Addendum to yesterday's post

Don't worry; this baby will not be naked. I took care of that yesterday after my semi-panicked post. Can I just say how much I love online shopping? Especially clearance online shopping? Pajamas for two dollars--need I say more?

Oh, yes. I just heard from the hospital, and we now have a target date. How does January 27 sound for a birthday?

Our Christmas Story

Merry Christmas to all. We did take pictures, but since getting those pictures off the camera would take moving, and effort, they are going to stay where they are. I promise pictures soon. We also took video of Christmas morning. And we caught the whole thing, from Nathan's first-thing tantrum when he got his nose wiped then went back into his bedroom and started throwing things and yelling, to the very-last-gift opening. It's quite a video, I'm sure. You're welcome to come watch the lengthy saga unfold if you think you've the stamina. But I'll just tell you about my favorite part. After we got him calmed down, he walked down the stairs, peeked around the corner, and said "Boo" to the Christmas tree.

The rest of Christmas was also wonderful. I left the house, and got to see both sides of the family. We all got way more presents than we deserved, of course, and now have to decide where to store all of the new toys. Nathan got some blocks, which have been thrown only a few times (he loves to throw things) since it's far more fun to load them into one of the three dump trucks he got for Christmas. He loves them all, though, since they're all different sizes. Then, once the dump truck is full, you can dump them out and say "Crash!"

Grownup Christmas is not as much fun as kid Christmas. But we are excited about our new campchef, and are planning all the ways we'll put it to use this summer. No more trying to cook pancakes over charcoal briquets for us (it didn't go well, by the way).

And, owing to certain conversations, I've been reminded of my soon-to-be reality. I've been so focused on getting through this pregnancy that I kind of forgotten that the end result will be a baby. Ergo, I am nowhere near ready. And try getting ready for a baby while laying on the couch. Most of the shopping I've done has been buying warm-weather clothes on clearance (clearance deals are the best!) so this baby will be well dressed this summer. Until then, though, she may be naked. Thank goodness for online shopping.

We're planning on a c-section in about four weeks, when I'm 37 weeks. Anytime after 34 weeks, though, if anything happens they'll just go ahead and deliver. So, I'm 33 weeks tomorrow...the end is suddenly upon us. Now if I can only decide on a name.

Update

Nothing new. No news is good news, right? I'm hanging out, doing nothing. But I'm home doing nothing, and that makes all the difference. So we're doing good, although I appreciate all the lending of books and movies. I also appreciate all phone calls, visits, etc.

We're anticipating that if nothing changes, we're in a holding pattern for the next six to eight weeks. I see my doctor and have an ultrasound next week, and then we might know more. They will schedule a c-section as things progress, at the very latest a couple of weeks before my due date. So for sure there will be a new little niece to welcome Uncle Steven home for his visit in February.

I'm just glad to be home for Christmas. That is the only present I need. Thanks to everyone for your help and prayers.

Book List

A while ago my sister, always on the lookout for new books, asked me to post a list of books that I liked. And so I am, although I realize I am at once too early and too late to be posting this now. Early, because in the week before Christmas, I realize none of you have the time to run out and start reading these; late, because in the week before Christmas, it's too late to give my husband any idea of what to give me for Christmas.

I pulled up my reading history to help me remember what books I've liked, and here are a few generalizations from that list: Mo Willems (children's), Agatha Christie, Barbara Kingsolver, Gail Carson Levine (children/young adult girl). You can't go wrong with any of those authors. At least according to me. But here's a more specific list.

• Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez. An American woman travels to Kabul after the fall of the Taliban to open a beauty school and enable Afghan women to run their own businesses.
  
• Memoirs of an Unexpected Life. Written by Queen Noor, an American who married the King of Jordan. Very interesting and gave a different viewpoint on the situation in the Middle East.
• Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. I would not have picked this up. I kept seeing it on the bestseller list and figured it was some new-agey book that would drive me nuts. Actually about a mountain climber who ends up spending his life building schools in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was excellent, although I don't think I'll make it to book club to tell everyone so. I think they'll agree, though.
• Mockingbird, a Portrait of Harper Lee by Charles Shields. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my all-time favorite books, so I loved reading about the shy, unpretentious, one-time author. Too bad she never wrote any more books.
  
• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. I never had any desire to read this until I read the book above and learned about the not-so-good friend of Harper Lee that was Truman Capote and how she helped him write this book, and then how he didn't give her any credit and what a snothead he was. This is the story of a quadruple homicide in a quiet Kansas town, and how the killers were caught and brought to justice. It was actually quite good. But don't read this, Linnell. You'd hate it. I also enjoyed Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's.
• The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. This is her latest book, and I loved it. It's about writing your own stories, and why those stories matter. It also features historical figures Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Leo Trotsky. And how could a book with two eccentric artists and an assassinated communist leader be bad? I have loved every Kingsolver book I've read. Her writing is just so good, and makes you feel better about the dignity and worth of the individual.

Well, that's a starter. I've just noticed that all but the last are nonfiction. So if you hate nonfiction, sorry. I read mostly nonfiction because it causes me to neglect my family less. I can put it down and put it out of my mind. But at the same time, it makes you think. And since when is thinking a bad thing?

And sorry, you can't borrow any of these, since I don't own them. But they're all available at your local library, if your local library is the same as mine. Maybe another time I'll make a list of the favorite books that I own, and you're all more than welcome to borrow those. Or just come over and peruse my bookshelves. I have several.

I'm home!

I got to come home today. As I left the hospital, all the nurses said they didn't want to see me back for a long time. And, I can't lie, the feeling is mutual. I got really tired of strangers poking their head in my room, every twelve hours acquainting someone new with my condition. It got old. Though I can't say I won't miss the room service.

So I'm home, and I'm pretty motivated to do what I need to so I can stay here as long as possible. Which means I need to do nothing... it's surprisingly hard. Luckily I have a great husband who helps out and now questions me when I decide to get up and cross the room. "Are you sure you should....?"

Today we transitioned Nathan to a toddler bed so I wouldn't have to lift him out. The first couple of hours have been uneventful, so hopefully it will be good. Fingers crossed.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully our news will continue boringly for the next month or so.

I'm home!

Adjusting to Life on the Inside

Well, here I am. Things are looking up now that I have a laptop and some Internets. Also since I got transferred from the room with the "window" that provided a lovely view of the hallway. Now I get to look at the half-empty duck pond, cars driving by, and mountains. The mountain is my favorite.

For those of you who haven't heard, I have placenta previa, where the placenta is sitting directly over my cervix. So early Monday morning when I started bleeding I followed instructions and headed to the hospital, where I have been ever since.

So it's a possibility that I may come home, although I will be on bed rest for the rest of this pregnancy, however long that is. It seems sort of unreal to think that I have a major complication that could have life-threatening consequences. So I'm being good, laying around, and taking care of myself and this baby.

But I'm keeping busy. I'm brushing up on my crocheting skills, am going to re-learn how to knit, watching a lot of tv and going through books at an alarming rate. Providentially, I was able to check my e-mail the other night and so was able to line up an editing job for the next couple of weeks. Keeping busy helps me to keep a positive attitude. And I can't deny it's a little bit nice to take a break from cooking and cleaning (Jon, don't read that last sentence since you'll be tempted to twit me on my "vacation" once again).

Last night Nathan was able to come visit. Although I'm only allowed three visitors, my mom was able to take me for a wheelchair ride out of the wing, where they have areas that we "undelivered" moms can go spend some time with our kids. There's I think four of us right now, just hanging out, not having babies. Nathan especially liked helping to push the wheelchair. He would have done it all by himself, if only he were tall enough to reach the handles.

Thanks to everyone for your help and prayers. I feel really blessed to be surrounded by people who are so willing to take over parenting duties for me. Not having to worry about Nathan has made this a lot easier. I really feel that although this is not a pleasant experience, everything will work out.

I'll keep you all updated as I know more.

What do you do with a yard full of leaves? Why, turn loose your nephews on it, of course.

The weather was perfect for an afternoon in the leaves. Don't eat them, though.
Nathan wasn't sure about them at first, but he soon got the hang of it. He also loved watching his older, more capable cousins leap and be thrown into the leaves. He walked around the yard laughing in delight. Things are usually much too quiet around our house for his taste.
This next is a pretty good action shot. Nathan got bored of all the leaf throwing and took off in disgust.
By the time we were all played out, the leaves were pretty munched up. And we had plenty of helpers to get them bagged up. We have a front yard left. Any takers?

