Two birthdays in one week.

Paul's birthday was the 11th of November, and while we really hoped Addie would come that day two years ago and be an 11/11/11 baby, she waited till the 15th. We kept things simple this year. There seemed to be too much going on to plan big parties, but now that I look back at pictures there wasn't much going on. I must have just been too tired.

We celebrated Paul's with the kids on Sunday the 10th so he and I could go out on the 11th. We made homemade pizza and had cupcakes. 

It took three focused blows to put out one candle, apparently. 

We celebrated Addie's birthday, just the four of us, on her birthday. Then we had a little party with grandparents the next day. 

She chose her own dinner. Mac and cheese, root beer and tator tots. I added the green beans and French dip. 

We went out for frozen yogurt after dinner, opened a couple gifts, and watched a movie. 

Project 365: 315-322

November 11- We had lunch for Paul's birthday today at his office with his family and coworkers. His cake is pink because I'm giving him another girl!

November 12- Addie got an early birthday present in the mail today from Mimi. A pillow train! (She make 4 pillow cases and sewed them all together and put a pillow in each one. Pinspiration.) Both kids love it. Garrett might need his own... 

November 13- 90 degrees, sharing a bag of target popcorn and a drink by the Whittwood fountain. And today, we called that lunch. (Garrett not pictured because I think he was in the fountain.)

November 14- Stop it right now Southern California. Those two days of sweater and scarf weather were nice while they lasted. 

November 15- Happy Birthday to my beautiful girl. Two years already. 

November 16- Birthday party with the Whites. Monsters Inc. cupcakes and cake pops. 

November 17- We took lunch to some friends today to see their new home and new baby. Garrett and Addie loved their enclosed patio/sunroom area, and spent most of the day playing and eating out there. Thankfully, because the adults ate in a clean, white, formal dining room and I made pasta. Toddlers + marinara + white linens = Anxiety mom. 

November 18- There's a pretty sick two-year-old girl under that dirty puppy pillow. And an awesome, busy-with-work dad, who knew she was too sick for me to drive her to the doctor myself. We're pretty sure she's dehydrated because three days ago (on her second birthday) we FINALLY took the baby bottles away and only give her sippy cups now. (It's Ridiculous how much this stubborn girl hated sippy cups.) Anyway, I wasn't doing very good at keeping track of how much fluid she was getting and apparently it wasn't enough. Small chance it's a stomach bug, but a shot of anti-nausea meds and some juice and pedialyte in the one bottle I didn't throw away and she's already doing better. 

Let me brag about my husband for a minute...

This is all about Paul during the week of my Grandma's death and funeral.

When I got to the hospital and saw my Grandpa, the first thing he said was, "Where's Paul?"  I said, "At my parents' with the kids."

Grandpa: Is he coming?
Me: I don't know.  I wasn't sure how many people you'd want here.
Grandpa: I'd like to talk to Paul.
Me: Should I call him?
Grandpa: Yes, I'd really like him to be here.

Paul is still a licensed funeral director in Utah and several years ago he made pre-arrangements with my grandparents.  He has a great relationship with 2 funeral homes in Utah, so we were sure he'd be able to be the director at the funeral.

Paul and the kids came right up.  My Grandpa was so relieved to see Paul.  It was really surprising and cool to see how relaxed my Grandpa was with Paul there.  Paul got there around 10:30AM and at about 11:30PM we felt like we needed to get home.  I told the nurse that my husband is a funeral director and that my Grandpa really wants him there as soon as it looks like it's time.  I told her we were leaving and she took both of our cell numbers and my parents home number and said she'd call as soon as things changed so Paul could head back.  I went over to my Grandpa and said, "Ok, Grandpa, I think we're going to go, but we'll be back as soon as you need us."  He looked at Paul and said, "Are you going too?"  I started to say, "Yes, but the nurse has his number....."  Paul cut me off and said, "Grandpa, do you want me here?"  Grandpa didn't say anything.  Paul again said, "Grandpa, it's ok if you want me to stay."  Grandpa got a little emotional, and said, "Yes, I'd really like you to stay."  Paul said, "No problem Grandpa, I'll stay."  Grandpa thanked him and hugged him.  I left to go get my kids and Paul slept on the waiting room floor all by himself.  The nurse came and woke him at 6:40AM and said Grandma's breathing was changing.  By the time Paul got to the room, she'd just taken her last breathe and Grandpa hugged him and said, "She's gone."  I think it was really neat that Grandpa got to be alone with Grandma at the end.  And I think it was perfect that Paul walked in seconds later to comfort my Grandpa.

