Our Family Faces

We have some new "looks" going on lately!

Carson is trying hard to be like Daddy. With a little construction driver mixed in!

Our spit-up queen is showing off her double chin quite well these days.

And the mom got a new hair cut.


I'm not quite sure what I think of it yet. It's exactly what I wanted but I don't know if its the style for me. We'll see how the next little while goes and if not, then short it is.

Utah Birthday Trip

My sweetheart took me away on a surprise weekend getaway for my birthday this year. We went snowboarding, ate at some of our favorite UT places, visited friends, and committed to making it an annual event.

It had been 4 years since I had gone snowboarding and 7 for David! He found his groove much faster than I did but hey, I did just have a baby 2 months ago. For 9 months it was a chore just to go up the stairs. I am pretty sure my body is still recovering just a bit:) By the end of the day I was feeling great. I was the last one on the mountain cause I wanted an extra run in.

Thanks to Grandma for watching Carson back home, thanks to the Gills for the wonderful accomadations, food, and FUN! Thanks to siblings who love us enough to play games with us, babysit Chelsea, and let us bum some major discounts from them.

(Sorry to all my UT buddies who I didn't get a chance to see:( Time is never on my side! I was thinking of you though. )

Christmas Newsletter

Hello all....

I am going to send out our first Christmas newsletter. If you think I might not have your current address and would like me to send one to you, please either comment, message me on facebook, or email me at toodels1@hotmail.com.

Thanks!

Our November 25th

This year we spent Thanksgiving with my family. We missed my 3 brothers and other extended family. We seem to have smaller gatherings sometimes even though our family is growing! We look forward to the day when we will all be together again.

I love the weather here. We went to the park, played basketball and tennis, went to yoga classes, and enjoyed plenty of football!


Would you guess these girls are 5 weeks apart?! Hopefully over time, these cousins will close the gap a little tighter but for now, I think Chelsea is at least double Camryn's size!

Oh and yes, Happy 25th birthday to me. A quarter of a centry. We celebrated my day of birth just before Thanksgiving with dinner, cake, and a luxurious mani/pedi. I feel so young, so blessed, and so spoiled.

Thankful for...

This face. It greets me every morning, whenever I've been away and I totally love it. My joy is full. I love life with my 2 kids.


His favorites lately include:
-Playing Duck, Duck, GOOSE! with Simba, Nala, Scooby, and Lamby
-Saying prayers with Simba, Nala, Scooby, and Lamby
-ANYTHING with Simba, Nala, Scooby, and Lamby

The group usually must also include Daddy and Chelsea if available.

Chelsea: Month 1

This little girl is growing up SO fast. Time is just flying by these days. I don't think it will change either. I guess with the more kids you have, the more there is going on, so life just fills up and the busyness takes time away. I can't believe she's almost 6 weeks.


Chels pretty much is like this all the time...chill. She doesn't need me to entertain her. As long as she is not tired and has a very full tummy, she is good to go. Phew, and I thought that my #2 was going to be harder since Carson was a pretty dang good baby. Nope. She is EASIER!

I'm not sure what she weighs right now. I'm going to go use my Wii Fit to find out. hang on. K, wow. According to wii fit, Chelsea weighs 14.3 lbs. That seems crazy. But then agian, she is in 3 month clothes. Speaking of Wii Fit. I've been using that in the past few weeks to get started on my workout:) It actually is doing something. It was sad to see that I have 15 lbs to go before I am back to my skinny self. I'm not sure where I'm hiding all of it because I have been in my own jeans since she was a week old. This time its a bit different since I didn't have a c-section. Now I know where the 'jelly belly' reference comes in. YUCK! My tummy is gross. I'm not sure how much skin itself weighs but if all this extra around my middle adds up to 15 lbs I wouldn't be surprised. Anyway, back to the girlie.

This picture is mostly for my mom. Just in case Chelsea balloons before I got a picture, I want to showcase this sweater that Grandma Facer (or 'Anny M as she wants to be called) made for the little girl.