An Equal-Opportunity Sucker

Nathan loves his binkies. He especially relishes the unparalleled luxury of having two binkies in his possession at once. Usually he will clutch one in his hand, one in his mouth, always making sure to rotate them regularly, like every ten seconds. Double-binky sucking is a full-time job. You can't play favorites with binkies. Or, if you're up way too early in the morning, and you forget that you already have something in your mouth, you end up with this:
I'm really not sure how he managed to do this. But somehow the handle of the first-inserted binky aligned just right for the nipple of the second-comer, and they stuck together like they were designed for this. I may not have found this so funny, but it was five in the morning. And everything is really funny or really annoying at that hour.

Yet another post about our boy

I bet you'll all be glad when we have another kid to write about. Then every post won't be all Nathan, all the time. But really, we're always learning something, so life keeps busy.
Lately we've been stacking. We'll stack anything--breakfast toppings, random things from the cupboards, pieces of dinner on top of sippy cups. We love stacking.
We've also discovered Nathan is a fairly good hiker. What he lacks in focus he makes up for in enthusiasm. He would have been happy to roam up and down the same stretch of trail still in sight of the trailhead. We tried to teach him that the point of hiking is to hike, but he taught us that it's enjoying the sights. We did make it a little farther up the trail eventually, and we had a great time.

So far October...

Getting ready for a ride last Friday, somebody (who had been exploring the garage) decided he needed a toy. He even said "ball" so I let him bring it. It was really fun for two minutes until he kept dropping it and wanting it back. Turns out balls roll in moving cars. It being October and all, we decided to get some pumpkins. Nathan didn't care so much about them. I mean, they were neat and all, but guys, have you seen this wagon? It has wheels and moves when you push it. This is the coolest thing ever. He didn't get the hang of pulling it by the handle, but pushed the wagon from the back while dad steered. So, bringing pumpkins home, not so much. But he really objected to leaving this cool wagon at the produce stand. I guess I'll have to keep that in mind for Christmas.

Also on Friday, we bought him this cowboy hat for his Halloween costume. He loved it in the store. He did not love it on Saturday when he was actually supposed to wear it. But, hatless cowboy or not, he did win the first cupcake in the cupcake walk at our family Halloween party.

And that's pretty much been October for us so far. Currently we are all recovered from our bouts with a stomach bug (which got me out of both speaking in church and accompanying the sacrament meeting's musical number, conveniently), so things are looking up. Let me just go clean up the potted plant mess that was Nathan's latest exploit. We're having a battle of wills this week that usually devolves into humongo tantrums. Two kids? What was I thinking?

What did you do conference weekend?

I stayed awake. The entire eight hours, while sleepy husbands slept and babies took refuge in cribs. Amazing accomplishment? Yes. But I couldn't have done it without Amazing Accomplishment #2:

I'm the sort of crocheter that if the end product turns out looking anything like the pattern, it's an amazing accomplishment. So while this didn't turn out perfect, I'm pretty pleased with it. Although I may need to make another hat. Following the pattern turned out an impossibly small hat. I guess we'll just have to hope that baby #2 comes out the right size to fit these clothes, after I went to all the work of making them.

And the results are in...

Well, Brady totally won. By all indications, we are having a human baby. Whew. As for prizes, you mainly get the satisfaction of having made a good guess.

"So you want a girl?" This seems to be the question written on my face, because everyone keeps asking me that. They assume that since I have a boy, I must be pining for a girl. The perverseness in me wants to tell everyone I want a boy, just to be contrary to expectations. Because I'm like that. In reality, I don't care what I have. As long as it's healthy (and human), I'll be happy.

Now, with my little rant over, I can tell you that I was right. And so were many other people--Sofia will be having a girl cousin. They're probably both in heaven being friends right now.

The receptionist at the ultrasound desk gave Nathan a sucker (his first). We let him play with it, since we figured he wouldn't know what to do with it. We give our son too little credit. First he chewed on it still in the wrapper, then somehow pulled its plastic covering off. So by the time I got home, I had a sticky green son chewing on a pulpy sucker stick.

Seven Days

Seven days to go. If you'd like to make any predictions, feel free. If you're right, you'll have the satisfaction of being so. Just leave a comment if you dare to publicly commit yourself. I admit, I'm curious to see what people think.