From that point on, Paul spent everyday with my Grandpa leading up to the funeral.  He went with Grandpa to meet with the owner of the funeral home. He went to the cemetery twice to check the plot and schedule the burial time.  Took him to the funeral home to dress Grandma.  Had meals together...  Paul designed the program.  Submitted the obituary.  And even helped my Grandpa trade a couple cemetery plots for ones in a different part of the cemetery that he liked better.  At one point, while Paul was on the phone with the news paper, Grandpa got emotional and said to me, "You have no idea the mental turmoil that Paul is saving me from."

I was really proud of my husband.  I didn't see him much that week, but it was worth it, and it made me really happy to know my Grandpa (and Grandma) were very well taken care of.

My Grandpa talked about Paul a lot to family and friends, and I even had one cousin come up to me and say, "Wow.  It's not often that a Grandson-IN-LAW becomes the favorite grandson."

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Also, a big 'Thank You' to some of our best friends, Jordon and Kate.  When they heard what was going on they headed to the hospital to pick up Addie and they bought us all lunch.  A few hours later, they came back to drop Addie off, but instead brought us all dinner, kept Addie, AND took Garrett, too.  I picked them up at about mid-night.  The next morning they came back and took both kids while we worked on funeral plans.  Then they came and took the kids the night of the viewing, so I could visit with people.  And, they attended the funeral, just to be there for us.  But of course, because Paul was working the service and I was sitting in the front, they took care of the kids there, and at the cemetery, too.  It would have been stressful, and nearly impossible to get through the week without them.

I try to post pictures tomorrow, and then I'll finally move on from this sad topic.

New(ish) Friends, Physical Therapy, Uptown Whittier

Ted and Lauren came over for dinner a couple nights ago. We met them a time or two before we lived here. Ted is 'in the biz'. He's the #2 guy at a cemetery near by, and cemetery guys know mortuary guys. But we've never hung out with just them. They got married a couple weeks before us and had a baby a couple weeks before us so we have a few things in common!

We had a really good time talking and getting to know them better. And the babies got along great! Ted made a joke as we were taking pictures of them that these would be great pictures for a wedding video. Maybe it's a little romance in the making! They did trade pacifiers once and Garrett patted her bum a couple times too, so maybe its a little more serious than we thought...

We hope to hang out with them more, it was a good time.
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Garrett started Physical Therapy this week. I'm very, very happy about it. He loves his therapist. She's a young little spunky grandma and she's so good with him. When he's squirming and trying to escape, she starts singing to him. At first I was a little caught off guard, but its amazing how her voice soothes him and calms him down. He's only been twice and she was amazed at how the work she did the first time held. She really knows what she's doing. She's asked a lot of questions about the doc band, (she's seen helmets but never doc bands). Today she asked if she could call Garrett's DB clinician so she can understand everything about it better. Garrett's cranial sacral therapist in Utah actually found this clinic for us. It's a sports injury PT facility but this one lady happens to specialize in babies. I'm so glad we got her info because the place we were referred to here was ridiculously expensive. The first visit was going to be $500.00! Just for an evaluation! Five Hundred! And then every visit after that was $55.00. The clinic we've ended up at takes our insurance and our portion was $20.00 for the evaluation and $15.00 for each visit after that. It pays to research, ask around and get more than one referral. I wrote about this part on Garrett's blog, but I wanted to remember. With everything Garrett has had done over the last 10 months, (massage, cranial sacral therapy, spinal touch therapy, and chiropractic, (wow, that's a lot)), PT is the one that I feel relaxes him the most. All the other places told me he'd sleep great right after, but I've never seen it happen. At PT I wasn't told that, but both times he's taken great naps right after. Today he fell asleep in his car seat on the drive home, stayed asleep while I got him out of his seat, and stayed asleep while I carried him to his crib and put him down. That NEVER happens. Anyway, I know its early on in the process, but I feel really good about things thus far. And I'm really proud of Garrett. Thankfully he doesn't have an illness or anything life threatening, but I feel like his little body has gone through a lot in his short life and he's just a positive, patient little boy.

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A couple weeks ago Paul got a call from the President of the Uptown Whittler Association asking him for a copy of his resume. They had lunch together a month or so ago and Paul was asked if he'd ever be interested in being on the board. I'm pretty sure Paul told him that he may be interested at some point in the future, but probably not right now. ...Truth be told, I think he wanted to do it, but thought I might think he was spreading himself too thin. Anyway, I think he was a little surprised that he asked for his resume. But he sent it and then called him to ask if they could get together a visit sometime. Well, a week or so later (yesterday), the President called Paul to congratulate him. He told him that they voted at the last board meeting, and that it was unanimous. Paul is the newest (and youngest) member of the Uptown Whittier Board of Directors. I know Paul was honest with me about his conversations with the president, so I don't know if they had a miscommunication, or if the board just really, really wanted him. But I can tell he's happy and I'm happy for him. At least I think I am...I still don't know what kind of time commitment it is, etc. But it'll be ok, I'm sure.

At times I feel like there's no way we can add anything else to our busy (sometimes overwhelming) lives, but we find a way to do it! But I have nothing to complain about. So thankful for friends, help for G, and opportunity for Paul. Life is good right now.

"It's cuz of love."

Paul and I used to say that to each other a lot. It started a couple years ago, and I don't know why. But if we did something nice or said something nice, it was often accompanied with, "It's cuz of love." We even sometimes said it when we were in a fight, or just giving each other a hard time. It has kind of faded out, but every once in a while one of us will say it.

Here's some happy things that are 'cuz of love'.

My parents surprised me by showing up at our door Thursday night and they stayed until yesterday. Paul arranged it all and I had no idea. It was a wonderful weekend. Playing games, eating out, going on walks, finishing my 1000 piece smallest puzzle in the world, laughing, talking, planting flowers, and staying up way too late every night. Knowing my parents can come once in a while at the last minute makes Utah and family seem not so far away.My parents babysat on Saturday night so Paul and I could go on a romantic date. He'd made reservations at a fancy shmancy italian place in long beach. At the last minute we decided to go play at the beach and go to In n Out. It was one of the best dates we've been on.

Paul and I met 3 years ago tomorrow. If you would have told me 3 years ago that I was about to meet the man I'd marry, I would first have said, "No I'm not. I'm not done traveling the world and being irresponsible." And after I met him if you'da told me we were going to get married I would have said, "No we're not. He's way too young for me."

And now, 3 years later, we're married, living in California and we're the parents of the best little 5 month old in the world. I started to learn after meeting Paul that I need to stop planning so much of my life, and I keep learning it more and more.I love Paul. I love that he was fine with an I love you balloon with a monkey on it from the dollar store for valentines day. I love that he let me and my mom buy dirt, pots and flowers to turn our boring porch into a little gardeny heaven. (even though he doesn't care about that kind of stuff so much) I love that he wants me to stay home and be a full time mom. I didn't think I'd want to not work at all, and I know it doesn't work for everyone, but it works for us and I love it and I'm thankful for it.We've had our ups and downs. And this California transition hasn't been the easiest thing we've done. But at this time of year when there is something like a bajillion dollars worth of little yucky candy hearts sold just to say 'I love you' ...and 'Text Me' and 'You Rock' and (the ones in our candy jar) 'Amor' and Mi Novio' and 'Hola'... Anyway, I just want Paul to know I love him. It's been a wonderful 3 years and I'm excited for many, many more.

In other news...

Garrett started solid food. (I'll post more about that soon on his blog.)
We got annual passes to Disneyland. It's strange for this Utah girl who's family went one time growing up, to suddenly be able to drive 20 minutes and go everyday if I want to. But I think it'll be fun for our little family.And, I'm getting a much overdue massage in a couple hours!

7 things

1. I think I've mentioned that our good friends Mara and Aron are getting married this saturday! I'm so happy for them, and I'm looking forward to decorating (I think it will look amazing) and attending the wedding. I've been so excited and counting down for this event that I really don't spend much time thinking about that fact that I'll be moving to California about 6 or 7 hours after its over. After being with Mara and Deb last night its starting to be on the brain more, but still hasn't fully set in.

2. I've had some good and bad experiences this week. Both have made me feel a little more ready for California. I'm looking forward to a fresh...not 'start', but, new chapter with my little family.

3. I'm thankful for Paul. We haven't seen each other for 9 days and we have 3 more to go. It's been long enough and I hope we don't go this long ever again. I thought I'd be fine taking care of Garrett by myself, knowing I'd get TONS of help at my parents house. I have enjoyed that help, and we've had fun. But being away from Paul I've realized how fast and how good of a groove he and I got into with this whole parenting thing. I miss it.