Here are some things about Chelsea we've discovered or that she's accomplished in her first month:
-she is a chunker
-she sounds like a girl. her cry is so girlie
-she is a strong baby. she pushes up on her legs all the time and she loves to try and look around
-for 10 nights (nov.6 -16) she slept at least 6 hours through and even did a 7 1/2 hour block!!
-most nights sleeps 4 hour blocks
-eats like a champ
-drinks a bottle of formula every night...very well i might add
*this is something new I tried. with carson i was so anti formula and bottle. I was worried he wouldn't nurse well if i gave him a bottle too soon or too much and blah blah blah. I decided I wanted her to be versitile. it's AMAZING being a second time mom. so different and much more relaxed then the first! LOVE IT
-grunts all the time...mostly when she's asleep! it sounds like she is constipated. very funny!
-sleeps on her side and back. this is new for me too. carson would get the best sleep when on his tummy so i put him there. she however is the opposite.
-broke out in baby acne week 4. it is the WORST case i've ever seen. poor girl. I wonder if her being a girl means more hormones so its worse? she still has it. we'll see how long it lasts
-rarely scratches herself. like maybe 4 times. but she has scratches on her face all the time---thank you brother carson.
-started smiling last week. she smiled at her Mama of course and has done it every day since.
-has begun the cooing stage. not a lot has come out but you can tell she is trying so hard. we get little sounds here and there.

We love you baby chelsea. You are so beautiful and you make your family smile.

Chelsea's Blessing Day

We had Chelsea blessed on Sunday. It was a good day with lots of family. My parents came up from San Antonio with the 3 youngest kids, David's parents and 2 youngest were here, his brother Bryce and his family came, and his cousin Kevin was here with his son.

Other than the picture of us in the hospital (me in that lovely gown), this is our first family of 4 pic.

Carson was crying through most of her blessing so I didn't get to hear it. Luckily my mom is a great scribe and I got to read it later!

She's such a beautiful little girl. You will notice that she has a big scratch on her left eye. That would be from her brother the night before. Poor girl. Battle wound and all though, I thought she looked adorable.

Happy Fall

We went to the Pumpkin Farm twice this year. The first time was at night and then Saturday we saw everything in the daylight. Carson really liked the animals and picking up all the pumpkins he could carry.

Carson was a pumpkin (again, yes; I did just have a baby ya'll!) He actually kept his costume on quite well. He had no idea why he was in costume but he was a good sport.

We're already listening to Christmas music at our house!! We are SO excited for this holiday season.

We have a BIG girl

Our 2 week old 'little' girl had her appointment on Tuesday.


She is 10 lbs 9.5 oz--99th percentile
22.3 inches--97th percentile

This is a 3 month outfit

I LOVE OUR LITTLE BIG GIRL!

Carson's spot

He is loving the baby swing. I think Chelsea has been in there once.

Chelsea Pics

We are still busy adjusting but wanted to share a few pictures. They say it all anyway:)

We have a new addition to our Family

Check back soon...we're recovering from lack of sleep and mostly enjoying time as a new family of 4!!!

But here is a quick fill in for you:

Chelsea Mckinley Daines
born- 10/12/2010
at- 4:30pm VBAC after 19 hours of labor
weight- 9 lbs 3 oz
height- 21 in

Mom and baby are both doing so well. Carson LOVES his baby sister and couldn't be more thrilled that his mommy is finally home:) We are teaching him that poking and laying on baby sister is not quite soft enough!

Don't Worry, Still Pregnant

She's 5 days late.

It's not THAT bad. Of course I'm ready to be done. Aren't all pregnant women done at week 38-39? But I'm not going crazy...yet. Ask me if we're still here at 10 days late or maybe even by tomorrow I will have cracked. For now we are still waiting and that's ok.

11 days til we're due

Getting closer...feeling good!

Haven't come to a final decision on name. We like the following 3. Thoughts? Additions? We'd love to hear 'em!

Amelia

Roxanne

Brinnley

A step in the right direction

We got our carpets cleaned today, the swing set up, and what little clothes I have for the little girl washed....



