smoking crayolas

so there's this girl who's in love with my baby

2012-03-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

Lincoln's Aunt Rachel is pretty crazy about him, and it's a good thing because Lincoln adores her. Any time Rachel would attempt to hand Lincoln to me, he'd get so upset, wanting to stay with the person who spoils him, plays games with him, and the girl who chooses to dance around to make him laugh instead of be on time to work. When they're together, these two make my heart smile.

Dear California

2012-03-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

We miss you. Terribly.

And yes, those pajamas did happen.

mini-sledding

2012-03-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

My dad took Lincoln sledding two different times: while first time was a success, once the neighbor took his sled back and we tried using a boogie board instead, Lincoln wasn't interested. Still...something about a baby experiencing his first sled ride makes me laugh, especially because his expression was so serious.

around here

2012-03-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Around here, there's been a lot of delicious meals, early mornings in the rocking chair watching Sesame Street, late night CSI reruns on the big screen, gospel discussions, outside playtime, candy runs, games of hide and seek and peek-a-boo, Skype dates with Tyce, walks, music, and fires to keep warm. Lincoln has been in heaven here with everyone entertaining him...I'm honestly concerned about how I'm going to make up for it when we go home!

these boots

2012-03-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

Whenever my dad comes home from work, Lincoln starts yelling and unstably running towards the door to greet him. In the early mornings when everyone is still sleeping and the house is quiet, my dad's footsteps make Lincoln perk up and run around the couch to play a little game of peek-a-boo with his grandpa before he heads to work.

I feel extremely blessed to have parents who adore my baby boy, who get on their hands and knees to chase him down the hall, who take time out of their scheduled, busy days, to show Lincoln how much they love him.

I am often overwhelmed by the love in this house, by the strong sense of family unity, and how much emotional protection from the world my parent's home offers. Love fills every corner, consuming bitterness and bringing peace and refuge from the world. Spending time in this home makes me feel confident that with effort, it is possible to block the negativity of the world from my own family and replace it with peace and self worth.

around here, it's cool to match on purpose

2012-03-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah. Baby-Uncle matching is happening.

snow with a side of cookies

2012-03-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

You'd think because I live in Utah, snow wouldn't be such a big deal. Wrong! Not only have we had a horrible "winter" in Utah, we also live in an apartment complex that is immediately shoveled, then any remaining snow is frozen by the wind.

Luckily my parents live in the only area of Southern California where it does snow, so Lincoln got to have his first snow experience. I think he would've stayed on the deck all night if we let him! After we played in the cold, we built a fire, made cookies, and watched The Fugitive. Warmth, yummy treats, and movies seem so much better when it's snowing outside!

Scout

2012-03-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

This little boy is somewhat obsessed with my family's golden retriever, Scout. Lincoln not only yells "dee-dee!" whenever he sees her, but he also enjoys extracurricular canine activities such as playing in her water bucket and chewing on pieces of wood (when we're not looking). It makes me wish we had a backyard so we could get an animal for Lincoln to grow up with!

On a jet plane

2012-02-29T10:01:00.003-07:00

Last Thursday Lincoln and I flew from Salt Lake City to Oakland, California, then caught another flight home after a two hour layover. I delayed Lincoln's naps so they corresponded with the flights, then let him nurse to sleep.

On the second flight we sat next to a man who looked similar to a 49ers football player, but I was kinda (really) determined to get Lincoln to sleep, so I was all, "you don't scare me, crazy large man spilling onto my seat and stealing my arm rest!" which I more thought than said directly to his face. Then I nursed Lincoln and he fell asleep within the minute. The man ordered a whiskey and proceeded to talk about his three year old daughter who refuses to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Mission accomplished.

P.S. Lincoln and I matched outfits.

this picture is from the minute after

2012-02-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

I said yes to Tyce asking me to marry him two years ago. Geesh I love that guy, and I'm going to miss him for two entire weeks while Lincoln and I visit my family in California (we leave tomorrow)!

Thai to the rescue!

2012-02-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

We've had a rough start with solids: from a problem with malabsorption to a very late highchair, the window for an easy transition to "real food" has apparently been missed, making the transition irritating for all of us.

Luckily we've found something that is dairy free for me, delicious for Tyce, and whaaat? Lincoln loves it too? Done. Wham, bam, thank you Thai Siam.

tub thumpin'

2012-02-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

We have ordered two different highchairs in the last month: the first one we bought was supposed to be for small apartments but it was very flimsy, short, and didn't have any features (the tray wasn't even adjustable, so all of the food would have fallen into Lincoln's lap). The second highchair we bought had lots of features (with some we'd never use), but was so giant that it wouldn't fit in our kitchen or anywhere near without being a complete nuisance to get around.

We finally found one that wasn't too big, or too small. Hopefully this one will be juuust right. Except it's taking forever to get here! My solution: dinner in the bath. Without a highchair he ends up in the bath anyways, so I thought why not skip a messy step of smearing food all over the kitchen and eat meals while taking a bath. Needless to say, Lincoln's had lots of baths lately.

our valentine's day

2012-02-15T12:44:00.001-07:00

On Monday morning, Tyce surprised me by getting a babysitter for the entire day - his mom! We left in two hour increments throughout the day, coming back to feed Lincoln and say hi. It's rare we ever leave Lincoln so it was especially nice to enjoy the day as a couple. We went to Tucano's for dinner and ate so much meat we were still full the next morning. It was delicious.

Since Tyce had work and school until late Tuesday, I snuck up to his work and decorated his car. I'm sure he appreciated the teenage years throwback, and Lincoln loved the balloons Tyce brought home that I had tied to his car. I made brown sugar glazed salmon for a late dinner, then finished off the Valentine's Day candy (since it would be considered "old" the next day, I had no choice).

happy heart day!

2012-02-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Today is the fourth Valentine's Day that Tyce and I have shared together, and you know what? This one is the best! Not because of anywhere we ate or somewhere we went, but because this year we have a greater understanding of love - there was so much missing in our hearts until Lincoln! We know one another better, have fallen in love watching each other become parents, and even though bedtime is now a few hours earlier, our lives are so much happier!

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day is filled with chocolate and kisses!

Meet Bob.

