn't look or sound like himself, and all I could do was feed him ice chips and rub his hand and try not to cry when he told me he thought he was going to die.

But today I decided to post these photos anyway, because they remind me so much of him. Mainly, because he loves Peeps, and would put them in our basket every year. And every year I wouldn't eat them. I don't think any of us would, and dad would eat them all. Maybe that was his plan all along. So, for tradition sake, and because I didn't want to be tempted by any of Lucy's candy, we got her some Peeps. I was strangely anxious to see if she would love or hate them. I think you can tell what her reaction was.

These photos have been sitting on my desktop the last couple of days, primed and ready to post. Looking at them today made think of all the traditions my parents have passed onto me. Scott and I even fight over what traditions to share with Lucy. Our Easter baskets were hidden, Scott's weren't. My Christmas presents were set by our socks, Scott's were under the tree. It's a funny thing growing up, and realizing there are other traditions than the ones you love and you might have to change what you have always known.

So, yesterday was scary. But today is good. The sun is shining (finally, sheesh!), and my dad sounds like himself again. Strong and indestructible.

6:00 AM

2011-04-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Jet lag has a funny way of getting you up early in the morning. Since Lucy's wake-up call was 5:30 AM, we took lots of morning walks. While we never saw the sunrise on the Eastern Shore, it was still pretty on the Western/North Shore, and so peaceful.

Sugar and Spicy

2011-04-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure Lucy hit her terrible twos right before we went to Hawaii (and she is only 18 months!) She might look sweetness and light, but she has a fiery, stubborn side. Some examples of her cuteness and stinkerness over the last week are,

-She says awesome. "Awessssooommme!" She loves it to say it and it is usually followed by, "happy."
-She doesn't like it if Scott and I touch each other. If we hold hands, or I give him a hug, she pushes my hand away and says, "no, no, no." I think it is a mixture of being jealous, and that she expects to be the center of both our worlds.
-When I say, "give me five," she says, "up high."
-She wont sit down in the grocery cart
-She wont eat ANYTHING, and throws her food
-She wont stay in her stroller
-She gives rock explosions (our secret hand shake)
-Other new words, "Ollie nice, stop it, all done, peas (please in command form), tank you, and some is still her favorite word. "Some, Some, Some, Some!"
-She senses when I'm about to correct her, turns to me in a flash, and tells me,
"no, no, no!"
-She is starting to pinch, which means we are starting time-outs. She only pinches me, on the neck, and then says, "Ouch!"
-We roar like dragons in her special dragon bath towel.
-Lucy is still shy and snuggly, and likes to watch morning cartoons on my lap, big kisses, and laughs like crazy when we are silly.

She is sugar and spice, with an extra side of spicy.

Exhibit A

2011-04-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

Here's the first round of photos from the trip. I brought my Polaroid, I brought my film camera and a I brought my digital. Why did I ever bring my digital? It was used all of 20 minutes, and the whole time I wished I wasn't. So, my point is, all I have for now is my Polaroids. And maybe everyone, or anyone, seriously does anyone even read this? are tired of Polaroids. But oh well, here they are. Proof that we went and had some serious fun. These represent about 80% of the trip. The other 20% was filled with Lucy tantrums. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating. It might have been more like a 70/30 split. Notice the photo of Lucy and me (Lucy and I? Me and Lucy?) all wet. I would like you to know that Scott did not want to take that photo. In fact Scott, took exactly 4 photos the whole trip, so this represents

25% of his effort.

He did not want to take this photo because it was pouring rain, and Lucy was soaking wet, and was happy sitting in the car, in a towel, eating cookies. I pushed though, because I know how important it is to take photos. Scott doesn't always. And look at Lucy. She is as happy as can be. I, on the other hand have crazy eyes. I actually quite liked hiking in the rain. A warm rain is really fun, it's like being a kid again, and not worrying about messes and ruined hair. Lucy wasn't as much of a fan (was she worried about her hair?), but I don't think she was seriously traumatized. As soon as we got to the car she started laughing like crazy. What a silly girl. I already said this, but her footprints on the sand were my favorite.

Seriously, they are the best.

So I Don't Forget

2011-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Please forgive the itemized list of our vacation. I need to write it down so I remember.

Saturday:

-Travel, travel, travel. Lucy 2 mini melt-downs. Flight considered success.

-Luggage, shuttle, rental car. Exhausting, tired of traveling.

-Drive, pretty.

-Turtle Bay Cottages: Wheelchair room, switch to occupied room, finally get the right room

-12 hours of traveling finally ends

-Explore, dinner at the Italian place, complimentary Champagne (nice touch)

-Sunset on the overlook

Sunday:

-Cloudy and windy (a little cold)

-Breakfast brunch

-Swim in the pools, fancy

-Lunch by the bay

-Swim in the bay. Sunny!

-Hang out and explore

-Sunset on the overlook

Monday

-Sunny and windy

-Morning walk

-Morning swim and check out

-Ted's Bakery

-Check in to the house

-Dole Plantation

-Pali Lookout

-Drive on the Eastern Shore

-Sunset on our perfect beach

-Haleiwea and Pizza Bobs (so lost!)

Tuesday

-Leave at 6:00AM to drive to Hanauma Bay. traffic....

-Hanauma Bay closed, head to Pearl Harbor (mini meltdowns)

-Haleiwea, Kua 'Aina, Matsumoto's, shopping

-Sunset beach swim time and sunset

Wednesday

-Bike ride from Sunset Beach to Waimea (gorgeous!)

-Hukilau Cafe

-PCC (epic melt downs, Lucy pukes all over me, we do it all, but don't have a lot of fun)

-Lindsey likes the show, Scott likes the Luau, Lucy doesn't like any of it

Thursday

-Sleep in!