I think we're almost ready! And we're anxiously awaiting her arrival!

18 months

Ok, so officially C turned 1 1/2 yesterday but I was way too busy to blog so we're a day late!

Aw, my little boy has almost no essence of baby to him anymore. This morning he was running around, blabbing about who knows what, all while wearing his daddy's socks and shirt. I will get a picture of that some day!

Let's recap on a few of Carson's greatest skills to date.

*Loves his blankie--We have to hide it during meal time otherwise he would use it to wipe himself and his tray clean. The world is also coming to an end everytime we wash it

*Was a fish in another life--he will jump off the edge of the pool, ready or not, so I better be there! --he loves to put his face underwater, blows bubbles, and is learning how to "kick, kick, kick"!

*In the shower he will back up till the water hits just the right spot and say, "ahh"--also loves to back up to sit on your lap and to get lathered up with sunscreen. Something about walking backwards for that kid

*Went to nursery for the first time 2 weeks ago and hasn't looked back once

*daily works out--he will go up the stairs and down the stairs over and over, trying to do it with no hands

*on the first few tries of any task he wants to do it himself, if he really can't get it then it's ok for mommy to help

*Communticates with sign language mostly--he has a HUGE vocabulary in signing. he's too busy building other skills so speaking understandable english will have to come later
---can say mom, dad, tan u (thank you), aaa (yeah), dog, duck, and a few others here and there but usually doesn't take the time to repeat them.

*If you're on the phone, you better hand it over at some point because he has his own business to discuss with whomever you may be talking to

*When carson wants to say no....he shakes his head and jarbles on for a minute or two as to why your request is so ridiculous to him

*Is a total sleeper. This kid LOVES to sleep. He asks for sleep when it's time. He takes a 2 hour nap every day. And he sleeps from 9pm to 9:930am EVERY night. Twice in the last month he has slept in til 11am. Seriously, I could not be pregnant with a better toddler at a better time.

*Loves to fold his arms for prayer

*Loves his shoes

*Will not, no matter who and how hard they try, eat any ice cream, donuts, and other various sweets. His only indulgences are cookies and hard candy.

*Has a thing for cheese

*They first thing he does when he wakes up is give you his blankie. He will try to give you all the other blankets surrounding him before he will reach up for you. The next thing he does is ask for some milk.

*Loves to lift my shirt up over my belly and "pat" baby sister--If we are in a public place and wants to say hi to the baby, he gets mad that I won't let him lift my shirt up. How can he possibly say a proper hello with my shirt in the way!?

*Ceiling fans are the coolest things. He point up at them and circles his hand round and round. Oh and airplans are pretty cool too. He loves to look in the sky for them

*Will always shut the door behind him--excuse me!

*Without question his favorite person outside of mom and dad is Grandpa--if he hears a man's voice, he will sign grandpa. if he hears a lawn mower, he will sign grandpa. I think he'd be ok if grandpa was always around

*Loves to throw balls, kick balls, and make anything tangible into a ball

*Loves to cuddle with his mommy--he is still a mama's boy thru and thru. When he is ready for bed, he literally will ask for his blankie, his bottle, and his mommy. Nothing less will do. In these moments I realize that carson is still my baby and I will always have the memories of him as such.

I just realized I could be here another 2 or 3 hours going on about my little jungle cub but I'm going to cut it short and go on the the next task on my list. I love my son. What a gift it is to be his mother and learn from him more about the eternal plan of happiness.

Cooling Off

What do you do when it's been over a hundred degress for the past 2 weeks and all your little boy wants to do is be outside??? You get wet!!


We've been swimming almost everyday and now we usually visit the Splash Pad a few times a week. It's a free park that the city built and has water coming out of the ground. It's a ton of fun!!

a moment to myself

I actually have quite a few moments to myself but I usually don't do things I should with those quite moments. Most often I watch a T.V show, read something, look at others blogs, and other piddly things.

