Random Family Photos Without Explanations

Mother's Day: For Reals

I tried to MAKE Todd observe the Mother's Day early on in our marriage, just because, however, it was difficult for him to keep up the momentum. I just like to be celebrated and to receive gifts. I like Mother's Day. I have a mother that I love. I love my grandmothers, so I've always liked the day, and to celebrate the women in my life. Mother's Day wasn't about me NOT being a mother. I'll admit it, though, that I did NOT like to be forced to stand up and receive my obligatory chocolate in church. Other people wanted me to stand up because I think it made THEM feel better. But I was really okay NOT standing up because I was okay not being a mom. HOWEVER, this year, I am the MOM. I am the mom of this guy:

We had such a nice day! We woke up early because we have early church, so no breakfast in bed. But I did get to do one of my very favorite things, which is to unwrap the morning baby and watch him stretch.

Todd was really excited to give me my gift (that I had explicitly asked for...). Because it was a little too large to wrap, I received it "horse-head-in-the-bed" style. It's an Oreck steam cleaner, and I LOVE it. I don't know, maybe Todd was trying to send me a "message" about mopping the floor.

Church was fine. I am always a little perplexed when the talks are NOT centered on Mothers. Let's just embrace the day, people! Maybe there has been some sensitivity training on not over doing it on Mother's Day. We came home and OK was tired, so I put him down ("You stink, you're funny-looking, and you are a terrible burden on your mother.") and then I got to lay down. We both took a THREE HOUR NAP. Man, it was awesome. I am usually not a day-napper (I can do a power nap). I usually wake up from a nap feeling hung over and gross. I woke up feeling rested and wanting to play with Todd and OK.

Then we went for a lovely, long walk in our beautiful neighborhood. Flowers were blooming, bees, were buzzing, and the breeze was blowing.

THEN Todd took over and made me the MOST delicious meal. I asked for ribs. You would have thought it was Father's Day he was so happy to be BBQ-ing. They were the best smoked ribs EVER! Oh, it was such a nice day! So my thoughts on being a mom. I like it. I love my little boy. I love my husband. Todd is such a good dad. OK is such a sweet, happy little boy. I have so much love for that little guy. I never get irritated at him. When he's asleep, I miss him and want to wake him up (which I most certainly DON'T). Every night, I get on my knees and thank my Heavenly Father for OK. Everything he does is a surprise and a miracle. He's the smartest, most clever baby that has ever lived. The End.

'Bout Time: What, Did You Just Have a Baby?

I thought I would have so much more time for this. As my M-I-L pointed out, I have not been great about sending out photos for her (or others) to brag about. I am still in a baby time warp. Here's a sampling of my day:



Wake up late (anywhere from 9 am to 2 pm)
Take a happy picture of Oliver to send to Todd
Feed the baby and play solitaire
Hold the baby
Watch some Grey's Anatomy while holding the baby
Feed the baby
Hold the baby
Kiss the baby
Watch some more TV
Feed the baby
Remember to eat, eat a lot
Hold the baby
Feed the baby
Go to bed

I am loving it.

Mo came to help for almost 2 weeks. It was heaven. Mo has more energy than any one I know...cat naps helped her keep up the energy.



We got SO MUCH DONE! The nursery got finished, the loft was organized, and my mental health was restored.

I bought her an "Oliver-care Uniform" to match mine.




Mo was my angel!



And now for an Oliver-cuteness break:







While Mo was here, and while the Tyler & Brittany Rhodes were still in town, we blessed Oliver.



It was wonderful. We had our family and loved ones here in our home. The Bishop presided, and Todd gave the most beautiful blessing.





All of the Rhodes kids (and their kids) had been able to be together just after Christmas. We love being together!


Ollie loves Aunt Darcy!



While Mo was here, Abby and Lil' Boo came to meet the babies.



Lil' Boo is such a good big sister/cousin (regardless of OK's face)!



Also while Mo was here, another little baby boy joined us... Little SP!



Amy & Chris' little boy was born and got to meet his Aunts, his Mo, and his cousins. I should have a photo of Amy holding her boy, but we wouldn't give her the chance while we were in the same room as him! Mo was in grandbaby heaven.



Here's another Oliver-cuteness break:







We visited Grandma Green a couple of times while all the family was here.



We LOVE Grandma and LOVE to see her being so cute with our babies.





After Mo left, I finally made my terrarium that I have been obsessing about.



It took about 20 minutes to put together, and I get tremendous satisfaction from it.



It's a little bit of summer sitting on my table during winter.



So, it's been a FUN few weeks. Oliver is 9 weeks old today and it feels like it's gone by in a flash and yet, it's like he's always been here with us. Todd and I are still amazed at the love and support flowing to us and our very loved little boy. I am so pleased and amazed at how LOVED he is by so many people. People want to meet him, hold him, LOVE him. What a nice situation to be in when you enter the world. I hope he always feels this loved and included. I hope he will always have confidence in the love of his family and friends. What a blessing to go through life believing you were wanted and looked-forward-to and loved by virtue of BEING.

So to end this catching-up session... some more Oliver-cuteness: