Here Piggy piggy....

Note: This post is not for the faint-hearted

So as stated previously, I have a story from Spokane that required more detail and definitely a picture.

THE PIG

This year we had our first annual pig roast. David made the suggestion a few weeks before we left and the family took to the idea.
The all day event started the night before the 4th. David, his brothers Bryce and Nathan, and sister-in-law, Lindsey, dug a 3x4 foot pit in the dirt. It was confidently proclaimed big enough. The next morning, after building a wood fire in the pit and adding rocks to generate more heat, David went to pick up the pig from a local butcher. It was quite a bit bigger than anticipated. Wilber, as I like to call him, weighed in at 142 lbs. I wasn't too sure how I'd feel about seeing a dead pig, knowing I would be eating it later, but everyone else was going out to see him so I went too.
The first thing David did was stuff the pig with rock salt for seasoning. He was then put in a wire casing so he could be hauled out after cooking. At the pit, there was a nice ash/coal/rock pile. Wilber was wrapped with banana leaves (yes the big cool banana leaves) and put in the pit. Unfortunately, since he was a little bigger than we thought, his head didn't have a place to go so my father-in-law quickly carved out a spot for him that was only a foot deep. We added a few corn husks as well, all to help add moisture so that the meat would be tender. A burlap-type blanket was placed over the pig and then dirt was piled on top. The pressure cooker was ready. David said that it would take about 8 hours so we waited.
Many of our friends and family had been invited for the pig roast. When they arrived, some were curious to see the pit, so we took them down. Upon arrival, David (who had been checking on things throughout the day) wanted to see how things were progressing. He was worried. The temperature didn't seem hot enough. It was warm, yes, and definitely cooking but not at a rate fast enough for dinner. The unraveling began. Nope, not cooked enough yet. As more and more people came down to see the pig, the scenery began to change. Instead of seeing a mound of dirt, it went to a partially uncovered pit, to seeing another pit--bigger and deeper than before.
We ended up serving beef at our pig roast. Everyone enjoyed hamburgers instead. Isn't it great having family experiment with you! So understanding:)
After we had a bigger pit, more firewood, bigger rocks, and 16 hours of total cooking, pork was finally eaten. It was really good too. We are planning to perfect the art for our 2nd annual pig roast next July.

Called to Serve

Congrats to my little bro on his mission call!!!

He is going to Norway and reports to the MTC in December.

I couldn't be happier and I'm so proud of his decision to serve for 2 years.

I love you Garrett

Lovin' Summer--Boating

We have been doing lots of boating this summer. Some in Lake Coeur d' Alene and some in Utah Lake and Lake Mantua. Carson didn't really mind the life jacket thing and usually he fell asleep from the loud crazy obnoxious boat noise. (including blaring radio music) My boy is quite the trooper...a true FacerDaines indeed!

My dad...such a great man, grandpa, dad, boat driver, etc

The model sister (aka Andelyn) with C

This was Utah Lake with Kellie and Madison in towI was very excited this summer not to be pregnant---it meant a was able to do more than just ride in the boat. I love to tube and my new water sport is wake surfing. I didn't even wakeboard--crazy! Mom showing me how its done......(hanging loose) So you want me to let go? ok, sure; I got this. Maybe

Lovin' Summer

I'll probably be playing catch up for the next few posts. We have been having adventure after adventure all summer long. I'm not really sure where to start so I will just dive in and let the pictures do most of the talking.

Carson is getting HUGE! Today we had his 6 month check up and he's still in the 93th percentile for weight and 90th for height! He is growing so fast and has had lots of "firsts" this summer. I hope to remember them all

(June 29, 09)

It is tradition in David's family to give a pickle to a baby for their first food introduction. Yes, I followed along and gave carson a pickle before any other solid food. He probably didn't have fully developed taste buds because he didn't even pull a face! A few days after that we gave him rice cereal and he had much the same reaction then. He has since stopped eating it altogether. Carson actually refuses all the solids I've given him since the middle of July. No bananas, sweet potatoes, squash, applesauce, pears, or cereal for my baby. (Just mama's milk)

We spent the first part of July in Spokane, WA with David's family. It was so much fun. I have a few stories that need pictures to go along with but don't have them yet so I'll have a continuation there.