-Waimae Bay

-Haleiwea, Waialua Bakery (one of our favorites!), Lucy fascinated by Gecko, Matsumoto's

-Birthing stones, perfect moment with the sun coming through the clouds, over the mountains. Very sacred place, we could feel it. Lucy in diaper, running around crying. The sacredness was greater than that :)

-Shark Cove Sunset

Friday

-5:30 AM wake-up call for Hanauma Bay

-Hanauma Bay is awesome! Lucy loves the ocean for the first time

-Wailana Coffee House

-Manoa Falls Hike, TORRENTIAL downpour. I loved it. Lucy is a trooper

-Valley of the Temples

-East coast drive

-Take out from Shark Cove Grill (sooo good!)

-Eating, watching the sunset, see Whales!

-Chocolate Pie from Ted's Bakery

(our favorite day)

Saturday

-Haleiwea, Walialua Bakery

-Laie Temple

-Sunset beach
-Sharks Cove Grill and one last sunset at Shark's Cove Beach

-Head home :(
-Lucy sleeps 6.5 of our 8 hours of flying. Success!!

Do I regret bringing Lucy? No! Was it hard at times. Yes! We might leave her home for our next romantic anniversary vacation :) But we loved having a family vacation, melt downs and all. And man, did we drag her everywhere. Poor thing was exhausted every night. She loved running, playing in the sand and exploring. Home is going to seem a little dull after all this. One of my absolute favorite parts of the trip was seeing her little footprints in the sand.

Post note: We must have really worn her out, because she is still asleep after 14 hours.

Saturday

2011-04-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Friday

2011-04-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday

2011-04-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday

2011-04-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

2011-04-12T00:45:00.000-07:00

Monday

2011-04-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday

2011-04-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

Polaroid Week!

2011-04-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

We are going to Hawaii! It's going to be so awesome! I'm not taking my computer! But leaving it at a safe place somewhere else! I still need to pack! And return those shoes! And remember the sunblock! And go to bed! And I'm hiding my cell phone! I'm going to be barefoot on the beach for the whole week!

Since I'm unplugging for an entire week, and sticking to it. I thought I would try this whole pre-blog thing and leave everyone with a week's worth of Polaroids. So exciting! Unplugging....now!

The Entrance

2011-04-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

Half naked, jelly shoes (with one toe out, mind you), a shark bath towel, and face that means business. Miss Lucy aint messin' around.

BATH!

2011-04-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

I know I have said this before, but Lucy is obsessed with the bath. If she had her way, she would take 4 or 5 a day. We try to never say B.A.T.H in front of her, because she immediately starts to tug on her clothes. I think this bodes well for Hawaii and the ocean. In the meantime, how awesome is that belly? It sticks waaay out. I love it. And those teeth and that smile. Bath time fun! Except when it becomes poop in the bath time. Have I already mentioned how Lucy FREAKS OUT! if she poops in the tub. To her it's like a wild animal, coming out of nowhere, to join her for a swim.

45,500 Calories and a Dress

2011-04-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

I recently weighed myself, which is something I try not to do too often. I like to check in every 3 weeks. Too often is depressing, but not enough, and you never see your progress; which can be depressing too.

And the scale said I had lost 13 pounds, from when I started last November. I prefer to call it 45,500 calories, though. I felt every single one of those pounds, or 3,500 calories. And I'm okay with that because I have come to the enlightening conclusion that being healthy and toned with minimal body fat is a lot of work. I'm not sure why this was such a breakthrough for me. I used to just think there were skinny people and bigger people, and that was determined by genetics. Skinny people were lucky and had good metabolisms. And since I had always considered myself a fairly skinny person, I was completely shocked that my baby weight stuck around...and around...and around. I thought nature would take care of it for me, and when it didn't that was hard. All of sudden my genetics failed me. And so I started working out, a lot. And I didn't see results for the longest time, but something happened in that process. I embraced hard, sweating, almost want to puke, work. I realized that all those lucky, lucky, skinny people, were at the gym, every day when I was, and they were running faster and harder than I ever had. They weren't lucky, they had to pound it out, just like me. It was a big moment for me. Being healthy = hard work. And now that I have fully accepted that, I'm seeing slow and steady results. But I have to say, I still feel all of it; every single calorie I run, or lift, or dance off and every single calorie I don't eat. It's amazing to me that I can eat 400 calories in a blink of an eye (hello cookies!), but exercising it off takes much, much longer, and it involves more pain (don't worry, the good kind). I just keep chanting to myself, I'm strong, I'm strong, I'm strong. Or sometimes, bikini! bikini! bikini!

And this long story is to get to my good point. I finally used the gift Scott gave me over a year ago. I thought I would be back to my size, 2 months after Lucy was born, and part of that year's Christmas present was a gift card to Anthropologie. And I held onto that thing for a long time. Scott is sweet, and knew I always wanted to buy myself a fun dress. I never do. I buy skirts. And I never shop at Anthropologie. And so spending that card was special. I felt really pretty when I tried on the dress (the pictures don't do it justice). And it fit, didn't show my undies (why is it so hard to find clothes that don't), and was a size smaller than what I was wearing 5 months ago. And I have to thank Kim for coming with me, and encouraging me. I know this seems silly, but it was kind of a big deal. So here is a picture of the dress, and I guess you probably want to see one of me in it. I'm taking it to Hawaii, so I will post some when I get back.

Did anyone stick around for this whole post? It's 12:30 and I'm rambling. Anyway, the moral of the story is if you work hard you can buy an Anthropologie dress. Ok, not really. Um, the moral of the story is, hard work at something you want = self acceptance.

