4 teeth gone!

So, I finally bit the bullet, and got all my wisdom teeth taken out yesterday. I have needed them out for quite awhile, but, just didn't have the courage. Plus, with 3 kids, a busy, working husband, and a household to run, who can find the time? I have been having bad, migraine-like headaches lately, jaw pain, fevers, etc. Who would have thought that a toothache could cause so many problems? I found myself getting overly grouchy at the kids, and unable to handle day to day life rationally. I still don't sleep much at night, which doesn't make it any easier. Our good friend, Clark's, brother-in-law, is an Oral and Facial Surgeon, so we hit up Clark, and asked him about the "Family and Friend Discount." Sure enough, Dr. Molen came through, and didn't make us pay a dime. He just charged our Insurance, and saved us around $1300!!! Awesome. He did a great job. And, although, I am in pain, and my cheeks look like a chipmunks, I am looking forward to the day when this will heal, and I can feel good again.

No, I will not post a picture of my fat face, but, I will show off a picture of my new (well, new to me) minivan!!! We bought it from my bro, who works at a car dealership in Rexburg. Because we live in Washington, we needed to find a way to get it up here. My mom graciously offered to drive it up here to us, and take care of me, and my kiddos after my surgery. I love having her here, and since I almost fainted this morning when I got up, her help is very much appreciated.

2004 Pontiac Montana. This is the picture from the dealer's site, but, it's just as beautiful in person. I absolutely love it, and am so excited for more room to haul around my 3 kids, and their stuff. It took some heavy convincing, because Jake never wanted to be a minivan guy. I'm so happy he finally let me get my way, though!!

7 Months and Crawling. . . . Sort of

So, Tristan has mastered the Army Crawl. He now spots the tiniest little things on the floor, and races to put them in his mouth. It has made me more aware of how un-baby proof my house really is. I have put Tay and Rohne on baby watch, and if they see something little that Tristan is going for, they usually stop him. He is not sleeping that much better. No, I never did sleep train. He is getting over an ear infection, and a cold. Still a little on the grouchy side, and, very very possessive of Mommy. It is exhausting, but, once again, it won't last forever. We sure love our drooling baby boy.

For Bridger

A couple weeks ago, I received a letter from my cousin, Bridger. He's the 2nd grader of my Aunt MaryAnn's. I'm sorry to say I have only met this little fellow a handful of times. Mare, and her family live in Bridger Valley, and since I've been in Seattle for many years, our paths rarely cross. I don't think I have been back to Wyoming since my friend, Janell's wedding reception. I don't even know when that was. I think she was married a couple years after Jake and I. So, give or take 7-8 years? Yes, that's sad, because I love Wyoming. I had a great childhood, growing up in our small rural community, surrounded by cousins, and wonderful friends. I do miss it sometimes. Especially when I think about my kids going to public school here in the city. We were sheltered at times, in Mtn. View, and although we had our fair share of "worldly" temptations, there's a lot more here. Let's hope that I raise my children, and teach them to have a strong foundation, so they can withstand all of the ugliness, and come out on the other side.

Anyways, tangent dually noted. Back to the story: This letter was accompanied by a Flat Stanley figure, and an Adventure Journal. I was to take Stanley along, show him the sights, and write about our adventures. Well, I don't know if Bridger fully realized just how UN-adventurous his fair cousin was. My adventurous life consists of diapers, feedings, preschool drop-offs, Dr.'s appointments, and maybe an occasional play date, bike ride, or walk to the park. However, since I have to send good ol' Stanley back soon, I thought I should make an effort, and I finally started.

Jake had an Awards Banquet in Seattle yesterday. It was at Salty's, on Alki Beach. Although my husband makes it to Seattle numerous times a week now, with his branch transfer (Grrrrrrr), I rarely get to the big city. We didn't venture into the city, but, it was a beautiful day, and I snapped a few pictures to accompany my scant adventure log.

I do not venture to be a good picture taker, and this one isn't a tiny bit good. In fact, I might just go, and buy a postcard, instead of send this one. But, what Seattle adventure is the same, without The Space Needle?

A lovely picture of the Seattle city sky-line. It was a gorgeous day. Absolutely not a ray of sun in sight, but, that's not unusual. The water was like glass. And, so quiet, all I could hear were the seagulls, and some distant boats honking their horns.

Ahh, a seagull. A very annoying bird, but, actually kind of pretty in this picture.

It was very hard to get a clear picture of a moving ferry. And, with my mediocre photography skills, I didn't do great. Gotta love those Ferry Boats, though.
It was quite high tide, but, I just HAD to find Bridger a couple seashells. So, I walked to the beach in dress, high heeled boots, and all, and did find some pretty shells. I had been agonizing over what to wear to Jake's work Banquet. I still can't fit into my pre-baby clothes, and didn't want to show off my very un-svelte figure, in something oh too tight. So, Friday night, after the kids were in bed, I went shopping. I found this little dress, and was quite happy with it. I hid all of my curvy curves, and I think it will look even cuter after I lose those stinkin', pesky 17 pounds.

Any other ideas on where to take Flat Stanley are greatly appreciated. Here's to you, Bridger, for making me realize that to those who live in Mtn. View, Wyoming, of all places, Seattle, Washington really is an AWESOME place.