2012-02-12T13:54:00.003-07:00

It's long enough to pull back into a ponytail and short enough that it doesn't touch my shoulders and do that annoying flip thing. It's a little ombre and a lot warmer, and although I seriously miss being blonde, I do not miss the maintenance. Here's to second chances (at least for my hair color)!

when my grandpa was a baby

2012-02-09T11:06:00.001-07:00

My mom has been digging out old pictures of her family so I thought I'd share this one of my grandpa (Lincoln's great grandpa). He's such an adorable little boy, I'd definitely like to high five my great grandma for the cute outfit she dressed him in!

our favorite kind of toy

2012-02-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's possible that Tyce and I had more fun than Lincoln did with the cardboard box game. Our favorite was playing "pawn shop," where we would hand Lincoln toys which he would either put in his box with him, or throw back at us. Sorta hilarious.

bright eyed

2012-02-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Monday, Monday! We're up and ready to run the 14,385 errands we have on our list today. It helps that over the weekend Lincoln's new "big kid" car seat arrived, and I made a pretty rad cd of Yo Gabba Gabba, The Wiggles, and Sesame Street to bump in the car. Gangsta's, watch out!

This is a perfect example of why Lincoln's nicknamed "cheekies"

2012-02-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Nobody died and I want a gold star.

2012-02-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I babysat for the first time in 9 years. I was honestly a little nervous to watch an 18 and 10 month old, but since their age gap is close to what I want between my own kids, I gave it a shot. I was expecting more of a mess and less overall control, possibly preparing for someone to start choking or discover a fatal allergy, but the catastrophic events never occurred.

Besides my fruit snacks mysteriously disappearing and the bite of ice cream Lincoln was fed when I wasn't looking, I'd say I'm a pretty good babysitter. Of course, I am the oldest of 6 siblings, so I do have a little babysitting experience, it's just been a long time!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?

2012-02-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

I see a Lincoln looking at me!

I keep waiting for Brown Bear to get old but so far we still read it on a daily basis. Now, Lincoln points to the animals, pulls the tabs back and turns the pages. Good thing it's heavy cardboard or this book would be toast already!

we're alive!!

2012-01-31T11:39:00.001-07:00

Remember when you were little and accidentally walked in front of the swings and the next thing you know, you've been kicked clear of the sandbox and the wind is knocked out of you? That's a little how this past week felt. Everything was just fine, when, bam! We took a kick to the stomach.

Lincoln had a fever with a temp of 103, and I had a fever from a baby permanently attached to my hip (and boob). Besides helping Lincoln recover, we've been up to diddly. As in diddly-squat. I may even admit that I enjoyed having my squirmy almost-one-year-old cuddle up to me for a few days.

lincoln walking

2012-01-26T13:10:00.001-07:00

I'm enjoying these baby steps, they're so cute!

A few updates and highlights from the past week

2012-01-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Lincoln's walking! He took his first few steps on Saturday and has been working on his stepping skills since then. No big falls to report (yet).

January has been the coldest of the winter months so far, finally giving us some snow. Oddly, our apartment's temperature feels closer to, I don't know...Hell? Since we're the top floor, we get all of the heat from our neighbors living beneath us and you'd think it would be nice, but it gets so hot we have to open windows. On the upside, our gas bill was $9.00 last month.

Nursing has become more difficult because Lincoln cannot bear to sit still longer than 2.34 seconds. When I've run out of head-bopping/singing juice, my occasional solution is playing clips of Sesame Street songs on YouTube while angling a nursing Lincoln so he can see, be entertained, and sit still long enough to eat. We call this a "tv dinner."

Since we initiated sleep training two weeks ago, Tyson and I have been somewhere near heaven. Lincoln goes to bed at 8:30 p.m., wakes up at 8:00 a.m., and takes two naps during the day. Boo-yah! In yo face, exhaustion!

Greg is back with The Wiggles! Okay...maybe that's just big news around this house, but we're all pretty excited over here.

So now you know.

all grown up

2012-01-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Carly has been one of my best friends since I moved to Utah. We met while living in Provo and our souls kind of went, "dude! I've been looking for you!" The following few years we became inseparable and were there for each other through bad relationships, break ups, finishing school, and meeting our husbands.

We both got married (in the same dress), had babies, and started worrying more about play dates and (a little) less about shoes. Carly somewhat recently moved back to Salt Lake, so over the weekend Lincoln and I went to say hello. Carly's son, Cameron, is 10 months older than Lincoln, so it was fun to watch them play together, especially since they don't see much of their own age group.

it's just one of those days

2012-01-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

where no matter how long I talked with my mom, I still had more to say. Luckily, seeing her face via Skype helps alleviate the long distance between us (and I'm sure she appreciates seeing Lincoln). After chatting about things that don't really matter and things that really do matter, I hung up feeling much better.

It doesn't hurt that Spencer, my youngest brother, is such a good lookin' kid too. We're crossing our fingers that Lincoln will grow up and look as handsome as Spencer does (since their baby pictures look very similar)!

If you give a baby a cell phone...

2012-01-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

This past week Lincoln has been practicing his balance skills, but always with my arms or the couch nearby. I usually don't allow Lincoln to play with my cell phone because he immediately tries to eat it (exhibit A), so when I gave it to him he got so excited he stood up without any "security arms." I guess I should be enjoying the last few days of a crawling baby!

smart blonde

2012-01-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's official. I sincerely miss my blonde hair and have decided that brunette is not for me. So let it be written, so let it be done. I'm scheduling a hair appointment to bleachity-bleach my hair back to unhealthy heaven.

Ru-fi-ooohhhh!

2012-01-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago we watched the movie Hook and it was a completely different movie as an adult and a parent, but just as good as when I was little (which is very rare for childhood movies).

Throughout the entire movie Tyce and I kept making comments about how amazing this line was, how we remembered that scene when we were little. How it's so nostalgic and brings back the magic of childhood.

And so many good lines! I thought about including a few of my favorites in this post but I became overwhelmed by how many there are, so instead I'll just strongly encourage a movie night. I can't wait until Lincoln is old enough to follow the story because then we can put it on replay. I'm serious about my Hook.

a "slice of heaven" or, "regular apple pie."

2012-01-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate when you pay an entire $4.99 for a slice of supposed "heaven," only to find out you made a better tasting French Apple pie yourself? Me too. It was one of those days where I had serious cabin fever and needed to leave our apartment (or die), so we drove a block away to Marie Calendars and had dessert.

Yes, I could've made (much) better dessert at home. Yes, it was a ridiculous way to spend money...but in the end, I didn't die from I've-been-in-one-room-for-too-long syndrome, and isn't that worth something? I think so.