4. I'm also thankful for Paul. Did I mention that?? He's enjoyed his first week of work, and when he's not at work he's unpacking boxing, cleaning carpet, and painting. He's done our room, Garrett's room, and the hallways. He's a good one. I'm proud of him, I know he'll always work hard, always provide, and always look for and find ways to make my life and our child(rens) lives better. Is that enough thankfulness?? Now pass the turkey.

5. I love research, internet, medicine, etc. I was listening to my Grandma talk on the phone a couple days ago. She had shingles almost 5 years ago and has never fully recovered. She now has post-something-nerve-something-damage and is always in pain. She found a new doctor and was talking with a gal who is totally motivated to help her. They talked about vitamins and treatments etc. I could hear her on the other end of the phone and she was so positive and helpful. It made me think about the stuff we've had to do with Garrett. His torticollis, tongue tie, etc. When I first learned he had these problems I was totally overwhelmed. But I was amazed at how quickly I was able to research and learn about these things online and how just a couple conversations and phone calls lead me to so many people who knew all about it and wanted to help. I'm just glad there are people out there who are interested in all different things. Cancer, heart problems, depression, diabetes, etc. And on a less important note, I'm glad there are people who enjoy giving massages and pedicures too.

6. I'm glad Paul is "just the right amount of involved." (On moving day, he and I had 2 empty bins to pack our clothes that we were taking ourselves. Here's how the conversation went as I started filling the second bin...with my stuff.)
Paul: Oh, you're using both bins?
Me: No. That one is full of Garrett's clothes.
Paul: Oh really? I've never seen him wear
that purple shirt, or that lacy one.
Me: Well...that's because you're not an involved father.
He really is. And its just the right amount of involved.

7. Garrett got a new seat today. I'm pretty sure he has just about one of everything now. Here he is at babies-r-us trying them out. He loves sitting up, but he can't on his own yet and I want him to work on his neck muscles as much as possible.
We went with the last one, but we got it in red.
He loves it! And it comes with a tray, 2 place mats to cover the tray, and a toy that hooks on the tray. He's so cute and pretty easily entertained!

Day 11

Day 11: Another picture of you and your friends.
Happy Birthday to my Best Friend and the person I'm in love with...

Leonardo DiCaprio

Just kidding, Paul White!

I couldn't ask for a better friend. He makes me laugh everyday. He's a great father. He lets me know how much he appreciates what I do. He's patient. He's good looking. He understands me most of the time and when he doesn't, he tries really hard to. He's a hard worker and great provider for our family. He makes me feel safe. When Garrett is needing attention during our dinner time, Paul holds him and lets me eat first. He's generous with his time, money and his many talents. He loves me so well.

I love you, bebs. Happy Birthday!

Day 7

Day 7: A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

Duh...I won't even begin to explain how these two have changed my life...

Look what I just got...

My husband had these delivered to me today. I cried when the delivery man left.

Not our anniversary.

Not my birthday.

Not fighting.

Just because...

The past couple weeks have been a bit emotional for me. I feel like I blame everything on pregnancy these days, but its probably because I know everything I'm going through and feeling is because I'm pregnant. Not a bad thing, just an adjustment.

I've been feeling overwhelmed, scared, excited, unprepared, ready, anxious, happy, sad, impatient, giddy, overjoyed, blessed, inadequate.

I've never been a mom, so how do I just suddenly become a mom and not mess it up. And I haven't been a wife for that long either, and the wife thing also came with no training, so how do I keep trying to get better at being a wife AND learn to be a good mom?

All things that Paul has been helping me through.

Last Monday at our Bradley class we watched videos of vaginal deliveries and c-sections. When we were done I said to the instructor, "K, I don't want to do either of those, so what are my other options?" And on the way home this week I told Paul that for the first time in over seven months I feel like I can't be pregnant anymore and that I can't make it through labor. By yesterday I was ok again, and I knew I could do both, but what about everything after I make it through those things?

I wish I could wrap this post up by telling you that I've figured everything out, and that I have all the answers on becoming the undefeated wife and mother of the year. But I don't.

I have Paul. I have prayer.

I'll be ok.

(un)productive conversation

I was talking (venting) to Paul a few nights ago about a little situation that is driving me crazy. I talked and talked and he listened and listened.