Next Wednesday is our big ultrasound. I'm excited...

Also next week I have to take my first glucola test. I've been trying to be really good about eating healthfully and exercising, to lessen the chances of developing gestational diabetes. Which is why, I am sure, all I wanted was brownies for dinner. Thank goodness the husband took dinner into his own hands.

Signs you may need more sleep, dear son.

Yesterday I took Nathan for a shopping trip. We got done about naptime, so he was pretty tired and fell asleep on the way home. As I carried him through the kitchen, I picked the binky up off the counter and gave it to him, because he will not sleep in his bed without it. And being the good mom I am, I decided to not let him sleep for three hours on a poopy bum.

As I laid him on the changing table, he relaxed like it was the best, most deluxe, plushest bed. Ever. He only opened his eyes a little bit, and seemed totally unaware that I had his legs hoisted over his head and was trying to clean every nook and cranny of his bum. I was not extremely gentle. You have got to be tired to sleep through that.

By the by, is it possible to be nesting at four months? I have been possessed today with an intense need to throw things away. The thought of my crawlspace, full of boxes, furniture I don't have space for, and broken electronics, would not let me rest. If this lasts, my house may be empty by February. So, anyone with some clutter, invite me over. I have absolutely no problem throwing away other people's junk.

A job well done.

We love to play cars. This morning Nathan enthusiastically drove two cars around the basement, up and down my arms and legs, and on and off the trailer. Then he gave me one car (how sharing he is!) and picked up a train. Now, trains are very neat. But they do not fit on the trailer, which was made specifically to fit the cars that came with it. But no matter. Nathan determinedly drove the train up the ramp again and again. He was going to make it fit.

Then, inspiration. He picked the train up and set it, sideways, on the trailer. Never mind that it covered the other car on the trailer. Never mind it would fall off the second the trailer was moved. It was on. It fit.

"Yeah!" His satisfaction was complete.


When was the last time I was as satisfied with something I accomplished? Adults lose out on a lot of enjoyment by being perfectionists.

I lied.

We did take some pictures in August. And the good news of today is... I got to sleep in until 8:00. It was heavenly. I don't expect it to last.

Up Before the Birds

Sorry, no pictures again. We apparently did not take any pictures the entire month of August. There's not even an August file in my 2009 pictures. I could post old pictures and see if anyone notices that Nathan's regressed to being toothless. Or I could just find the camera and charge the batteries. He's been doing some cute things lately that have not been documented.

One of the things he has been doing is not cute. Nathan has decided against sleeping. When he hears dad up, he knows that Important Things are going on and he must be a part of them. This would be fine at 7:00. But 5:30 is too much. This morning he was fine on nine hours of sleep, but I was running on less than five, and it was less than pleasant.

So what's a mom to do? This is my second day running of taking naps. Naps are beautiful. And I will probably continue taking them as long as I can, especially if this early rising continues. But my napping days I fear are numbered.

A while ago, Heavenly Father and I had a talk. My side went like this:

"What!? Already?"

"Are you sure?"

"Okay."

"Really really sure?"

"Just checking."

So I'll stock up on sleep while I can. So for all of you that haven't guessed what this post is about, how does February sound for a new baby? Is that good for everyone? Just checking.

Excited? None more than me, I assure you. I can even imagine an end to when brushing my teeth doesn't activate my hair-trigger gag reflex. This morning was less severe than usual.

Updates on the Little Man

Grandma has started calling him the Little Man, and I think it's a great little name. He certainly is a busy little man, and is working on all sorts of things. Here's what he's been up to.

• Playing with rocks. Rocks are the best toys ever.
• Trying to play with fire and hot charcoal briquets. We went camping this weekend and could not keep him away from the cooking dinner. We are counting our blessings that no one was burned.
  
• Learning new words. He's got a good little supply of words that we are working on applying correctly. Right now all animals either say "moo" or "meow." We read a book about a dog the other day and on every page it said "meow" (according to Nathan). And Eeyore says "moo," apparently. Snakes, though, are their own category. Only snakes say "sss."
  
• Screaming. This kid can scream. He sure did inherit a temper from somewhere.
• Going to nursery! This one is the one I'm most excited about. He has become unruly during the last two hours of church because we don't let him run around and disrupt the lesson. We usually end up in the hallway about a quarter of the way through Sunday School. Luckily we have a saintly nursery leader who loves Nathan and lets him come even though he's not 18 months until October. Nathan loves nursery. And so do we.