C is for cookie

2012-01-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

My mom gave me a delicious recipe for oatmeal cookies. I've made them twice and can't get them to taste as good as they did when we made them in my mom's kitchen. Why is that? It's rude, I tell you! We make half with raisins (for me), half with chocolate chips (for Tyce). After they're out of the oven, I don't like them touching each other; I enforce segregation of the chocolate chipped - I don't want their melty brown goo to get on mine!

This video was what inspired our cookie craving, so we put it on replay while we mixed ingredients. We know the neighbors appreciated our music choice. Who doesn't love an off-note singing monster?

looking horribly uncomfortable while dreaming

2012-01-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

For the past two nights, this is how Lincoln has fallen asleep. After I sneak in and take a few pictures to document how insanely uncomfortable this looks, I re-situate him in a more aesthetically pleasing sleeping position. The flexibility of a baby's body baffles me!

yesterday

2012-01-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

We made a little donation to the Utah Food Bank. We planned to donate baby food for Christmas but December became too busy. Better late than never though! Lincoln was so tired he didn't wake up once the entire trip, even when the food bank workers were helping us unload and didn't realize there was a baby in the car to be quiet for. Success!

Our sweet setup.

2012-01-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

It's the week before school starts again for Tyce, so we've been watching a lot of movies and probably staying up later than is responsible. While our PC has a larger flat screen, it has also decided it can't read anything we put into the cd drive, so we're stuck with one little option: my laptop.

I'm just gonna come out and say it - we're so ballin'. High rollin' ballers. Typically we don't like to brag and flaunt our ability to turn any room in our apartment into a full blown movie theatre...but I thought...just this once.

Did you know

2012-01-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

that In-N-Out is dairy and gluten free (including their spread)? Since I am banned from all things dairy this was serious news, so we ate In-N-Out two nights in a row and I finished every fry and every last bite of delicious greasy hamburger without any guilt. Both nights.

I present to you, Night Number One:

And Night Number Two:

We finished the nights with apple pie, then came home and slipped into food comas.

homemade pizza

2012-01-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I don't own as many cooking ingredients as I should, so most recipes I find I can't make without a trip to the grocery store (ugh). I'm still learning and figuring out what we like to eat, but a large part of that discovery is actually purchasing the spices, ingredients, and cooking tools which I still don't own. It's an investment, who knew (obviously not me).

While I was home I was excited to try a homemade pizza recipe (found here) because my mom's kitchen has everything (including a Bosch) I would need. We made bar-b-que chicken with fresh mozzarella, a white pizza (which had alfredo sauce, cheddar, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese), an "everything" pizza, and a Hawaiian pizza. I don't think I'll invest that much time into pizza again, but it was a perfect meal to get everyone involved!

oh Mr. New Year...

2012-01-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

2011 has flown by, sadly. It was a year of falling in love with a new baby boy, celebrating our first year of marriage together, and attempting to readjust our lives and begin our own family. Every new year I look back and wonder how it went by so quickly, but having a baby really speeds things up.

Witnessing the first year of a child's life is like watching a movie on fast forward - every week there is a difference, every day there is enormous growth. It helps me appreciate every short day, look forward to the quiet moments I get to spend with my little family, and be grateful for our happiness.

I keep telling myself that 2012 will be the year I "catch my breath," maybe slow down the major life events? I'm sure having a toddler, possibly beginning Graduate courses, and having Tyce in school and work full time will keep us busy enough!

"this is war"

2011-12-30T03:19:00.001-07:00

Some families watch festive movies on Christmas Eve, others go caroling. My family used to make gingerbread houses, but have since graduated to a more serious tradition that reminds us to be thankful for our life and safety. Hello, paint balling! It's always sounded painful and not altogether appealing, but somehow this year I let Rachel convince me to put on seven layers of sweatshirts and join in.

Once I was huddled behind a tree in the freezing cold and hardly able to see far enough to spot the opposing team from my foggy face shield, I remembered why I decided to sit out in the past. To add to my quickly increasing list of reasons playing was a bad choice, darling Rachel hit me twice on the inner thigh. The inner thigh! I still have huge black bruises, which are a very sexy addition to my white legs.

To be fair, I did get her back - in. the. face. So take that, paint balling. It didn't feel as satisfying as I'd hoped, but maybe I was just too cold to do cartwheels across the war zone. Or maybe I was about to pee my pants in fear. Okay, probably both.

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Christmas was a little different this year than it has been because there wasn't anyone that wanted to wake up early (last year that will happen for us). Tyce made a german pancake breakfast, then after nine people battled over three bathrooms to get ready in one hour, we went to church and enjoyed a Christmas musical program.

When we got home I put Lincoln down for a nap, snuck a few cookies to hold me over until after presents, then spent time with my siblings while we waited for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to finish laying out stockings. After presents we ate hor d'oeuvres, pulled wrapping paper out of Lincoln's mouth 64 times, visited with my grandparents when they stopped by, and then took Sunday naps.

After an amazing dinner, we sat around the fireplace talking and watching my little brother's lego motorized bulldozer drive around the floor, trying to avoid the topic of bedtime since it was our last night there.

Christmas Eve(ish)

2011-12-28T15:05:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve is my favorite, I love it more than Christmas day because of the anticipation and the family which always surrounds me. This year my dad read us the Christmas story from the bible and explained it in greater detail, giving us historical references to help us understand what else was going on in the world at the time of Christ's birth.

I feel extremely blessed to have such a beautiful family, one who values their time together and makes efforts to be together as much as possible. I am already home sick! Our Christmas vacation was better than hoped, and having Lincoln to share it with made it that much better.

salt lake city, we're back!

2011-12-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

We're home and a little sad about it! Christmas with my family is always better than hoped for, so we're missing everybody already. After a 14 hour drive yesterday (thank you, stopped traffic to Las Vegas) we are napping and attempting to ease Lincoln back into a much smaller play space.

home for the holiday

2011-12-22T00:16:00.000-07:00

Being home for the holidays is the best! We've been catching up on our sleep, taking advantage of all the babysitters and enjoying my mom's beautiful Christmas decorations, lights and warm fires. One thing that is difficult about being home is knowing we have to leave and be so far from Lincoln's amazing grandparents. Enjoy the last few days before Christmas, they are always my favorite!

weekend links

2011-12-18T17:27:00.001-07:00

via

We're beginning to fill our suitcases as I write this because tomorrow we're off to California! I hope you enjoy the last Sunday before Christmas, December has flown by. Kinda sad and exciting, at the same time. Here's a few links for your day:

25 ideas to make your life easier.

Your husband would like this website (and you, too, if youre awesome).