**correction, I wasn't a size 2, I meant a size two months or 60 days after Lucy was born. If I'm complaining about being a size 2, then I should really be tripped or something!**

Classic Beauty

2011-03-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

How stunning is Elizabeth Taylor here? I have always been a classic movie girl, but I have to admit, I'm not as familiar with Elizabeth Taylor's movies. I'm not sure why that is. When I think of her, I think of Giant. Which is a great movie, but I don't think considered her best. Looking through early photos of her though, she is just so beautiful. I'm inspired to watch more of her films. One thing that has always stood out to me about Elizabeth Taylor is how much of a woman she is. You know? Even when she just a young thing, she seemed so self-aware and womanly. I wish I could have a smidge of her persence.

Hawaii

2011-03-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Scott and I have been planning our big 10 year anniversary vacation for awhile. Actually it is our 11 year anniversary this year, but who's counting?

Since we have never taken a beach vacation, it was time to finally head over to Hawaii. And we are bringing Lucy. It should be an adventure. I have a checklist a mile long, and wonderful list of suggestions from those that are in the "know." In fact, it seems like everyone is going to Hawaii, certainly all my brides do, so I was beginning to feel left out.

We are staying on the North Shore of Oahu. For our first Hawaii trip we decided we couldn't miss Pearl Harbor or PCC, but we wanted it to be fairly chill as well. So we booked two nights at the Turtle Bay and 5 at a charming (at least I hope so!) house we found on VRBO.

Want to see some pictures?

Please excuse my poor screen captures.

Sometimes I Play With My Food

2011-03-21T10:17:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

I may be Irish, but historically I haven't really celebrated today, other than wearing green, obviously. Half the time I don't even do that, claiming my green eyes count. Lame, right?

This year I decided to pay homage to my roots with a little Guinness. In a stew, that is.

So, tonight Scott and I are feasting on Guinness Beef Stew and Irish Soda Bread. I even rented Once, which I have been meaning to see for a long time. Once-upon-a-time in Italy I imagined the music was my personal soundtrack. So already Once has a special place in my heart. I debated about renting Michael Collins or the Secret of Roan Inish or even Waking Ned Devine, but decided to go with the love story. And right now I wish I was back in Chicago. One of my life regrets is never seeing the parade when I lived there. Every time I think of it though, I think of The Fugitive. Do you remember that part?

Anyway, here's to St. Patrick's Day, my Daddy-Daddy McDermott (who was so proud to be Irish), myths, the gift of gab, emerald green, and Guinness.

Lucy Updates

2011-03-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Life can be hectic. Like when Lucy decided to start waking up at 6:30, AND stop taking her 2nd nap last week. And then Scott worked late 2 nights. There was editing to do, and cleaning, and food to cook, and showers to take and appointments to make. And I'd like to say that I was calm and collected, but instead I was blow drying my hair, while Lucy tried to get into the toilet, which meant I was blow drying my hair, with my foot on the toilet seat while Lucy yelled at me. She threw her food, hated having her diaper changed, and kept trying to dump boxes of cereal. I knew how much those naps meant to my sanity and ability to feel organized, cleaned, and fed, but I didn't REALLY know. Those extra 6 hours that Scott worked this week felt like an extra 40. Lately, Lucy has been so bored and destructive, and I can't seem to find the thing to capture her attention. I think it comes from too much time in too small quarters. I know I've failed Lucy because the one time we did try to go out and play in the snow this week she freaked. To be fair, the snow was deep, and she almost immediately face planted. I'm grateful for the sunny weather that finally came our way. Walks have been our lifesaver. I've been trying to figure it out. How do I work from home, keep exercising, cook healthy food, play and love Lucy, and keep myself clean and decent? And what about Oliver? He definitely gets the short end. Last week was hard. But every week I resolve to be more present. I always seem to fail this. I think winter is hard in general. Spring brings walks to the park, and picnics, and playgrounds. But here are some Lucy updates, because, you know, I never tire of posting them.

-Lucy now says, Choo choo, while moving her arm up and down. It's really cute.
-She likes to stomp around in her snow boots. She loves wearing any boots and fusses until we put them on her.
-She has a pouty face she makes, where she puts out her lips and purses. Where did she get that?
-She loves to have dance parties, and shakes her booty pretty funny.
-Her new words are, some (as in wants some), box, dance, mine (uh oh) and thank you.
-Lucy thinks everyone is her friend and walks into a room expecting all the kids to love her and play with her.
-She is finally getting over her stranger anxiety, now holds out her arms to all the girls (sorry, no boys)
-She is getting big. In the tub she looks huge. In her crib she looks huge. I was telling this to my neighbor and she said I should have another. Sigh.

Zions = Sanity

2011-03-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's I gave Scott a trip to Zions. We have had a long winter with too many colds and illnesses, so some 60 degree weather sounded just about right. It was a quick trip; one day to drive down, one day to explore, and one more day to come home. I think mid-winter trips should be mandatory. Too many days of cold weather sinks the spirit.

Unfortunately, we didn't get 60 degree weather. Fortunately, the park was basically empty, our favorite eateries were open, and our suite was super cheap and luxurious. Unfortunately, I brought the wrong batteries for my camera. Fortunately, I had a used one that still had some juice. Unfortunately, I left my camera bag in the car (which I never do), and my battery ran out on our hike. Unfortunately, I walked all the day down, leaving Scott and Lucy, only to realize no batteries (but then yes! a battery that worked), to walk all the way back, only to realize I was basically at the end of the hike when I turned around. Fortunately, I got these photos. Fortunately, we could drive our car, versus taking the tram. Unfortunately, there were only porta-potty's open.