He's a pretty fun kid, though. He becomes more of a little person every day.

Today I'm working on catching up with laundry. Between Bear Lake last weekend (remind me to tell you about the infamous Over Easy Incident) and camping this weekend, there's not many clean clothes around. Nathan had to wear too-short pants and a long-sleeve shirt yesterday.

On Monday, Cookie Fell in the Toilet

Cookie is a cat. Cookie is a cat who lives in a book that Nathan loves. Every day Cookie gets into some new mischief. But...there are a few inconsistencies with Cookie's story.

It was a Friday that Cookie fell in the toilet.

And she didn't fall so much as was placed lovingly there by a small boy who loves water too well, but not at all wisely. Now, instead of upsetting the trash can on Wednesday, Cookie resides there permanently.

I wasn't too mad because the book only cost a dollar and it wasn't our favorite. But I really need to keep that bathroom door shut.

And if Nathan is ever at your house, beware. On Saturday night he stuck a Reader's Digest in my mom's toilet. It's really time to learn that his two loves, water and books, do not mix.

Well, as they say, things are going hunky-dory. If you actually meet anyone who says that, could you tell me? I'd really like to meet them.

What have we been up to lately?
Nathan has learned to climb into the bathtub. Bath toys are now accessible at any time of the day or night. Life is great! I'll be really happy if he'll forgo the toilet water (he also just learned to lift the lid) and just play in an empty tub. Then life really would be great, and a lot less gross.

We've also been putting this kid to work.Our recycle bin has really been shamefully dirty. So while we washed the cars last week, Nathan took care of business. I think it must have been bugging him for months. "Mom, why don't you wash this blue thing? Look how dirty it is." Any other sort of dirty doesn't faze him, but that recycle bin's coating of dust was just too much.

Don't worry, ma'am; I'm a professional.

I know you all have been anxiously checking and re-checking my blog, waiting for my weekly post. Sorry. I've been even more lazy about it than usual. But this time I have a good reason: I've been gainfully employed. For money.

My goal ever since before college has been that when I had kids, I would stay home and do freelance editing in my spare (ha!) time. And it's finally come to fruition. Right now I'm working on a history/sociology book for a publishing company that works extensively with freelancers. Once Nathan goes down for a nap, I head down to the computer where I mutter things like "Truncate the page spans!" and "What's wrong with using 'Ibid.'?" So, hopefully this situation will work out. And my house won't become a complete disaster. Because, really, cleaning up a manuscript is a lot more fun than cleaning up a house. Don't tell me you disagree.

Not a baby

If anyone tells you I have a baby, don't believe them.


I have a little boy. He just doesn't seem like a baby anymore. Well, aside from the poopy diapers, tantrums, and his most reliable form of communicating being grunting. Other than that, he's ready to go get a PhD from Harvard.

I know he's growing up, because yesterday he got his first time out. I was sweeping the floor. Because we had just sprayed for bugs and I hadn't swept the floor for a couple of days, it was pretty disgusting. Also known as Boy Heaven.

He stayed away until I had collected a pretty good pile. He was gleeful at his discovery. Look at all this dirt! And dead bugs! I need to pick them up! This is the best day ever!

I told him no, removed him, and tried to build a wall of kitchen chairs to keep him away. But he's so darned skinny he maneuvered through my makeshift road block and was back in no time. This went on several times, with Nathan being convinced this was the best game ever and me getting increasingly disgusted with the cleanliness of his hands.

He scattered the dirt in one great joyful sweep with his hands as I slammed the broom down, swooped him up, and deposited him in his room with the door shut. And I peacefully finished sweeping the floor while he screamed at me.

Later, to make peace, I let him go outside and play with the outside dirt. That dirt seems so much cleaner, doesn't it?

Love America? Me too.

Did you all enjoy your Fourth of July? We did.

I was pondering what a great country we live in. Where you have the freedom to:

• buy small-grade explosives and set them off in front of your house
• drive a large SUV like you were the only car on the road, cutting someone off as you change lanes to pull into a fast-food joint
• be a grown woman and name a dog Tinkerbell

While I would look askance at taking advantage of some of these freedoms, I can't take them away from you. God Bless America.