Every year this family does a traditional Christmas video instead of a card.

A dolphin jetpack!? I want one!

The most powerful images of 2011.

Why men and women can't be friends.

H&M use fake, computer generated bodies for their models (then paste different heads on later).

Kids' cereals that have more sugar than chocolate chip cookies.

Money origami.

Home Alone house for sale!

kids come with handbooks

2011-12-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

A favorite saying amongst parents is that, "kids don't come with handbooks." My favorite response is my dad's, arguing there are so many educational tools to help, it is almost as if a handbook were provided (you just have to take the effort to find and read them). While it is true no two children are the same, it is also true that there are many psychologists, professors of child development, and the advice of more educationally experienced all available within the pages of books or the screen of your computer, covering many personalities and offering insight to children's behavior.

When Lincoln was born, my mom drove from California to help us "learn the ropes." My parents were beyond excited to become grandparents, and very supportive of us beginning a family. They brought articles they had saved from their years of parenting and books that helped with a clearer understanding of how to emotionally care for a child.

As my baby begins the transition into toddlerhood, I am beginning to understand the importance of such education! I've pulled down the binder filled with the articles my parents gifted us; from my readings this morning, one passage in particular stuck out to me about the importance of mother-child relationships. From the article "Understanding emotions in early childhood helps overall health:"

One of the major factors in good emotional health in children came from a strong relationship with their mother. From a young age, a child's emotion often mirrors the expression on their mother's face. As they get older, words are added and through their vocabulary and language they are able to categorize and express emotion.

Studies showed that as mothers recognized and identified emotions, linking them with situations they were in, their children were more able to understand their emotions and act accordingly. As children understand their emotions, they are more able to understand themselves, develop morally and have a greater social understanding.

"The emotional and emotionate character of young children depends significantly on stress and support in their environments of care, especially their experience in close relationships," Dr. Thompson said. "Emotions can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming to young children. This is why what is said and how it is said is so important."

P.S. These long posts are a result of being home for too long cleaning!

busy as a bee (on lunch break)

2011-12-15T15:34:00.001-07:00

Today we're running around trying to finish our Christmas shopping and crossing the last things off our "to do" list before we head into the weekend (and to California). In between errands we like to get silly and play on Photo Booth - it's better than a mirror, we think!

on nursing and why I don't want to stop

2011-12-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

The past few days I've been thinking a lot about breastfeeding and the sacrifices I have made to be able for it. When I first found out I was pregnant, I thought that I only wanted to breastfeed for 6 months because I didn't want to be tied down and worried it might be limiting. By the time I was in the delivery room eight months later, we had done enough research about the irreplaceable benefits of nursing that I was committed for a year...but it still sounded daunting.

After a little struggle with latching the first few days, a serious infection the next month, then dealing with Lincoln's acid reflux, breastfeeding seemed as difficult as I'd imagined. But maybe that's why I stuck with it? Somehow, I managed to wade through all of the problems and create this amazing bond with my baby (and eat almost whatever I wanted). While I worried I'd feel trapped by breastfeeding, I instead felt comfort by the fact I was needed, loving being the one who could calm him. All of the sacrifices (even you, dairy) are so worth it!

Nine months into our breastfeeding relationship, I have a hard time thinking it will be over in three months (maybe I'll choose to continue longer?). It's become so apart of my routine, giving me little "timeouts" throughout the day to help me regain perspective and connect with my baby. In the beginning I nursed because of the health benefits for Lincoln, but as we near the end, I can honestly say that there's just as many benefits for me. Do I nurse for selfish reasons? Maybe. Okay, yes. And I'm not sorry.

*picture from August, outside of a Starbucks in CA.

oh christmas tree!

2011-12-13T12:56:00.001-07:00

This year we were very committed to the idea of having our own Christmas tree, until we realized we are leaving for California in a week, and did we really want to come home to dead pine needles on our floor? And did we really want to purchase ornaments, a tree stand and lights, just for one week? So in lieu of a real tree, I made one on our sliding doors with masking tape, a marshmallow garland, and a doily star. Call me crafty! And cheap! Definitely not as good as the real deal, but for this year it will work for us.

This gave me a little adrenaline rush!

2011-12-10T14:06:00.001-07:00

Who needs caffeine when you have this?

weekend links

2011-12-09T17:39:00.001-07:00

Somehow we have been pretty busy the past week, and I'm anxious for Tyce to take his finals so I can have him all to myself for a few days. I'm feeling pretty selfish with Tyce's time lately, so I'm glad he gets a break soon (hear that, employment? And you, education? He's mine!). I hope everyone has a festive weekend, Christmas is just around the corner! Here's a few links I've had my eye on...

Modern perforated trees.

This website is hilarious!

Every song by The Beatles, played simultaneously.

What an awesome app!

I would love these knuckle tattoo gloves in my stocking :)

Adorable heart earbuds.

Cool idea for a Christmas tree in a too-small-for-a-Christmas-tree space (also found here).

Whoah! That's some intense concealer!

Some interesting facts and figures about Christmas.

just a little 'hawk for your day

2011-12-08T13:07:00.001-07:00

Oh yes, that is Tyce. He was pretty serious about his hair back in the day, at one point even growing it so long that when he cut it, it was long enough to donate to Locks of Love. Before he had a full time job while going to school plus a wife and baby, he had more time to dedicate to his 'do, and lemme tell ya, he rocked a few good ones. It's radical, no?

what's making me smile (and laugh a little) today

2011-12-07T13:09:00.001-07:00

1. My baby's naked bum.

2. How Lincoln reminds me of a 95 year old bald man with a walker when he pushes his "first steps" wheeled toy around.

3. That Tyce is at home and I can go kiss him whenever i want (even if he had to go through food poisoning yesterday).

4. Using Christmas songs as lullabies.

5. Molasses ginger snaps.

6. My moose head socks that Lincoln keeps smiling at whenever I walk by.

7. The new way our living room is arranged (leaving the drapes more accessible to play peek-a-boo).

8. My cupboard stalked with ground flaxseed, steel cut oats, and almonds (ready to be ground up and added to Lincoln's food).

9. Pomegranate in every meal (granola, salad, ice cream - what can't I put them on?).

10. Sharing grapes with Lincoln while we sit on the floor in front of the refrigerator.

late links

2011-12-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend we've been rearranging our apartment to make room for a Christmas tree! I think it was one of those projects we stood back and said, "yeah that would take an hour, tops," then five hours later we still weren't done (so we made "crownies," or brownies with cookies baked on top to give us the sugar shock we needed to finish). I'm pleased to announce we now have room for a tree!
As for my usual weekend links...better late than never, right? So here they are.