All in all, though, the trip was pretty drama free. Lucy did great in the car, Scott and I relaxed, the park was beautiful and our illnesses were on the mend. All was good until Lucy woke up the morning we were leaving with the stomach flu. Plus there was a huge storm warning in effect. Luckily, Lucy finished her puking before we left and made it home sick free. We also beat the storm (for the most part), which was lucky, because a few hours after we left all the mountain passes were closed, and there were 9 inches in Beaver. No offense to Beaver, but I didn't want to get trapped there. Fortunately, the puking woke us up 2 hours earlier than normal, and we therefore got on the road before most of it hit.

And that is my very long story of our very short trip. More pictures over here. Bonus points if you can find Scott in one of the photos. Also, I decided on this trip I want to hike the Narrows. I have always wanted to, and I think this year is the year to do it.

Random Stuff

2011-03-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

The other day I helped my friend Kim out with her RS Birthday Celebration. It was a night in Paris, and she had created this darling Eiffel Tower Photobooth. I took the pictures with her Polaroid, and completely butchered a French accent. It was a lot of fun and of course, we had to take our photo too.

And since I very rarely have my photo taken, this photo serves as my weight loss goal update. So far I have lost 7 pounds. Which is great, I'm not complaining. But it is slow moving. I have been working on this since November 1st. It was a combination of Lucy being weaned and my consumption of an entire bag of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups that jump started me. And I have been working out 5 days a week for over 4 months. In addition, I have completely changed my diet. Whole grains! Only water! Minimal red meat! Smaller portions! Scott, on the other hand, decided he wanted to lose weight 3 weeks ago. He has now lost 10 pounds. So not fair. But this week has been hard. I have wanted to snack. I have wanted 2nd helpings. I don't want to go do my Tracy Anderson Mat workout (which I'm currently procrastinating while writing this.) But 7 pound is respectable. I will take it. I have 15 more to go. I will not be overwhelmed by this number. The good news, I'm pretty sure I'm stronger and healthier than I have ever been. I ran 30 minutes yesterday. That is unheard of for me. I may run slow, but I didn't stop. My favorite workout is Zumba. My least favorite is the lifting class. I'm obsessed with healthy food and have been making whole wheat pita bread, hummus, lots of salmon, and lots of salads. It has been fun. I have a new love for cooking.

In other news, Lucy likes to growl, she has a new pouty face, she wears her snow boots all day long and stomps around the house. She goes crazy when she sees balls at the grocery store (BALL! BALL! BALL!) Life is exciting around here!

Food

2011-03-01T19:51:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why I'm posting this, except that I put a lot of thought into our meals for the week, so it is fun for me to see what the whole week looks like. I have really enjoyed getting into cooking the last few months. We have definitely had a focus of healthy eating, so I like to find food blogs that have delicious and good-for-you recipes. I also look for things that work well as leftovers, since I'm making a big focus on eating lunch, versus just grabbing something. So, without further ado, The Meal Plan for this week,

Monday: Roasted Tomato Soup/Toasted Wheat Bread/Balsamic Roasted Zucchini
Tuesday: Lemon Basil Salmon/Spinach Salad (Scott did this one, so no recipe)
Wednesday: Wholewheat Pizza/Caramelized Onions/Cherry Tomatoes/Fresh Mozzarella
Thursday: Roasted Tomato Soup/Grilled Cheese
Friday: Chicken Lettuce Wraps/Brown Rice
Saturday: Pumpkin Waffles/Caramelized Cinnamon Apples/Fresh Squeezed OJ

Mmmmmmmm. So yummy. I did all of the grocery shopping today, and it felt so good (and expensive) to have all these ingredients in the house waiting to be made. I modified the soup recipe. I didn't mix the bread in, because I thought it was thick enough and I like to dip the bread in soup. Also, I roasted half an onion, and extra garlic.

I'm always on the hunt for recipes. What do you like to cook for dinner?

How I Survive Winter

2011-02-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

Winter is doable for me through about New Year's. After that, it becomes one long 3-month ordeal to Spring. Winter means cold hands, wet feet, an assortment of fevers, viruses and infections, short days, and early nights. It just isn't my favorite, or 2nd favorite, or 3rd favorite season. And while I enjoy a good sweater wearing season, that is what Fall is for. Winter is for Christmas, and then I want it to be warm again.

So, I have had to come up with survival tactics. I drink hot chocolate, wear wool socks, layer with sweaters and have space heaters strategically placed around the house. And I also have taken up snow shoeing. And by taking up, I mean I go a couple times of year. But those couple of times are literal magic. There is something about walking through a snow covered forest, breathing fresh air (out of the inversion!), and watching Oliver bomb-dive snow piles that just makes my heart happy. And here we are with two of my dearest friends, Marianne and Bryan. I love these two so much. Marianne is the instigator of lots of the good things in my life. Bread class? That was all her. Snow shoeing on this Saturday? Their idea too. They even brought hot apple cider, crackers and Nutella on our adventure. Everyone needs friends like these.

Sheesh

2011-02-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

In the last 3 weeks, between Scott and Lucy and me, we have had,

3 ear infections
1 fever
1 stomach flu
1 sinus infection
1 strep-like sore throat, but 10X worse

and all 3 of us have had a standing, 3 month cold

I'm looking for a break somewhere, before I roll up in the fetal position and cry.

Uncle, Uncle, Uncle.

Update: and Scott is pretty sure he ruptured his ear drum.

Pretty, Pretty

2011-02-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

These flowers were probably the prettiest that Scott has ever given me. There were tulips and roses and ranunculus. I loved them! Poor Scott though. He always has bad luck when he tries to have flowers delivered. It used to be a fantasy of mine to have flowers delivered at work. So, once upon a time, about 5 years ago he had some roses scheduled to be delivered on Valentines. When there was no phone call from me he started to get worried. One week later they arrived (thanks, 1-800 flowers.)

This year he had them scheduled to be delivered to the house. Alas, the driver quit on Valentine's. Who does that? But I still got them. And they were still pretty amazing.