But seriously, I do love our country.

And I'll post pictures of our hike to Malan's Basin later. I'm just too lazy to do it now.

On the Road

This post is going to be just like Jack Kerouac's book. Except for the profanity, illicit drug use, casual sex, and general feeling of lack of control over your own destiny. Actually, the lack of control thing does ring a bell. Traveling with a 14-month-old does make you feel like that.

But we did experience the same exhilaration (and boredom) that Kerouac did while traversing the state, back again, and then a little further. After attending church for one of us to take part in a patriotic Father's Day program and the other of us to play piano in Relief Society, we packed up and headed off. I spent the first bit on the phone, arranging dinners for a family in our ward (thanks to the obliging people who agreed to do things last minute). Nathan slept only about the first couple hours, got really bored for the next few hours, ate nearly an entire apple (that doesn't do good things for poop, let me just advise you), and then finally fell asleep for about the last 45 minutes.

We spent the next few days hanging out with family in Bullfrog. We had four of the five brothers all there, which is pretty good. It was good to be able to spend some time with almost everyone before Steven deploys. We went hiking, swimming, shooting, had a cookout at Starr Springs, played games, ate good food. Really, what more could you ask for?

We left Thursday afternoon, spent a quick night at home, then headed up to Preston for the Larsen reunion. We camped up there Friday night, Saturday morning was the 5K I've been getting ready for. And I finished. In second! Let's not talk about the fact that five people ran. Five. My brother-in-law walked behind a stroller the whole way, but most people who walked just did a mile. They found some kittens who tried to chase me down the home stretch.

Later in the day we had a potluck dinner that everyone tried to use alternative cooking methods. My brother made yummy shishkabobs over a fire pit. We also had smoked brisket and pork cooked on a spit and in a pit. I cheated a did a dutch oven cobbler. I'm so boring. We got home late Saturday night after a fun full week.

Now to catch up on Nathan's sleep.

A Saturday Celebration

Nathan started the morning off right. He found the bags full of produce I had just brought home from our co-op. Mmmm, apricots. Never mind that they are unwashed and not quite ripe. He took several bites and then walked around the house with it. When he fell down he'd push himself back up, supporting himself on one empty hand and one apricot-filled hand.
After a nap we headed to the park for a light jog, in consideration of our bodies each lacking a pint of blood. Friday we headed to the Red Cross donor center to freely give away some precious bodily fluids.

While eating lunch, I remembered. Two dozen cookies that I was supposed to have made by now. I hurriedly mixed them up as my mom called. "When are you coming? We need help!"

I baked the cookies at my mom's as not-controlled party-preparing chaos ruled for the next two hours. Baked cookies, washed dishes, arranged photos, decorated tables, rescued crying baby from his own folly, admired the clear sky and foolishly thought that it was going to last.

What was all this hullabaloo for?

My mom's parents celebrated their sixtieth anniversary last week. Sixty years is a long time. So we gathered family, friends and neighbors together to tell them what a great job they've done. The picture above is them standing by a recreation of their wedding cake. My grandpa tried on the jacket of his WWII army uniform for us and we took the opportunity to get some pictures.

We had a good turnout--despite the weather. My mom stressed. "What time should we have it? Maybe we'll do it later in the day so it won't be too hot."

It rained. And got cold. People huddled under the shade tent, trying to keep dry. Others took refuge in the house.

But we had a good time anyway. Congratulations, Grandparents. Way to go.

By the time we got home, after cleaning up and returning borrowed tables and chairs, Nathan was ready to be put to bed.

So was I. Luckily I did not break the bed so all was soon put right, with everyone in their own beds.

But I do think I could sleep in a crib if it came down to that. You never know.

Looking at Air

Yes, we went to the air show. Like we would be anywhere else when there are many many planes assembled in one place, and so close to home. So we went. We saw. And a good time was had by all.Nathan even took a little nap so we were able to stay the whole day. He watched planes, ate rocks, got splendidly dirty, and did not get a sunburn (whew!). He only got a little cranky towards the end, but that was just probably in anticipation of the Thunderbirds, whose dramatic intro took too long for my taste.
But once they began, they did not disappoint. Even Nathan forgot his whining and pointed at them. And pointing is high praise from a tired baby.

We won't talk about the drive home.