Before and after pictures of Redbook's cover girl

(and have you seen this video? No wonder women's perception of beauty is distorted!)

How to choose the right red lipstick.

This guide is awesome for holiday gifts, recipes, and DIYs.

Ninja cookie cutters!

Cool way to wrap a gift card.

Construction plate and utensils!

Ridiculously adorable little French girl makes up a fairy tale.

5 best toys of all time.

alright!

2011-12-02T21:57:00.001-07:00

I did it. I finally went dark.

I'm still surprised every time I look in the mirror, but I sort of love it!

theories (on a second baby)

2011-12-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Last week we had dinner with two other couples who live across the street from us. Not only was the food seriously delicious, but the hosting couple also had a little boy named Maddix that we were able to test some personal theories out on. We've been debating the "when" of a second baby, wondering how many years to space them apart, and if we can afford it while Tyce is still in school.

Any questions making us think twice about another baby sort of flew out the window when we saw Maddix and Lincoln together though. Before this, we didn't have any kids with the appropriate age gap from Lincoln to compare our said theory to, but now, two year spacing seems perfect...I think my ovaries did little cartwheels? And no Mom, I won't sign anything in blood, but it's made us baby hungry again!

By the way...it's December! Let the Christmas countdown begin!

it's Christmas time in the city

2011-11-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

It's becoming our tradition (Tyce, Rach and mine) to go and see the lights at Temple Square every Christmas season. Last year we went the last weekend the lights were up so the crowds were insane. I was pregnant, it was freezing, and the parking was pretty horrendous. This year, we switched it up and went the first weekend the lights were on to lessen the crowd (and cold) situation.

For the first 15 minutes Lincoln did great, but he got cold faster than we anticipated (he was wearing so many layers he was literally one giant puff ball) so we walked around the short way and headed back to the [closely parked] car. It was fun to see him reach out to touch the lights, and made us more excited (possible?) for Christmas. The minute we got in the car, Lincoln nuzzled his cold nose against me, then happily babbled the rest of the drive (nursing=magic). Once home, we made chocolate chip cookies and warmed up with hazelnut hot chocolate. Now we just need a tree and it will officially feel like Christmas!

sweet potato, sweet potato!

2011-11-29T14:00:00.001-07:00

So I'll admit, Lincoln doesn't eat as many solids as he should. He's tried the basics, but I don't have a "system" down yet. We're working on it, slowly building up our "super baby food," but I still have a few weeks before I feel completely confident in this pureed meal game.

On Thanksgiving, Tyce's mom mashed some sweet potatoes for Lincoln, and he was so happy I felt like I needed to stand up and solemnly swear to give my baby more solids and not deprive his poor, solids-starved little soul any longer (so help me God). Seriously though, I did feel like Lincoln threw a few looks my way that said, "rude, mom!"

P.S. Did I mention Lincoln sat in the highchair (metal tray and all) that Tyce sat in when he was little? Oh yes, it happened, and frankly I'm impressed by all of the babies who survived those things! Talk about survival of the fittest - any baby weighing less than 20 lbs could slip right out and onto the floor!

sunday shares

2011-11-27T18:45:00.001-07:00

Isn't it insane how fast time goes, especially with a baby? And how much more fun everything is, too? Tonight we are going to see the Christmas lights at temple square, so we're pulling out all of our warmest clothes and remembering how the little boy on A Christmas Story felt ("I can't put my arms down!").

*picture from last April (Lincoln was only a month old)!
And of course, here's a few of my favorites links this week:

Draw a stick man (seriously entertaining).

The site where you search for recipes based on what's already on your fridge.

Beautiful doily lamp tutorial (that leaves pretty shadows on the walls).

The effects of candy on your teeth enamel.

Funny attachable bicycle accessory that makes your bike look like a horse.

Awesome striped leggings (bonus: Lincoln and I could match)!

Cool photos of someone "playing with the moon."

The sunglasses on my Christmas wish list.

Thanksgiving (in 24 hours)

2011-11-26T01:04:00.001-07:00

Our Thanksgiving this year was more of the mad dash type. Late Wednesday night we left Salt Lake and drove to Tyce's parent's home in Idaho, then drove back after dinner on Thursday, making it home within 24 hours of leaving. On Thanksgiving day, we woke up to a German pancake breakfast, then relaxed (and worked on nap time with Lincoln) until the turkey was done.

I have a very strict personal rule to never feel famished for more than a few hours (hello grouch), but for Thanksgiving I thought it would be smart to wait since the meal was so large. After the delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and candied yams, I remembered another reason I created that rule: I practically had to be rolled out the door because I ate so much. And I forgot my stretchy pants.

this year

2011-11-25T00:48:00.001-07:00

In Utah where most of the LDS girls get married by the age of 23, a few of my past birthdays haven't exactly felt like celebrations since I was single and the pressure to find my "someone" increasingly mounted. Birthdays usually seemed more like "reminders" - to get married sooner than later - than fun. I'm kinda excited about my birthday this year - not because of all the presents or the crown I will indefinitely wear all day, but because of what I already have in my life.

This year is different. Since I knocked out marriage and a baby in one year, I have no more anxiety about the future. Only excitement. Who knew I'd love being a parent or a wife so much? This year, I feel good about who I have become and where my life is headed. No more questions or pressure, just my birthday. It's about time, too!

hey guys!

2011-11-23T16:17:00.001-07:00

Today we are getting ready to head up to Idaho for Thanksgiving with Tyce's parents. Oh, and playing in diaper boxes.

ridiculous

2011-11-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Every winter it hits me: I married someone cool. Really cool.

And ridiculously good at snowboarding.

always more favorites

2011-11-20T15:13:00.001-07:00

Ah Sunday. And lots of links!

Amazing photos from the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest.

DIY faux fur vest.

Cake batter pancakes (we are trying these for my birthday this week)!

Your child's silhouette, engraved on a necklace.

Gratitude rolls.

Beautiful cinemagraphs.

I've had this birth story on my mind all week (and I might have cried when I read it).

Rice & beans for dinner once a week to remember how much we have.

make love, not war.

2011-11-19T00:09:00.000-07:00

Lately I've felt great! Like, Tony the Tiger great. The past few months I've felt somewhere between run over and extremely drained, so this sudden bounce in my step is pretty awesome! Since I was trying to adjust to a baby's demands, getting up 2-5 times a night and not running on my body's own selfish schedule anymore, I thought feeling so exhausted was normal. And then.