Keeping Baby Happy

The other day, as I was stepping into a much needed shower, I heard (Surprise, Surprise) a wee little baby cry. I've always said that my little guy has a shower and nap sensor. As soon as he senses me relaxing, by showering or closing my eyes for a split second, he wakes up. Anyways, because I REALLY wanted a shower, and knew Mr. Fussypants wouldn't wait, I asked Rohnie to go in, and entertain Tristan for a few minutes. After my shower, I walked into the bedroom, and saw this:

He had crawled right into the crib to entertain his brother. It was so cute, because both boys were having the time of their lives. I am sooo glad that I have my sweet, caring, lovable Rohnie back. Hopefully the monster stays at bay for along while.

Could it get any sweeter?

Ballerina Tay

I had Taylee in a Ballet Class about a year and a half ago. She absolutely loved it, but, somehow, we neglected signing her up again, and she has been begging to go ever since. There are quite a few girls that are Taylee's age in our new ward, and one of the moms signed her daughter up last week. Then, she got 3 of us to do it, also. Tay was so excited, and happy, and just danced her little heart out. It's wonderful seeing her do something she loves.

I didn't get good pictures this week, but, you can bet that I will be taking my camera ever week, because these girls are so darn cute! Here's Tay, with 4 of her friends from church. Pretty good form, if you ask me!

They also do a little Tap Dancing too, which she loves almost just as much.

For Posterity's (and, my own) Sake

Yesterday, Tristan had his 6 month check-up. I can't believe that in 6 more months, he will be a year old!!

Current stats:
Weight: 19 pounds 5.5 oz. -- 75-90%
Height: 27 3/4 inches - - 75-90%
Head: 44.9 - - 75-90%

He's a pretty proportionate kid, all around, as you can see. Everyone tells me that he is so big, but, he's still not as big as Rohne was. Rohne was always, and still is, above the 95th percentile. My Dr. (still love her) fully rebuked me for not sleep training him. I guess I looked REALLY tired yesterday, which I was. But, it wasn't just sleep deprivation. I'm emotionally, not just physically drained lately. With job stresses, money, cars, loneliness, ya know-LIFE. Anyways, she told me, once again, that 3 kids is a big job, and, I need to sleep in order to be the best mom. I told her I am just a whimp, and can't stand to hear him cry. She said that's no excuse. He needs his sleep, just as much as I do. So. . . . I plan on sleep training him this weekend, when Jake can help me out a little. He's had a fever from all the shots he got yesterday, so, she said wait a couple days. I wish there were another way. But, chances are, he won't remember this when he gets older, right?

So, It's a New Year. What have we been up to?

Tay and Rohne have been playing Really Really Really well together since the move. I almost want to knock on wood, so I don't jinx it. Sometimes, when it's nearing bed time, we don't even want to interrupt them to put them to bed, they're having so much fun together. Let's hope this isn't just a phase. They love riding their bikes at the park across the street, when the weather is nice. We, literally have a park, yes, right across the street. I can sit on the porch with the baby, or while he's sleeping, and just watch them. It will be HEAVEN this summer.

We had a CRAZY New Year's Eve party. This consisted of: popcorn, and junk food, Ticket To Ride Europe, Jake & Clark playing X-Box, Lisa and I gabbing, kids screaming, fighting, and playing, until way after midnight. I was tired the next day.

We set up a little theater bed for the kids to watch a movie, and possibly go to sleep. Rohne zonked out 5 minutes after this picture, while the girls just partied on. We're excited that these good friends are moving even closer to us soon. There may be more nights like this in the future.

Boxes, boxes, and more boxes. I am always trying to unpack a box, while taking care of 3 kids, cooking, cleaning, and not totally ignoring my hard-working husband. I am starting to run again. It feels good to be more active, although my body doesn't like it. And, the weight is still hangin' on there. Jake and I are starting a new diet on Monday. Wish me luck.

This little guy, is growing and changing daily. He is starting to eat real food, not just rice cereal, and is liking it okay. He loves Cheerios, Gerber Puffs, and fresh bananas the most. He now has 3 teeth, with another one close behind. He is still as grouchy as ever, and wants me to entertain him ALL the time. He is a TERRIBLE sleeper, still, and it's starting to really wear on this Mommy. I am such a big wimp when it comes to sleep training though. I know, I am my own worst enemy. However, when he is happy, fed, and well-rested, he lights up my whole life. My favorite thing is when he wraps his arms around my neck, and buries his face in my neck, and shoulder, and just bites for all he's worth. It's probably just teething, but, it makes me feel loved. My other kids used to bite me here, too. Maybe I taste good. . .

Seriously, how can you not love the cuteness? He sits up really well, and rolls all over the floor. This gets a little problematic when he gets part way stuck under the couch, but Sister and Brother are always there to pull him out. He is wanting to crawl, too, but, I'm trying to delay that a little. I just want to cherish the baby in him for as long as I can. I've always said that he is our last baby. I think that is why I am such a wimp with him. I carry him around all the time, I snuggle him at night, I tend to his every whimper. Because they don't whimper for long, do they? Can you please stay a baby forever, my litttle one?