Thoughts of a Thursday

Sorry for missing my usual Monday-blogging appointment. I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for what I would come up with this week. I actually did write a post earlier, which was conceived of as a witty account of our trip last weekend disguised as an open letter to Rain. But by the time I finished it, it seemed contrived and not at all funny. Maybe if you all beg I will post it sometime.

Have you ever watered your garden at night? Well. I will tell you all about it. As you press your thumb over the outlet to get a nice wide spray, move it around a bit until the droplets catch just right in the floodlights of your backyard. It looks like silver sparklers shooting and dancing in the darkness. I stared and stared and watered more than was strictly necessary. It was mesmerizing. That or it's just been a long day.

In other news, if you happen to let Nathan help wash dishes, and if you happen to let him get hold of the dish brush, Caution: He Will Look Like This.
If you click on the picture and make it big, you will notice that his chin is covered in bubbles. I noticed him contentedly munch on the sudsy brush, remove the brush, pause, then reinsert soapy brush back into his mouth. I just hope he never takes up profanity, because he is already developing quite a taste for soap.

As for the mess on his upper lip, that is just snot. He's teething again. So give the kid a break. Or at least his mom. I don't have enough Kleenex or patience to wipe that thing Every Two Minutes.

Danger Baby

We have a danger baby.

He loves:

• Trying to crawl into the road
• Eating mud
• Drinking secondary water out of the hose
• Playing with toilet water, or failing that, at least the toilet brush or plunger
  
• Eating food off the floor
• Everything that, as a mother, I feel he ought not to love

But this tops all. Yesterday during Sunday school, he was super ornery so I gave him my keys to play with. He loves keys. He played with them on my lap for a while and then got down to explore. He stood up at the piano bench (we were sitting right by it) and looked around, still playing with the keys. Then, concentrating, tentative, and determined, he took his first steps--to the electrical outlet in the wall. Luckily I had my eyes open during the prayer so a) I got to witness his first steps and b) he didn't electrocute himself.

I have since heard from my engineer brother and contractor father that he would not have been able to hurt himself by sticking keys into an outlet. He would need to get two keys into both prongholes first. And even then it wouldn't be enough of a shock to kill him.

Well. If this is the case, why do I worry? I will get out all the scissors, put the chemicals back under the kitchen sink, take out all the outlet protectors, let him play with the blind cords, and anything else I can think of. Because if electricity won't harm my baby, what will? All those baby-safety professionals will soon be out of a job, because the human baby is invincible.

But first steps! This is a good milestone. I'm glad it happened at a time when both of us got to see it. Maybe when he's walking he won't get quite so dirty whenever he goes outside. Fat chance.

Water Boy

I should not think these are funny. But I do. At first he just watched the water, and laughed when a bit of spray got on his face. Then he had to touch it. Then crawl through it. Then cavort in the mud (he may be part pig). The muddiness is why he is naked for the second video.

He loves water. Bathtime is very fun. Sometimes he'll lean over and slurp up a mouthful. So I should have known better than to let him have the hose. You can see his thoughts: "Water comes out of this? Awesome. I actually am really really thirsty."

Enjoy:


Now to undo the damage I created by letting Nathan think it was okay to crawl in the flower bed. And let's hope his immune system is able to withstand secondary water (fingers crossed).

A neighbor girl, overheard

"Ladybug? Come back!"

"Please?"

Ladybug, I'm really sorry. Please come back!"

...

"Ladybug, give me one more chance. Please?"

"Ladybug!"

The girl pleaded and cajoled the best she knew how, for the better part of ten minutes, until she was summoned inside.

Hardhearted ladybug.