And then I realized the only liquid I was drinking all day was Diet Coke, realized I don't get close to the recommended amount of liquid (not even water, just any liquid), and that my skin was not tolerating the seasonal change well. After looking up the recommended amount of water to drink every day (nursing moms = 80 ounces!) I decided to commit. Just for a few days, to see if I was missing anything (besides 50 trips to the bathroom).

The first day I drank 60 ounces and felt amazing. I wasn't planning on feeling different, but my energy level jumped. My lips aren't constantly chapped, my hair isn't as brittal, and I don't feel like I have a refrigerator strapped to my back (because, you know, it gets hard to walk around like that after 3.23 seconds). I don't even buy Diet Coke anymore (possibly because there is literally no room in my stomach after so much water). Maybe I'm experiencing a "no-duh" moment, but I'm still surprised at much better I feel. From now on, all my water bottle hears from me is, "oh heyyyy!"

and then there were two

2011-11-18T10:21:00.001-07:00

Phew! This week Lincoln (and me!) put in some hard work getting those bottom two teeth through, and they are finally both out! Good thing, because we could use a nap.

baby it's cold outside

2011-11-16T23:19:00.001-07:00

I love bundling up every time I leave the house lately, it feels so festive! The dropping temperature (okay and maybe the fact Michael Buble's Christmas album is on repeat) makes me want peppermint hot chocolate and rainbow candy canes already!

P.S. When I see these two boys together it makes my heart swell.

holiday season shopping? no thank you.

2011-11-15T23:39:00.001-07:00

On Monday evening we decided to head over to the newly opened H&M, and see if we couldn't score some of their skinny jeans I keep hearing about. The moment our stroller wheels crossed the cement onto tile, I knew it was a bad idea to keep heading deeper into the sea of people, but the jeans! The blazers! The fur vests! By the time we made it halfway across the store I was beginning to suffocate in all of the pushy, wearing-five-trends-minimum, overzealous girls that filled the store (I moved out of Provo for a reason, because let's be honest, it gets intimidating).

There were so many people that we pushed our stroller onto the escalator and found the kid's section (still crowded but cheaper priced so I managed). We scored a pretty adorable beanie for Lincoln, and one day, I will feel brave and mean enough to push my way through the masses. But maybe without a baby in tow?

61 seconds of lincoln laughs

2011-11-15T01:21:00.001-07:00

links i love

2011-11-13T21:19:00.001-07:00

We've been hard at work, sleep training and holiday planning! I hope everyone else's weekends have been good, can't you just feel Thanksgiving in the air? I'm very excited about that over here.

This is an awesome commercial.

My favorite hooded towel big enough for toddlers.

Using book pages as wallpaper? Yes, please.

A beautiful photograph wall I want in my future home.

Scandinavian-style leggings for under $6!

Use "matte for men" lip balm on top of your favorite lipstick color for a matte effect.

A fitness motivating website. I need it!

J.Crew, bottled. The perfect hue of lipstick (sold out, but not for long).

A manicure in your choice of OPI polish that never chips.

rachel turns 19

2011-11-11T12:07:00.001-07:00

My sister, Rachel, turned 19 yesterday! Since she's all the way up in Idaho I couldn't make her confetti waffles for breakfast or ice cream cake for dessert, so I made her this...

We will be celebrating later (since both of our birthdays are this month), but until then, I hope a little naked Lincoln helped!

penguins from texas

2011-11-10T14:14:00.001-07:00

On Monday, Tyce's parents were in town and took us to the Aquarium. They had penguins on loan from a Texas zoo (with an audience so large Tyce had to put Lincoln on his shoulders to see), sting rays we were able to pet, and beautiful jelly fish. There were lots of snakes, and the aquarium had an infrared picture (ours is here) that showed how reptiles see warmth.

The entire time I kept whispering to Tyce, "that's all the space they get? They hardly have room to stretch!" Although the aquarium is a great learning experience, it's also a very sad and limiting place for animals. Penguins just weren't made to be stuck in a small room in Sandy, Utah, you know? And then we drove home, put Lincoln down for a nap, and ordered pizza. Tyce's parents even watched Lincoln for us, so we snuck out for an hour! Now that's my kind of Monday night.

this is how snakes see us

2011-11-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

and personally, I am a little jealous!

*picture from our trip to the Aquarium, visiting the reptile section.

the more that you read, the more things you will know.

2011-11-08T00:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Dr. Suess lines is, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

When it's too cold to be outside and we don't have any plans, we usually head to our local bookstore. While Lincoln is usually a wiggle worm, always moving and trying to find something new to put in his mouth, on our lap with an open book he is very still and very attentive. I think I read "Brown Bear" at least 6 times a day, and I am in love with his interest in opening every book he can pull off his bookshelf.

The only downside to his new obsession with books is when we want to browse through magazines. Because, you know. Those pages are very colorful and tear easily (or apparently have "to Lincoln" written all over them. And since Lincoln can read, this all makes sense).

favorite(s)

2011-11-06T19:32:00.001-07:00

via

I hope everyone's Sunday has been as good as mine! We went to Sugar House BBQ last night, had amazing ribs, then had bbq pulled pork sandwiches for lunch today. That literally put me into a food coma, so my little family went to sleep and just woke up from a two hour hibernation. Isn't the time change wonderful? I was on time for church (when does that happen with a baby?) and Lincoln's bedtime is now an hour earlier. Yes! Here are a few of my favorites this week...

Great article on how to talk to little girls.

This website usually guarantees a laugh.

Awesome men's wedding band.

How to repair broken eye shadow!

Cute street art.

This shark robe for babies kills me.

Oh Johnny Depp. You're weird, but in this case, right on!

Our eyes are on this puffy suit for Lincoln this winter.

Easy and fast salmon recipe we love.

a little something for your saturday...