Scott also gave me a Mandoline, which is pretty cool. I have been wanting one for awhile now, and it makes making my daily sweet potato chips a breeze. The night was capped off with dinner at Cucina Toscana. Lucy got some books and a puzzle from the Valentine's Day Man. She wasn't overly excited.

And this weekend, we are going to enjoy my present, which was a trip to Zions. We really need to get out of the cold and our sick, sick house. Hopefully it will warm up a little down South, and we can have an early Spring. All in all, it was a pretty sweet Valentines.

Lucy and How to Handle Stress

2011-02-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

I can always tell if Lucy is getting irritated, because she starts removing her clothes. She is irritated a lot during her naps, because I often find her in a state of undress. It kills me what she manages to remove. So far, no diaper. But I bet we aren't far away. The other day she managed to have her shirt pulled over her head, but her arms still in. I should have gotten a picture of that one. It was priceless.

Scott's Valentines

2011-02-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

Scott's Valentines gift looked a little like this. I made up clues based off of two of my favorite children's books. The books were wrapped up with the clues. The answers led to a 2 night stay in Zion's during his Spring Break next week. All 3 of us have been sick for 2+ months. A little vacation somewhere warmer is just what I think we need!

So next weekend we will be packing up our bikes, baby backpack and heading for sunnier climates and R&R!

Love, Love, Love

2011-02-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Who is getting kisses in your house today?

Happy

2011-02-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

Lucy's newest word is happy. And she says this when she is snuggling. She will lift up her little arms, ask for a hug, lean in and say, "happy (appee)." I don't know who taught her this. Scott? I actually don't think I say happy that much, but it makes me really happy when she does. And look at those little curls peaking out from her hat. They make me happy too.

Yummy

2011-02-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

Lucy's favorite word right now is yummy. A couple of nights ago, several hours after we put her to bed, I could hear her talking to her baby (featured in the post below), and saying, "Mmmmm, yummy, yummy. Mmmmmm, yummy, yummy, yummy."

Yesterday, when I walked into the house after putting Oliver outside, Lucy quickly licked the snow off my boots, looked at me and said, (you guessed it), "Mmmmm, yummy, yummy."

Bedtime Rituals

2011-01-31T21:49:00.000-08:00

Miss Lucy hates going to bed. It started when we put her in own room at 6 months. She can tell if you are taking her to her room for a diaper change or playtime, or if she is going down for the dreaded nap. She cries, clings to you and in all ways acts completely pathetic and heartbroken.

We have a nighttime ritual. Feed, bathe, change, toothbrush, read. And then we put her down with her "baby" which is really an Ugly Doll and listen to her cry for 5-10 minutes. After nearly 9 months, this schedule hasn't changed. She still cries, every single time. We wait to put her blankets on after she falls asleep, otherwise they are thrown out of the crib in disgust.

And so, one night, when I went to put her blankets on, my heart melted with this dimly lit view. How sweet is this? Lucy is not a fan of the baby when it isn't bedtime, because she associates it with her crib. However, it is her comfort all night long. After she calms down, we hear her talking to it,

"no, no baby."
"mmmm, yum, yum, yum."
"peek a boo."

and she usually wakes up peacefully talking to her doll.

Pictures like these, make trying days and months worth it. And by trying months, I mean Lucy has been sick in January. All month long. Between a black eye, a 2.5 week cold, and an ear infection, we are about done in.

Thank goodness for sweet, sleeping moments, and Ugly Dolls, to make my heart sing.

Dear Today

2011-01-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

I really love you. I do. So many sweet and simple and silly things happened.

Like Lucy picking up my phone, and pretending to laugh. Or taking a tissue and wiping her own nose.

Or when I was on the phone with a sweet (apparently young) customer service rep, who was so surprised when she found out my age. It was complimentary and offensive, all at the same time. "What, you are THAT old, but you sound so, so, young." Yep, I'm 32 and fabulous.

Or when I found out I have been selected to be in PDN Top Knots issue. That is kinda a big deal for me.

Or when I found out that one of my weddings will be featured in Style Me Pretty. That is also super cool.

Dear Today, I ate really healthy, and I felt good. Veggie chili and homemade sourdough bread for lunch, mmmmmm. Tikka Masala, brown rice, and veggie/barley salad for dinner? Even better. It makes me feel good to be in control of my life, eating healthy and delicious food (well, Lucy ate chocolate pudding).

I ran 30 minutes. For you runners out there, that is small potatoes. For me, it was like climbing Everest. 3 months ago I couldn't even fathom running a mile. I feel strong and powerful. I feel empowered. I'm so proud of myself. Today I did 60 minutes of cardio total. Go me.

and I was sad that I couldn't read, "The Book Thief", because Scott left it at work. But it is probably just a well because I wanted to read it in the bath, and inevitably I would get water on it, and ruin it for him.

Today, I saw the sun, and there was no inversion and the snow melted.

I spent some time with an old friend, and by old, I mean we have been friends for 13 years, because we are NOT old.

I watched Lucy give herself a chocolate mustache with her pudding, I gloried in her new, darling haircut, and we played peek-a-boo and talked about colors.

Today, I ate dinner with Scott, and sent him off to night class,
while I bathed and read to Lucy (she surprised me with a choo choo when we came to the train; Scott secretly taught her).

So, Today was a good, good day. Thanks a whole bunch for being awesome.

-Lindsey

Goals

2011-01-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

This year I'm not making resolutions. But I am working on goals. A lot of these goals I have already started. Some of them I haven't. Most are focused on having a more harmonious and healthy lifestyle. Something I struggle with, when I'm so busy. But I thought I would lay it out there, in an attempt to keep me accountable. I feel good about all of these, and although the list is long, I think it is totally manageable. I'll divide them in categories, because I'm silly like that.