(July 4th, 09) We had a fun Independence Day. There was paintball games, swimming, a slip n' slide, food, and fun. Plus we finally go an updated family pic!

6 month stats:

* 20 lbs 7.5 oz

*27 3/4 in

* sleeps 5 hour blocks

* one tooth!! bottom left

*does not like solid food
* loves to roll over and scoot along the floor

(Aug. 6, 09)

We have one cool baby at our house --excuse the wetness, we had been playing with mom's water bottle

I love....

I love how you always make me smile

I love when you make me laugh without even trying

I love when you play with our son

I love that you are patient with me

I love your side smirk smile

I love your mad computer skills

I love when you hold my hand

I love your ambition

I love that you dream, and dream, and dream

I love that you work hard for our family

I love when you tell me I'm beautiful and I'm not even dressed for the day

I love how you sacrifice your time for your calling

I love that you always forgive me

I love that you are a worthy priesthood holder

I love that you are super good looking

I love how you keep me calm

I love when we talk

I love that you make me mad but never sad

I love that you cook and it is good

I love that we are different but have the same goals

2 is better than one. we are better together.

Happy 2nd anniversary babe, I love you!

Rollie Pollie Ollie

Pics as promised....

So not only can you see my son's fat rolls but yes, he is a roller. He rolled last week from tummy to back and has done it a few times since. aw, kids grow up so fast.

Found this gem off my mom's camera

Hot tubin'

the original "c" with little "c"

4 Months

Happy 4 Month (a little late) Birthday Carson!!!

C is so BIG i can't believe it. he is learning so much every day. especially now that he stays up more than ever---to the dismay of his mother! oh well. you can't make the kid sleep, might as well play.

last week he rolled over from tummy to back for the first 1st time. he's had a few more instances but has yet to let his mommy see it. carson loves to play with his toys. he lays in his crib and looks at all his animals on the mobile (heaven forbid he should ever sleep there!) no, c likes to play and play and growl. it's his new favorite game to play...he loves it when daddy will growl with him. at first he seems a bit scared but then the smiles & laughter come out.

now when i said big...i meant BIG. our doodle went to his doctor's appointment on monday and he is growing fine. real fine. he is in the 95th percentile for weight and 90th for height. his little head is in the 50th. love it! perfect child really. big headed babies are great and all but i'm pleased with his normal size!

you would think that if the kid weighs so much he just might sleep through the night. um, NO! the best he has done in the last month is 4 hour blocks and that my friends is rare. usually i am graced with a carson interruption every 2 hours. ah, motherhood. no, he doesn't eat every time but the stinker can't seem to self soothe. (no advice please) i know what i could do...what i will eventually do. but in the mean time the crying will have to wait. wait til he is out of mom & dad's room so they don't have to hear it. yes, we are working this minor kink out

and since i have no pictures on this computer, i will close with the stats and post my son's face another time.

4 month stats:
*17 lbs 9.5 oz
*26 inches
*sleeps ave 2.5 hours
* laughs
*rolls from tummy to back
*sometimes takes a bottle of pumped milk
*seems to like to play with water in the bottle
*splashes in the tub
*has his mother wrapped around his finger

WE LOVE YOU CARSON

Texas Fun

Hooray for family reunions and fun in the sun! Carson had such a great time being spoiled to death by all of his uncles, aunt and grandparents! He misses them already...I can tell.

We were able to be together as the entire James Facer family for our first Family Reunion. We went to a Texas Ranch and played games, hunted boar (well david and garrett did), rode on the 4-wheeler, and did some skeet shooting. It was a lot of fun. David left after the weekend but Carson and I stayed another week and a half!

Garrett graduated and we were able to see that. We also went camping which was super HOT but way fun! And last but not least....Carson got his first cold--sad. We are still experiencing the effects of that.

We were sad to leave but at the same time ready to see our Daddy and be home!

My mom has way more pics but since I don't have them yet, I guess there will have to be a part II later. Til then...this is C's first cold water immersion

He really didn't love it but he'll get used to the idea

My dad was so fun to watch with Carson. He got the most smiles I think!