2011-11-05T14:47:00.000-06:00

it's snowing here! it's so pretty, but for the first time this season we've turned our heater on (so our apartment smells like something was burnt). we're almost over our colds and have tyce's parents visiting for the weekend, so hopefully we can remember to get naps in so this bug doesn't sneak back up on us! hope everyone is having a good weekend!

we've been working

2011-11-04T01:11:00.000-06:00

All week we've been trying to beat this cold. We have been taking lots of warm bubble baths, drinking lots of water, building forts out of sheets, and cuddling under the covers. Lincoln's cough doesn't seem as bad today, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the germs are finally retreating. One good thing about baby boy being sick is he sleeps more, so we've been working on getting a solid sleep schedule down. If life gives you lemons...

giant pumpkins

2011-11-02T13:31:00.002-06:00

On Halloween, we went and saw Utah's largest pumpkin (and lots of baby ones). Lincoln has been sick so he was a little sleepy, but sitting in the dirt seemed to make him feel better. I think there is something about dirt that soothes little boy's souls. Like every month, October seemed to fly by, but it's nice to put on Christmas music and move closer to the "bigger" holidays of the season!

not so tricky this year

2011-11-01T14:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we revisited the farm (our trip found here) and actually found the pumpkin patch! Then we went home, handed candy out to a few trick-or-treaters, and studied for Tyce's midterm. Party animals, I know, but Lincoln has a cough and going out in the cold just wasn't in the cards for us this year - perhaps the last year we can pull the "stay at home" card on Halloween! At least all of our extra candy made for yummy study snacks though!

clickity click

2011-10-30T16:37:00.000-06:00

I hope your Halloween weekend is going great! Here are a few of my favorites from around the web...

I want this Hans Solo in carbonite ice cube tray!

This is the best quote ever. Shouldn't we all be telling ourselves this?

Toms are coming out with ballerina flats this spring. I want a leopard pair!

I am obsessed with baby legs for winter, and if I had a sewing machine I could use this DIY tutorial and make my own (mom? a little help here?).

Rain boots!

Are these people dressed up for Halloween, or do they just live in Williamsburg?

We are using one of these ugly fridge cover-up ideas.

I love these dotted tights!

And lastly, "people are awesome." Seriously...amazing.

what's up, grandpa - I mean, Rachel?

2011-10-29T18:43:00.000-06:00

While I was looking through all of Tyce's past Halloween costumes (found here), I remembered my sister, Rachel, is also talented at the game of dress up. Rachel's dedication to authentic costumes is one of the many reasons she's my favorite person to hang out with.

*picture 1 - grandpa & grandma, 2 - Legolas & Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, 3 - janitor

fail.

2011-10-29T15:34:00.003-06:00

So I'm just gonna say it. We bought Lincoln a girl's Halloween costume (without realizing it). We bought this costume months ago, and didn't think it would morph into something completely different once actually on...oops? I thought about posting the few pictures we took while we were bent over from laughing so hard, but that would be somewhat cruel, especially since Lincoln doesn't make a cute girl (which added to how funny it looked).

Instead of go to a Halloween party without costumes, we took a walk. A long walk. When we got home we ordered pizza, rented Red Riding Hood, and laughed again. Because really, what else can you do after that, you know?

Tyce takes Halloween very seriously.

2011-10-27T18:42:00.001-06:00

*pictures

1 - cowboy

2 - Kingpin

3 - thing 1 & thing 2

4 - redneck (and flying home the next day in costume)

5 - pirate

6 - Michael Jackson

that one time I dressed up two years ago...

2011-10-26T02:15:00.000-06:00

I'm starting to get excited for Halloween, and all the fun festivities (I must be excited to use that word) happening this weekend. In the past, I think the only time I ever "dressed up" [as an adult] was two years ago. Because Tyce made me (he is sorta really into Halloween costumes). Tyce was Michael Jackson, and I was "a star" (or Captain Obvious).

Maybe I hated costumes because the majority available to girls were way too short/low/sexy to actually wear in October (or ever outside of my bedroom?), or maybe because I was always busy studying for midterms, but this year Halloween is a completely different game. It's fun! Because I have a baby, the pressure is off to look like a hot version of cat woman, and on to look like a character from Sesame Street. Bring it!

john deere

2011-10-25T00:25:00.001-06:00

Our goal: finding the best pumpkin patch in the Salt Lake Valley. Instead, we ended up spending the day on an enormous farm, looking at the animals and farming equipment, wondering how we got to this agricultural oasis. Another day we'll hurry past the goats, the chickens, the geese and ducks, the horses, cows and pigs, to find the hidden pumpkin patch. But not this day. This day we took our time, and promised to come back again for the rest.

links I favor

2011-10-23T18:49:00.000-06:00

Today has been full of church, sweat pants, and naps (in that order). I love those kinds of Sundays!

A few links for your evening:

This website about the little things can turn a bad day into a good one, and make a good day better.

This artist uses her skin condition, called dermatographic urticaria (causes skin to become inflamed when lightly scratched) to create temporary designs on her skin.

25 ways to wear a scarf.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle faces made from famous noses.

My dream rocking chair (perfect for our little apartment).

I love these dinner table rules!

A vaccination against Uggs? We could all use one.

This scene from White Christmas makes me so excited for holiday movies!

saturday is a special day

2011-10-22T15:14:00.001-06:00

*it's a day to

do laundry

listen to Band of Horses

and get ready for Sunday!

holy friday!

2011-10-21T16:04:00.001-06:00

I can't believe the weekend is here already! Tyce works on Saturday (and has Mondays off), so it doesn't feel too weekendy around here ... yet. We are trying to finish running some errands, but since we took a huge, glorious nap today (air high fives!) we are running a bit behind. Also not helping us get anything done: Lincoln has learned how to "dance" to music, so we've both been rocking out over here. I think we've gone through the entire new album of Foster the People and Muse. We are thinking that cupcakes will help get us motivated to hurry a little faster and get out of here? And hot chocolate, of course. Maybe that will help Friday feel more like itself!

*this picture is from over a year ago ... ah the shagadelic tyce!

XOXO

2011-10-20T16:20:00.000-06:00

As the Brazilians say, "Beijos!" (kisses!)

all dressed up (and no one to eat them)

2011-10-19T13:56:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend we made caramel apples. The caramel slipped off the first two, so we ate them while the caramel was still warm, then tried again. We dipped the apples in crushed up oreos, mini M&Ms, and chopped peanuts. Although they are delicious, Tyce and I are both hesitant to chomp down on sticky caramel - we like our dental fillings inside our teeth! So, our pretty caramel apples, all dressed up in candy, have sat inside our fridge, looking sadly out at us every time we reach past them for soy milk. Are we sounding like real parents, or what?

*if you look closely at the picture with the video monitor, you can see Tyce, Lincoln, and Rachel in the screen!

crikey!