Healthy Lifestyle
-Go to bed before 11 (this is so, so, so hard for me. Right now it is 10:49, so I should wrap this up quick!)
-Exercise 5 times a week (I have been doing this since November)
-Drink 64 ounces of water a day
-Cook 4 healthy meals a week (I have been really good at this, but I'm not in busy season yet)
-Cook 1 new meal a week
-Lose 25lbs. The baby weight wont come off. No matter what I do. I'm dedicated to losing it, because I just don't feel comfortable in my skin. It has been 2 years since I have been able to fit into my old jeans, and it will happen. The natural, healthy way.
-Run a 5K with Scott and Lucy

Work Goals
-Take on less work
-Raise my prices
-Get featured in some of my favorite wedding blogs
-Shoot more film
-Do more personal projects (because I have more to say than just weddings)

Lucy Goals
-Stay off the computer during the day (except for naps, which is my work time)
-Go on more outings
-Be more in the moment

Spiritual Goals
-Pray more, read my scriptures more
-Be less judgmental. I'm trying to remember that everyone has their own hard road, and I don't always know what it is.

Big Goals
-IVF (this is really freaking me out, but I want to do it before Lucy turns 2)

Scott Goals
-Don't always talk about work together
-More dates!

Woah, a lot right. Not really. Okay, maybe, kind of. But I want to phase out my hectic, don't ever eat, or sleep, hardly ever see Scott lifestyle and move into something simpler. I used to pshaw the whole housewife thing, but I see a simplicity and balance, that comes with spending my days with Lucy and making sure my family is healthy and whole.

So there you go. I don't know what the year will bring, but I hope it finds me happy and healthy. And it is now past 11. Shoot!

On the Move

2011-01-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

When did she become so big or so good at walking? Lucy is changing from a baby into a toddler. I see it every day. And here she is in her Christmas PJ's. I didn't take a single photo on Christmas (Lucy was sick and crying the whole time). You can see though, she is pretty cute in them. I love these jammies because her big belly sticks out.

Daddy's Girl

2011-01-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

Scott Reading the Grinch to Lucy

About 2 weeks ago Lucy decided that Scott is awesome and me not so much. I tried to not take this personally, but I kind of did. While I love seeing her love her daddy, it broke my heart that she would push me away and say, "no, no momma." Only Scott could comfort her, pick her up, change her diaper, play with her. She only wanted to sit on his lap, give him kisses and hugs.

The fact that it even happened surprised me. I guess I had been Lucy's comfort source so long, I didn't realize she was capable of suddenly switching sides. Apparently this is normal. Baby Center said so. I have a tendency to think things will last forever so, I despaired that she would never want me again. I guess as a parent, it is sometimes hard not be selfish. I'm learning. And things are now back to normal, with Lucy loving on both of us. These last 2 days have been really sweet with Lucy. She has wanted me to read to her, sit on my lap, and will come over for hugs and kisses. But I'm sure this isn't the last we have seen of her favorites. All my online research told me to beware the teenage years where girls love their daddies best. I guess that means I need to have a boy, right?

Lucy's Words

2011-01-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

If you have spent any time around Lucy you know she loves to talk. As in talk, and talk and talk. She will be sitting around the table, with all the adults, and jump right in. You might say she dominates the conversation. It's one of my favorite things she does right now. It's so cute. She is really saying something and she assumes you know what it is. She knows what she is saying, because she will repeat herself while looking at you. She will ask questions, raise her voice, make it go higher, look you straight in the eye and talk for 5 minutes straight. If Scott and I are talking in the car, she will jump right in, just another participant in the conversation. If we are sitting with family for Sunday dinner, she will talk until we stop and listen to her. She has lots of jabbery words, mixed in with understandable ones, and there is so much variety. I can only imagine how much she will be talking when she is two. As far as real words, she says,

Here you go (she says this when she wants something or is giving us something)
Baby
Hi
Hello (ello)
Bye Bye
Ollie
Momma
Dadda
Ohhhhhh (accompanied by a hug)
Uh oh
Peak a boo (beekaboo)
Boot
Sock
Doggy
Banana (nana)
No (no, no, no)

My favorite right now is ello ollie. It cracks me up every morning. I need to get her sweet voice on tape. It melts my heart over and over again. Except for the no, no, no part. Then we wonder whose child she is.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the little card we sent out this year. You wouldn't know it, but it was a cold, windy, miserable day. Lucy was unhappy and crying and Scott was sick. Ha! But we pulled it together for these few photos, by my wonderful friend Kim. It just goes to show you, it doesn't matter how sick, tired, grouchy, or uncomfortable you are, family is the bestest ever and I sure love mine.

Merry Christmas! I hope you spend it warm and cozy with the ones you love.

Pink is my Favorite

2010-12-23T23:01:00.001-08:00

I'm obsessed with the hot pink lights at Temple Square. They are my favorite.

Thanksgiving Point Christmas

2010-12-21T23:47:00.000-08:00

Scott, Lucy and I have been sick for about 2.5 weeks.
It comes and goes and kind of has us feeling blue.

So, on Saturday we decided to drag our sorry selves out of the house and get in the Christmas spirit. And since it was raining, Thanksgiving Point seemed like the perfect choice. Sometimes it is just nice driving around to see the lights, versus walking out in the cold. So, we bundled up, had a nice little dinner in the cafe and saw some lights.

We did the same thing last year because we didn't want to take Lucy out in the cold. Last year was memorable for two reasons.

1-Scott was freaked out because a random kid kept wanting to see Lucy and kept trying to take the blankets off her stroller to peak.

Scott: The baby is asleep
Kid: No it isn't. I hear her.
Kid: I like babies.
Kids: Can I see the baby?