When I was finished I said, "Ok, now you can respond. But just so you know I don't want you to try and fix anything, and I don't want you to point out any of the things I said that you don't agree with."

I paused.

He looked at me...

Then I said, "So, yeah, just tell me everything I said that you agree with."

He did a pretty good job considering the crazy, unrealistic, unproductive rules.

Ahh, life.

*sigh...*

It's Official...

...I'm quitting my job.

Friday is my last day.

It feels so weird to say that.

I'll still go in a couple times in August to finish training my replacement and to help train her replacement, and to tie up all the loose ends. But as far as a regular schedule, that all ends at the end of July.

Paul and I have talked a lot about what this time in our lives would look like, and let me just say how much I love that man.

I've hoped my whole life that when kids came along I'd be in a place where I could stay home, but now that that time is very near and I'm blessed enough to be able to be home, I'm scared. It's a big transition into a little bit of the unknown (or a lot of bit.) But ultimately I'm looking forward to the change.

I'm so blessed to have the husband that I do. I love that our son and I are his priority and he works so hard and is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for us. As if being a funeral director/marketer/case manager/head of Ogden funeral home location isn't enough, Paul recently spend several weeks studying and preparing for an insurance test to become licensed to sell pre-need insurance. (Pre-planning your own funeral) And he passed the test! I'm a proud wife and I admire his drive and motivation and work ethic.

People can see very quickly what a good, honest and hard working person he is. And he's so good at what he does. I've heard him on the phone with families, been to some funerals with him, and even met with a couple families with him. He has such a natural way of connecting with people who are grieving and he makes everyone he works with feel like the are the only person to ever lose a loved one. It's quite amazing.

He did a funeral for a good friend I work with who's brother in law took the life of his girl friend and then his own. It was a devastating time for this family and I was with them and Paul through the whole thing and I was so proud of him and amazed at all the comments I heard from people who didn't know I was with him. They invited us back to their family lunch after the service and they treated Paul like royalty. (Royalty is a big word, but I can't think of a better one.) Paul would disagree but he's a lot more humble than me.

A couple days later there was another funeral of a co-worker of mine who also took her own life. Paul didn't do this service, and later when it was all done and we were all back at work I was talking to my boss and he told me that I needed to tell Paul that if there is ever another Wood Co funeral and he's not in charge of it, that he still needs to be there to make sure everything goes ok. I just laughed and he continued by saying, just let him know that I'll give him a thousand dollars just to show up and he can even have an office somewhere in our store if he wants one. It was a joke, but a nice compliment.

(Ok, I'm done gushing.)

We were in California earlier this week for a funeral Paul did in Utah with burial in Southern California. We stopped by a flower shop and he introduced me to an old family friend. The man saw my stomach and congratulated us. He asked if it was a boy or girl and Paul said boy. The friends next comment was "Wow, that's exciting! The 7th generation funeral director!" I'd be lying if I said that thought hadn't crossed my mind, but hearing someone else say it made it sound much bigger. We don't know what our future holds and if funeral service will always be what we do, but I'm thankful that for now its providing what we need, and that its something that comes so naturally to Paul.

So there you have it, we're going from DINKs Dual Income No Kids, to a SAHP Stay At Home Preggo, and in a few short weeks a SAHM Stay At Home Mom.

Thank you, Paul. I love you.

If I know what love is, it's because of you.

One year ago today I married my best friend. A really good decision.

This year... (In no particular order)

We moved.

I started a new job.

We went on a cruise.

We went on several trips to California.

We went to Colorado.

We went boating.

He took me on my first hunting trip in Texas and I killed a deer.

One ER visit.

We went to Vegas and I think he won like $20.00 and bought me some ice cream.

I introduced him to TSO, and took him to his first (of many) TSO Christmas concerts.

He got a couple promotions and his job responsibilities changed quite a bit.

We got rid of our awesome expensive truck (but not before I dented the side in our car port.) And we traded it for a small, boring, paid for truck.We began the process of adding to our family. Due to be with us in exactly 3 months!

And we spend our 1st anniversary in exotic St. George, Utah. Mostly because it was a free trip, and also, because this pregnant, tired wife didn't have much energy to plan anything else.

I love this man so much. We laugh hard together everyday. He's way too good to me. I can't wait to see what the next year, and the years to come have in store for us.

Happy Anniversary, bebs! I love you.