As a was just putting my beautiful little boy to sleep tonight, I couldn't help but realize that I am completely and blissfully happy with my life as his mother. I love what I do. I love all of it. I'm pretty sure that this is what I was made to do. Of course I believe we are all as daughters of God divinely given the job as Mother but I seem to be meant for this above all else.

I can't believe how tiring it all is. It is HARD work. But I seem to forget all of that before it ever become anything other than a passing thought. His smile, his laugh, his insatiable curiosity is irresistible. I even find myself almost wishing I had more time with Carson. Just him and me. He's my baby and yet I have another one coming in less than two months! aw, how can that be! I've heard of this baby #2 worry. That mothers feel like they might leave the first without all the attention they were used to, and how we can possibly give them everything we gave them when it was just the two of us. Of course as soon as this little girl comes out, it will be as if we were always a family of 4 but for now, it's funny to have these thoughts.

I have come to know more and more each day that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Marriage has been a huge guide towards my increased testimony. It's amazing how celestial it really is. And motherhood has been just as influential. Life is not super exciting, and we don't have pictures and great adventure stories to tell, but it's so real. My life is real, and I couldn't be happier about the fact. Nothing fake. My husband is loyal, a good man, and he loves me.

aw, i'm feeling scatter-brained. so many thoughts, such a good day. but i'm tired. till the next moment...

Family is the BEST

We've had so much fun with both sides of our family. I love the move! I love being so close to everyone.

Carson loves his grandparents.

This is why I have the best life ever! This face is absolutely loveable.

One day at my parents...it's amazing what avacado and a 1 1/2 year old can do for each other.

aw....moving, playing, and getting bigger

Well, we've done it. We packed up, cleaned house, and left on a new adventure.
Carson is such a great helper when it comes to cleaning around the house. He begs to be included.


Since we moved in with Grandma and Grandpa Daines for the summer, Carson has found some great new toys! This is carson driving the battery powered Jeep. There is a video at the end. He knows how to press the pedal...steering is a bit of a challenge.

Carson also loves the ducks in their front pond. He likes to quack at them and have them quack back. They just have to stay about 5 ft away. They've bit him a few times while he fed them so he's a bit more cautious.


He's such a big boy...ready for primary in a few weeks! YAY.
My pregnancy is going good. She loves to move around in there. We're excited but she can stay in there for a little longer til we get our place ready and moved into.


A few years too soon. He should wait another 14 1/2 for the license.

Summer fun for you & kids

I found these homemade activities from BabyZone.com and thought they looked awesome!

I'm excited to try them even if Carson is only 16 months...as he gets older he'll LOVE them:)


http://www.babyzone.com/toddler_preschooler_fun/crafts/article/homemade-play-materials/?CMP=NLC-NL_Babyzone_05_31_homemade-play-materials

Let me know if you try it and how it goes...hey, you could even blog about it!

Boxed up...

We're getting close!

My days consist of boxing, organizing, and taking care of my little rugrat in between.

The house is looking different. Almost bare!

Our final departure is in one week. Bring it on :)

Mindy & Nathan Gill--May 1, 2010

We had a fun wedding weekend with lots of love, laughs, and smiles!




These were taken from the photo booth that they had set up for all the guests.

Bring on the....

Ballerina Costumes

Princess Shoes

Babies and Dolls

Bows, Clips, and Headbands




We're going PINK!

Doctor's Orders

At my last appointment, I told my doctor that I wasn't going to be able to have him deliver my 2nd child because of our changing adventures. We were both very sad about it. He is the best doctor and I'm sad to leave him. He told me that he didn't want to send me out the door without knowing if my baby was a boy or girl so he was scheduling me for an ultrasound at my next visit. He said technology is so good now that is really is pretty accurate this early. So, that means on Friday we will be finding out the sex of our baby!!!

I'm so excited...what do you think? Another cute boy or our first little girl?

Here's one for the books

So earlier this evening I am driving down the road to meet the hub-a-dub for some dinner and I realize Veronica is not sounding right and I think I know what's wrong. Pull over, yep fear is confirmed, I have a totally flat tire. Call my dad, "Sweetie you're going to have to change the tire. You can do this." Great.