Scott, super stressed out, keeps moving the stroller farther and farther away, until he finally gives up and takes Lucy out to the car.

2-Lucy cried through the entire thing, and I sat in the back seat nursing her as we drove through.

This year was memorable because Lucy slept through the entire thing. Try as I might, I couldn't wake her up. After awhile, it just seemed cruel, so we let her sleep. She woke up approximately 2 minutes after we finished. This year was also memorable because she threw a mini tantrum in the store (tantrums are very new) and a huge pile of snow fell on our heads as we walked around the plaza.

We came home refreshed and happy. It was a quiet, nice night, just the 3 of us.

Merry and Bright

2010-12-19T23:41:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. I love that I have a stack of Christmas cards to mail out, and that my house is lit with twinkle lights. I love that Oliver likes to sleep under the Christmas tree, and I have presents hidden throughout the house. I love the daily chocolate from our advent calendar, and that Lucy is running around wearing Christmas pajama's from Grandma and Grandpa. I love that we finally got out to see some Christmas lights at Thanksgiving point and Lucy slept through the entire thing. But she did get to kick some snow. I love time with family and friends, and that every time the mailman comes I get excited. I love pizza Christmas movie night with the cousin's, and family parties. I love my most perfect present for Scott. I love that it is a time for me to reflect on the birth of my Saviour, which usually reminds me to slow down and refocus priorities.

It is easy for me to be overwhelmed with checklists over Christmas. But I'm working on enjoying the moment, not being perfect and letting go of neighbor gifts this year (sorry!) Both my sisters are coming into town this week, and I can't wait to have most of my family together. I sure miss Kyle though. We watched the new version of "A Christmas Carol," tonight. It was actually kind of scary, but good too. How lovely was the line, "And he kept Christmas well?" This year, I hope to keep Christmas well for my little family.

More Bathtime

2010-12-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

Whew, it was time to get past that other post. So how about a new post on Lucy?
Exciting, yes?

Here is a little update on our favorite girl,

1-She loves to play Peak a Boo, and says it all the time. Sometimes she says peak a boo, and sometimes she says beakabo, really, really fast
2-She has a secret smile. I catch her doing it, when she privately finds things interesting/hilarious.
3-Lucy jabbers all day long. She looks at us, very seriously, and talks and talks, and talks.
4-She is now an expert walker and goes all over. She refuses to hold my hand, unless she is being shy.
5-Lucy has discovered her belly button, and it is only the coolest thing ever. She could stare at it all day. Ok, not really, because her attention span is about 5 seconds. But she can maybe stare at it for 10 seconds.
6-She HATES having her diaper changed or clothes put on, but loves having her socks, shoes and leg warmers put on. She sticks out her little foot and patiently waits to be accommodated.
7-She HATES the gym daycare and still is pretty shy. Unless she knows you, and then she is super hyper.
8-She fell asleep on my shoulder the other day. Which was my favorite.
9-Lucy tries to ride Oliver, feeds Oliver her food, and says, "Hi Ollie".
10-Lucy's favorite past-time is either destroying things, finding the toilet plunger, or pulling stuff out of drawers/cupboards/purses/wallets. She is neutral on her toys.
11-She will sit on my lap for 30 minutes of Sesame Street in the morning. Sometimes rubbing my face.
12-Out of nowhere, she will slip her little arm around my neck, lean in her head, and go, "ohhhh."
13-She prefers head bonks, to kisses.

We sure love our little Stinker.

Babies

2010-11-29T22:54:00.000-08:00

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was pregnant. Really, it feels like I was just in the mix of it, buying maternity, stretching out my leg muscles, going to the Dr. and then it doesn't feel that long ago that Lucy was just fresh and tiny, and I was walking around, proud as can be, with a newborn. So it has been weird for me to find out that several friends and family who had babies right around the time Lucy was born are pregnant again. Weren't we just there? Weren't we just all in this together? Wasn't I finally on board, in the mix, part of the "mommy" world? And once again, I'm feeling a little left out. It is a strange reality that Lucy is 1 and she is old enough to have another sibling. I have been so busy enjoying her, I haven't fully realized this fact.

And once I did, I was back there, just a little bit. Back to the wanting, but trying not to want. Because being pregnant was pretty cool, and having Lucy in our lives is definitely cool, but what it took to get her here isn't. Not so much. And once I was pregnant the pressure, stress, sadness, nervousness and fear were all gone. And now it is coming back. I'm not ready for IVF again. Not right now. But it is coming and I'm going to have to deal with it soon. That is really scary. Because once I deal with it, the cold reality of no is a very real possibility.

I know someone else who announced they are trying for #6, which, they stated, means they will be pregnant tomorrow. How would that be? That is so not my world. How would it be to want, try, and receive? Almost instantly? To skip over months and years of hope/hopelessness? And I guess it is just strange, because it really was just yesterday that I had Lucy. I swear it was. But then everyone else keeps adding to the brood. And all of a sudden only children get to be big brothers and sisters.

And really, I have been so happy. Really, really happy. So much so, that these new/old fears have blindsided me. They don't belong in my world. I had enough of them already.

So tonight, I will go to bed and dream sweet dreams. Because I have a husband who loves me, and a baby girl, who still is a baby, who loves me too. And I don't want to forget Oliver, because he is awesome. And I'm pretty sure he loves me. Because that is what dogs do.

Peak A Boo!

2010-11-27T22:21:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for "beakabo!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

Scott and I have so much to be grateful for. We have a beautiful daughter, a comfortable home, lovely friends and neighbors, two jobs that we love, family that supports and loves us, food on the table, a crazy dog, and the knowledge that we are children of God. We really couldn't ask for more.

Curb Appeal

2010-11-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

While the progression of our home remodel might only be interesting to me, I like seeing the improvements. So forgive me as I wax on about all the hard work, labor of love, blah blah.