2011-10-18T14:48:00.000-06:00

Whenever Lincoln is chewing on Sophie the Giraffe, Tyce does this Australian accented narrative, "Lincoln the lion is ferociously hungry today, see how he grabs the giraffe by the throat? Crikey!" So when we found this little lion hat, we told ourselves we didn't have much of a choice. Lincoln needed it to complete his inner lion.

linc o'lantern

2011-10-17T12:30:00.000-06:00

I said I had big plans for that pumpkin! I based our idea on a picture from Pinterest (found here), and I have to say, it turned out better than planned. Lincoln was a good sport and sat in the pumpkin happily once we let him look and touch the slippery inside. After we were done with "Linc o'lantern," Tyce carved the pumpkin into an upside-down jack o'lantern and put it on the balcony.

Halloween is way more fun when you have a baby to put in your pumpkin!

sleepy sunday favorites

2011-10-16T16:39:00.001-06:00

Lincoln is 7 months old today. Where does time go?! We are working on a Sunday nap around here - even my sister, Rachel, is making an effort to get baby boy to sleep by singing some old school Girls Camp songs. I can handle 2 a.m. but I cannot handle missing my post-church Sunday nap!

Here are a few favorites from this past week:

These pencil tip carvings are amazing!

Before it rains, I want a striped umbrella like this one.

Some of the best things in life.

Adorable/funny video on how to make a baby!

I've wanted this paper bag skirt to wear with thick socks or tights. And a DIY tutorial.

Obsessed with this mustard colored dress.

Gold dipped ballerina flats! Who can I buy them from?

This girl's got it right - embrace messy hair!

He owns me (as in OWNS me).

2011-10-14T02:52:00.000-06:00

It's a somewhat pathetic feeling when your world becomes dominated by the urge (or desperation) to sleep. Right now, I'd give up anything for a nap, even a three hour stretch of solid sleep at night. Before you have a baby you think, "I've gone without sleep, how bad could it be?" So I'll let you in on a secret: bad. I've gone 48 hours without sleep many times, even ran on 4-5 hours per night for a week. This is different. It's never sleeping more than 2.5 hours at once over many weeks (or months). When you actually do sleep, it's very light because your subconscious knows a baby is about to cry - so don't get too comfortable! And no caffeine. Ouch.

The little man has been sleep-rocking my world the last week. He has been going to bed at 2 a.m. (right!? Insanity!) and only teases nap time by sleeping for 20 minutes during the day. I'm reading sleep books (although lack of sleep makes it difficult to focus), doing all the "tricks" to help him fall asleep earlier (doesn't help Lincoln but Tyce is out like a light), and I'm laying off the Diet Coke. Hopefully this is a phase. A very short, little phase.

To me, sleep sounds better than eating Nutella out of the jar while shoe shopping with a black American Express. So if you'll excuse me for the short posts, my focus lies elsewhere (like how excited I am for Lincoln to conk off so I can get a little drool on my own pillow)! All I seem to have a passion for lately is a few hours of shut-eye, and how sad is that? My main point: baby boy owns me. Am I the one in charge here? I forget...

big ones!

2011-10-13T14:25:00.000-06:00

We have

big plans

for this pumpkin!

first hot chocolate of the season

2011-10-12T12:54:00.002-06:00

It was chilly enough for Lincoln to wear his bear ears, but not cold enough to need a jacket. We ordered a salted caramel hot chocolate (yum), read magazines, and browsed through books. I never have enough books (in fact, this has become a problem), and probably look similar to a kid in a candy store when I'm choosing one to purchase. When Tyce and I were still dating, we would always be at the bookstore while everyone else was at the movies or out to dinner on Saturday night. For us, it's a perfect little date. I've missed our bookstore nights, so I'm glad Lincoln is finally old enough to tag along!

yesterday

2011-10-11T13:20:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a very busy day. I had a dentist appointment (laughing gas = amazingness) that took three hours, then Tyce and I celebrated our anniversary while Lincoln spent some time with his grandma Fuller (who drove all the way from Idaho to watch him)! Since baby boy still refuses a bottle, we went to Stella Grill just down the street from our apartment, came home and fed Lincoln, then headed back out for cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory. It was a very overdue date night and we had so much fun we're already trying to find a way (and babysitter) to do it again. Soon.

bliggity bloggin'

2011-10-10T22:31:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I let my inner (usually silent) blogger come out to play, and I attended a Utah Blogger's Party. After meeting these beautiful and very stylish girls, I am rethinking my attitude and possibly considering "coming out" as an avid blogger!

There are everyone's links and more pictures here and here, just be warned: a few hours goes quick when browsing these awesome blogs!

Anniversary

2011-10-09T00:36:00.000-06:00

One year down, 938,483,393,498,3598 to go (maybe even more)!

25 lb. pumpkin

2011-10-08T15:18:00.002-06:00

Last night I went to a Utah Blogger's Party in Highland for a few hours. Since Lincoln still refuses to take a bottle, he started getting hungry and cranky about thirty minutes before I made it back, so Tyce bundled him up and took him to get their first pumpkin. I met them there and when I pulled up, this is what was waiting for me out my car window....

And then we picked a giant pumpkin (25 lbs to be exact), bought caramels and apples, and headed home.

favorite things (these are a few)

2011-10-07T04:01:00.000-06:00

There's a lot going on this weekend for me (and hopefully that encompasses presents and flowers). We celebrate our year anniversary, and although it's only been one, little, tiny year - it feels so important! If you didn't notice, we kinda got a lot done in those 12 months.

Here are a few favorites from the past week...

My favorite hair product is dry shampoo. This covers the how/why/when.

Here's a DIY: add your own suede elbow patches (so gorgeous on everything long-sleeved this fall).

Alexa Chung's line for Madewell. I want everything. This article helped me narrow it down.

Awesome hair elastics (that won't leave a dent in your hair).

Head-wraps seem so effortless, I want to try one!

My fashion icon: Edie Sedgwick.

Boot socks!

A favorite outfit.

Blog post about the importance of motherhood (mentioned by Elder Neil L. Anderson in conference).

And finally, Gap is having a huge Columbus Day Sale. Everything 50% off! That's where I'll be this weekend!

I hope everyone has a good Friday!

happy thursday!

2011-10-06T18:16:00.000-06:00

It's sort of, kinda, really gloomy here in Salt Lake since it decided to rain. Lincoln is crawling everywhere, and pulling himself up on anything he can get his hands on. He's already had a few tumbles so I'm trying to keep a massive mound of pillows behind him at all times, which is a full time job in itself! But the weekend is almost here and guess what that means? On year anniversary time!

*picture was taken at the park a few days ago when it was still warm. I'm already missing outdoor weather!