Happen to be in a parking lot of a playground/field; alone. Get out. Now, I'm a woman who has never changed a tire before (faithful V and old Bessy before her never left me in that predicament), I also have a cranky child in the back seat, oh and yeah, I'm 3 months prego. I can do this. Still on the phone with my father. Can't figure out how to get the stinkin' spare out of the trunk...wouldn't want it to come loose now would we. Finally get it all out with a little pep talk from my dad. Meanwhile 6 cars have passed by to drop off their kid for soccer practice; none stop.


The spare is half my weight; awesome. Get everything set up. Have to stand on and then jump on the wrench to get the lug nuts loosened. My son is loosing it. Have 5 members of my family try and talk to him over the phone to calm him down. Finally get the tire off the car and land on the ground with the tire over me. Nice. 4 more cars have passed.


Drag the spare over and finally get the dang thing into the wheel well and onto the bolts...I need another pep talk. Carson is wailing. Jump on the wrench again to now tighten the lug nuts. A car stops. Guy says, "hey looks like I'm a little late but do you need help?" " uh I think I'm ok now, could've used some help a half hour ago but thanks anyway." "Hey sorry, but looks good, well done." Gee thanks

Heave and ho with the now mangled tire and get everything back into the trunk. Land into the driver's seat and try to soothe my child. Clean myself up with baby wipes and we're off. Loved the 40 min. detour.

Can I have my merit badge now?

We're Excited!

Our family definitely thinks 2 is better than 1

We're excited to welcome another cute baby into our family this September!

How does this happen?

You would think that since I am in the hair cutting field that I would be able to keep up with my own hair needs....nope!



I haven't had my hair cut since July and it was time for a trim and some shaping. I have had some bad luck in the past with finding a good hair stylist. The only haircuts I have liked are from my hair school friends and then my cousin Piper. (my mom is pretty good too!) But the other haircuts I've had have been disastrous.

So did some research and found a place that I thought would be pretty good. I walk in and find that Sandy is a male. Ok, I can deal with that. And no, not gay; that was made abundantly clear. A strange 55 year old man but he seemed to be listening while I explained I wanted an inch off the bottom and the layers 3 inches about that looking very shattered not steppy. I also told him the razor has been used to create that look I like. I really felt like we were on the same exact page. (oh, yeah I don't tell hairstylist that I do hair just cause I don't think it's relivant and might just make them nervous) Anyway. The longest time I've ever spent in a chair for a trim and shaping! Finally he gets a mirror.


I HATE IT! Holy cow. Worst haircut ever! I mean, not just was it totally not what I asked for but it looks horrible. Some times I've gotton something different then what I asked for but it looks like an actual haircut. Not this. He did take an inch off the bottom but then I have layers 6 inches above that....and it looks like a lawn mower hacked across my hair. NO razor was used and it's just a bunch of cut lines all over my head.

This is what I don't get....I said I liked it, that it was excellant, and then tipped him $7. How does that happen? What is wrong with me!

My baby is One....

Happy Birthday Bubbers. I love you so much. You're not my baby anymore...you're my little boy.

Alright, here's the news....

We are moving! It is exciting I know. We've loved it here for the past two years but it is time for a new adventure. The hubster is off to graduate school.

It is not so exciting to get your house ready to sell. We go on the market next week and then the house will always ALWAYS have to be show ready. Imagine that with a busy little one year old. Ok, so he's not quite one yet but 2 weeks is close enough!

Carson took his first steps this week. He can take about 5 before he plummets to the ground. I'm sure it's only a matter of time until he'll be running from his Mama!

We got our Christmas gifts shipped to us from Grandma's house this week. Carson was excited to see his new toys again. Plus we upgraded to a big boy carseat. Aw, am I really ready to say goodbye to the baby stage and just have a toodler around? It all happens so fast.

Life is great....I'm excited for the future and what it holds....and more tangible;...I'm excited for spring!