When we first bought our house it looked like the photo above. See, the for sale sign was even in the picture when Google Maps took it. It was a little overgrown, but we saw the potential.

After a few months of care, it looked like the photo below. We diligently hand watered (no sprinkler system!) and worked on the copious amount of weeds. The following spring we added a Maple Tree. It was so exciting to plant our very first tree ever. I'm happy to say it is thriving.

Last year we added the fence, minus the gate. Do you see all that ivy in the picture? It was not an easy job to get rid of. We landscaped the park strip, removed all the plants and repaired the crumbling porch. So we pretty much had what's in the picture on the bottom right.

This year was the big year. We landscaped the entire front yard, put in a new sprinkler and drip system, and had a new front door and porch pillars installed. I think it looks pretty great. It feels so homey when we pull up. I just took these pictures today, so most of the leaves are gone, but you kind of get the idea. I think it will look great in the Spring when the plants fill in more and the rest of the grass grows in (from the sprinkler tear-up). There are nearly 200 plants there, and 3 new trees. It was a big project, but Scott and I both enjoy working outside. Next year we are excited to do some major rehauling of the backyard. Right now it is pretty much Oliver's domain and poo sanctuary. We have our work cut out for us there, but I can't wait. For now, I'm loving our new and improved front yard. And for the record, after 10 years of no sprinkler system, we are in heaven.

It is amazing what one summer of hard work can do.

Do you like the hay bale that is keeping our new gate closed?

We have yet to put the latches on!

P.S. Scott's cousin Chris did our front door and pillars

Andrew did our custom gates

And my dad spent many hours helping us with the sprinkler system

Post Edit: These photos were taken on Saturday. When I woke up Sunday my beautiful Tri-Color Beech was snapped in half. The one that looks so beautiful in the pictures, right next to the house. It was lovely, and expensive and I might cry. Luckily the other trees were able to be saved. And this is the only first snow of the season.

Wish List

2010-11-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

I may or may not be thinking about some of these.

Super 8 Videocamera
Hunter Boots
Anthropologie Classics

The Haircut

2010-11-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

Someone needed a haircut.

Someone wasn't such a fan of getting a haircut.

Days

2010-11-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Being a mom sure isn't glamorous. At least the way I do it.

I do a lot of things I never thought I'd do. I spend my days in sweatpants and maternity tops. I make Mac and Cheese. Sometimes twice a day. I hate Kraft Mac and Cheese. The house always seems messy, I feel messy and Lucy usually is messy. I let Lucy eat off the floor and I let Oliver lick her. Her clothes don't always match, and mine definitely don't.

And lately I have been feeling a bit down. I always thought I'd lose the baby weight when I was nursing. I was convinced I would be skinnier than ever. Not only would nursing be good for Lucy, but I would look awesome while doing it. This didn't happen. So, almost 2 years after our IVF cycle, I am anxious to be my old self. To be skinnier and prettier. To be a little more perfect.

So, when I went to Kim's house to pick up Lucy's birthday pictures, I wasn't feeling particularly pretty. No make-up, sloppy hair, baby tummy, jeans that don't fit right. And then Kim took out her camera, and I protested, but she insisted. And I absolutely cherish the results. Because my life with Lucy isn't perfect, and I'm not perfect, but together I think we are pretty special. I think she looks beautiful. I think I look beautiful too. There are so few pictures of the two of us, that I'm grateful that I have documented, stored and remembered forever, how much we love each other.

Thank you Kim, for once again, being an amazing friend.

P.S. Look at her skin color! I'm 100% pasty in comparison.

Lucy is a lucky, olive-skinned, duck!

Sensitive Lucy

2010-11-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Lucy has a silly side, but she also has a very shy side. She is a snuggler and when we go places, she gets even more snuggly. She likes to observe, but doesn't like too much attention on herself. The other day she was giving eyes to an older gentlemen at the lab. He gave her smiles back, and she nearly folded herself in half against me. Her head was buried in and legs tucked up. She doesn't like strangers holding her, and if someone tries to take her, she clings to me with a death grip.

When we get her up from her naps, she likes to pat our backs. It is very McDermott of her, but I think she actually gets that from Scott. When I walk in the room she says, "mama!" and when she is tired, she wants hugs. She will sit on my lap and play, but then every few minutes, lean in for a back rub. She does kisses more and more, which is usually the open mouth variety.

I like this soft, snuggly side to Lucy. I like that people tell me, "she loves her mama," when she is hiding in my shoulder. I like watching her observe. Her mind is always going, and I know she picks up on everything we are doing. She tries to put he own clips in her hair, and feeds herself with her spoon. She pats Oliver and plays with my hair.

She also has a silly and stinker side. She tells me, Doh, all the time. Doh, she doesn't want to eat that, Doh, she doesn't want to be put down.

But right now I'm loving my shy little bean. I love that I'm her comfort and safety. And that she looks for me when she is sad or scared. Nobody could have told me how wonderful these little moments are.
And there are some hard ones too. But nothing can replace walking into a room, and a little munchkin saying,

"Hi Mama!"

Moments

2010-11-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

Lately, Lucy has been super squirmy during bedtime reading. Last night, though, she sat through book after book as Scott read to her. Every time I popped my head in, she had a big smile on her face, sitting on Scott's lap. Eventually she got bored and started crawling all over the bed. And then she crawled right over to Scott, put her face in his, noses touching, and said,

"HI!"

I have been smiling all day about it. That squirmy monkey is pretty funny sometimes.

Lucy's B-Day

2010-11-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

I still need to scan the photos, but here is a little peak into Lucy's B-day. I sure love this girl.

Thanks Kim for being awesome and coming out and documenting this day for us.
You are my hero.