I'm really not sure what was going on here. I don't even remember it actually

Meeting the youngest Uncle for the first time. I think Canon was a little excited!

The Sweetest Sound

My little nugget is laughing. Full out laughter at our house!

3 Months

Spring is here and our Carson is getting so big! We love him more and more everyday. He already laughed for us once but has yet to surprise us with that joyful sound again.


Stats:
* 14 lbs

* Had a rough patch of sleeping. Went to 3 hrs then last 2 nights back to 6

*laughed once

*still smiling and cooing, likes to make "clearing his throat" sounds.

We are getting excited for more laughs, greater interest in toys, and more hand coordination. We love you son!

Mother's Day

My first mother's day was fantastic! I got the skirt shown and my favorite dessert...BANANA CREAM PIE! It was a great day

I am truely blessed

Sleep Training 101

This was the week...the week Carson was 'kicked' out of our bed.

For any of you moms who have let your baby sleep in your bed longer than the first weeks of life, know that this can be difficult. It's funny because its not that he doesn't sleep any where else, its that I know he sleeps there so I'm afraid to try elsewhere. He has been taking all his naps and nighttime sleeping in our bed. Silly mommy. I also created an 'absolutly no sound what-so-ever while being put to sleep' baby. I didn't really do it on purpose but I never got around to making white noise so everything and everyone has to be completly silent while he is falling asleep--no small feat! I'm talking SILENT! I can't even cough while putting him to sleep (yes I put him to sleep. No crying it out for me, I just can't take it) But it works for me...most of the time. However, if in the process a sudden sound is made....so help the culprit!!! The cycle starts all over again. It's ok if it's an ongoing noise like the dryer. So, as long as its not interupted sounds; I don't mind rocking him to sleep...it's not that bad. Anyway, here is my week recap:



Monday

All of his naps were taken in his bassinett which is next to my bed. Each nap was 1 hour no more, no less and he took 5 naps total. That night was hell. He went down at 9:30pm after being interupted so it took me an hour to get him to sleep. (in our bed) 12:40am-awake and ate. 2:00am-awake and ate. 3:00am-awake. 5:30am-awake and ate. 7:00am-awake and ate.

Tuesday

Even though I was totally exhausted...we kept to the plan and all his naps were in his either in his bassinett or some even in his crib in his room. He only took 3 naps though and so by night time I was done. He started at 9:30pm in his bassinett. Woke up at 1:00am-ate. 3:00am-awake and ate. 5:30am-awake and ate (now in our bed). 8:00am-awake and ate

Wednesday

All of his naps were in his room in his crib except the evening one. He slept for 1 1/2 one nap and an hour for 3 others. Went down in his bassinett at 9:30pm. Woke up at 12:30am, 3:00am, 5:00am, (now in our bed) & 8:00am. He ate every time.

Thursday

Pretty much the same as Wednesday except some naps were in his bassinett.

Friday

All naps were in his bassinett but one. He took 4 naps each an hour but one was 2! Went down at 10:30pm in his bassinett. Up at 3:40am-ate. Up at 7am-ate (now in our bed). Up at 8am-did not want to eat.

Now it's Saturday morning and he's down for his first nap (right on schedule) and in his bassinett. Pretty good week I'd say...at least it's improving. He only sleeps in our bed for his early morning shift.--when mom is way too tired to care :)

The one crappy CRAPPY thing is.... he has a very difficult time sleeping in his crib. Why you ask. Shelby. Our stupid dog barks and since Carson's room faces the backyard...it's all you hear. It totally wakes him up. I've learned to have the humidifier and bathroom fan by his room on. Sometimes even the dryer which is next to his room too. It's like the house is 'talking' throughout his entire nap. WAY too much noise for nighttime sleeping for Dad and Mom so we have to come up with a solution.

Anyone want a dog?

Dear Sleep,

I am in desperate need of you. Please come quickly. But could you visit my son first because otherwise I will have no use of you. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Malerie

On my mind...

I'm feeling the need to write just whatever I'm thinking right now. No one has to read but don't mind if you do.