Blisters, Pomp and Circumstance

Last Friday we made the trek to our beloved Logan. Now that I go back I realize that Logan is kind of a dumpy little town,but I still love it. I especially love the temple, so we had to go visit.
I also just love the campus. USU really is beautiful, and we had good times there. But now, for better or worse, our times there are over. Officially.
Levi running the hooding gauntlet. We stressed over how to make sure we put this stupid collar-hood thing on, not realizing that we were supposed to do nothing but carry it. Why, if you're not allowed to put it on yourself, do they send it with instructions on how to wear it? They had an assembly line of five pairs of professors, and as the graduates lined up to walk the stage, they'd systematically be stopped and hooded. It made us both think of Hugh Nibley, who Levi paraphrased when he said, "Here I am, clothed in the robes of a false priesthood."
College can only teach you so much. I need to remember that, because I ridiculously love school. I didn't love the stress, but I loved learning new things, hearing others' ideas, and learning about a wider world than my own small experience. If I were not home having babies, I'd probably be at school earning degrees. As they played Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates filed into the Spectrum, the song filled me with nostalgia of my own graduation (three years already!), excitement of what Levi has accomplished, and anticipation of someday going back to continue my own education.
The only drawback to the day was the blisters. By the end of the day, walking the temple grounds and all over campus in heels had taken its toll on my feet. Levi tried to console me by saying that I had gotten my blisters supporting him, but it wasn't so. I know it was all in the service of my own vanity. And that is a false priesthood, indeed.

Lots of practice makes a clean boy

Lots and LOTS of practice.

This big boy was so pleased when I turned the spoon over to him. He actually did pretty well feeding himself applesauce the other day. For a while.
But I really should have put a bib on him. By the time he was done, so was the outfit.

Potty Mouth

Today while I was brushing my teeth, Nathan realized it was bathroom free-for-all playtime. It's a really great time. Today, as usual, he made a fast break for the toilet (he loves to dip his fingers in the water) but I got the lid down in time. He then turned to his next favorite thing, the toilet paper roll. Usually he just tries to spin it, but today he turned his little face up and took a bite.

Gross? He thought so too. He spat out the little bit of paper rather faster than usual. I guess having teeth on the top and bottom made him able to bite off a little more than he could chew.

Mmm...

I've been promising this recipe to people, so here it is, to everyone at once. Even if you hadn't requested it, it's quite delicious. I found it on a blog, somewhere, but unfortunately have forgotten where. So I'll send the credit out into the void, instead of claiming it for myself.

Emilie's Whole Wheat Bread

Makes 4 8x4-inch loaves

7 c. whole wheat flour (grind your own if you have a wheat grinder)
2/3 c. vital wheat gluten
2 1/2 T. instant yeast
5 c. steaming hot water
1 T. salt
2/3 c. oil
2/3 c. honey or 1 c. sugar
2 1/2 T. bottled lemon juice
5 c. whole wheat flour

Mix together the first three ingredients. Add water all at once and mix for 1 minute; cover and let rest for 10 minutes (this is called sponging). Add salt, oil, honey or sugar, and lemon juice and beat for 1 minute. Add last flour, 1 cup at a time, beating between each cup. Beat 6-10 minutes until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This makes very soft dough.

Preheat oven for 1 minute to lukewarm and turn off. Turn dough onto oiled counter top; divide, shape into loaves and place in oiled bread pans. Let rise in warm oven for 10-15 minutes until dough reaches top of pan. Do not remove bread from oven; turn oven to 350 and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on racks. This recipe can be halved to make 2 loaves.

I usually end up adding more flour than called for because it does make a very soft (sticky) dough. I also let it rise at least once before kneading it, and then shape it into loaves (something of the purist in me).

I'm not usually a fan of homemade whole wheat bread, but this was delicious. It stays soft and moist even after the bread has cooled. Mmm. I've been making bread way more often than ever. Enjoy.

Happy Easter, Happy Birthday

Easter was beautiful. The rain and cold of the day before were gone and the day was warm and sunny. We were glad, so we could have our Easter dinner outside, since many people + my kitchen = claustrophobia.

All the grandkids were especially glad to be outside because: (1) there was dirt! and (2) we had an Easter egg hunt.

Ethan and his very dirty knees.

And what's a first birthday without getting terribly sticky? Nathan loved his cake(s).

I'm expecting

Expecting? Oh, yes. Tomatoes and beans and onions and cantaloupes. Cosmos and african daisies and marigolds. Chinese lanterns and forget-me-nots.

Yes, I have taken a stab at developing a green thumb this year. Last year my garden was less than impressive, since we didn't plant until the end of May. We got a crop of tomatoes that was not really something to write home about. And let's not mention my usual ability to kill every houseplant I've ever been responsible for.

So this year I'm starting early. With seeds, no less. I figured I could get a lot more for a lot less this way. And it got me excited about spring. Now if only it would stop snowing.

Oh...expecting? You thought I meant...? Happy April Fool's Day.