Why does it have to rain when the day has been beautiful and the sun was out? It ruins my mood almost instantly.

I am now back to my pre-pregnancy weight and yet a lot of my clothes don't fit. Why? Why do we have to change out hip size and never get it back?

I love being a mom. I wish I had friends here were I could enjoy the mom cirlce. I want to have play groups and chat with others going through the good the bad, the fun and sad.

Carson and I play a lot during the day. It's best in mom's bed though. Don't know why for sure but we have way too much fun in the mornings and after nap time. I think it works best because it's the most comfortable.

I miss my mom. Why can't I live close to her. She'd be the best gal pal to hang out with and I know she'd love to work on her grandma skills. I think my favorite thing about my mom is that there is no one else like her. She is totally unique and I don't get the laughs and smiles that she brings out of me from anyone else. My mom makes me feel good about myself. I mean, I love me when I'm with her. I think that might be the biggest compliment to my mother. To make her daughter feel like the best she can be. Life is ok when my mother is around. I miss you mom!

I miss my dad. I think I will forever be a daddy's girl. I'm sure that when I'm with my parents they get sick of me talking and talking but I love to share everything with them. I'm that comfortable with them. It's like sharing life with them finally makes life complete. I call my dad every time life happens. I want him to know what his little girl is up to. My dad is totally hip. Probably the coolest dad I know and he's mine. I'm the kind of person I am because of him. The best parts about me are from him, or I learned from him. If I can be as kind, thoughtful, conscious of others, playful, and wise as he is; I think I'll be the best mom....He was the best Dad.

I miss my siblings. I can't wait to be together again. I think, as of now, we are going to have sibling trips. The kind where no parents, spouses, or children are allowed and we re-live our childhood together. Hansen and I do that regularly over the phone and those conversations are most precious to me. Everyone grew up too fast. I can't believe Garrett is going to graduate and leave on his mission in the next 6 months; or that Andelyn is me to a "t". I mean, my Dad can't even get her name right she is so much like me. I wish I could be there as she is growing into her own beauty. I miss my brother seth. He was my favorite growing up ( did i just say that "out loud". I don't know what it was about him but we got along really well. It's like we were bound together a little differently than everyone else in the fam. I miss you seth, I really do.
James is a total stud. I'm pretty sure I've never met a cooler 11 year old kid...or one who struggles to smile to much. Ya know, cause that would be too cool! And Canon, he creates a good laugh among his older siblings (and mom and dad) and doesn't even realize that we are laughing at him--in the best way possible of course!

I'm amazed at how much I love my husband now compared to when I married him. You hear all the time how love grows and that it's common to love your spouse more with time.....it's a completly different thing to actually experience it. I have forever with David and I don't think I will ever get bored. He doesn't think I think he's funny but I do. I love how he makes me laugh. I've realized now that he also makes me think. Living with an intelligent man let's you see things in a new light...or even first light. Sometimes he talks about things I'll never understand, or even things I'll never care about; but we share the day together and bit by bit, we are learning to share our minds. Marriage is great. It's better than I ever imagined.

I'm about to say something crazy: I miss being pregnant! Really. I had no idea that was even possible. I'm sure when I am again (months and months from now) I'll not be as enthusiastic or this statement might even be null and void. I don't really know what I liked about it. I think it was the excitement of it all. And the love that develops for the life growing inside you. For me, I loved showing. The bigger my tummy got...the better. I loved it.

I have no idea what to make for dinner. Maybe I won't make anything. Cereal anyone?

2 Months

Wow, little Carson is TWO months! Crazy. And the time is just flying by. He is getting so smart. He loves to talk. I think sometimes he gets mad that he can't do more than just coo at us. Lately he has started playing with the toys swinging in front of him. He's figured out that if he reaches out and touches them, they move. He loves getting a reaction to things that he touches. We got him a rattle for Easter and he likes to know he can create sound from it.

Our son

This is his "I'm hungry" face. He snorts like a pig while making the oooo shape

2 month stats:

*13 lbs 1 oz

*23 1/4 in

*sleeps ave 7 hour blocks

*coos and smiles all day

*0 teeth

*no new words