Nyles' Baby Blessing

This past Sunday, October 14, 2012, Steve blessed Nyles at our branch.  We are very grateful for all who attended and stood in the circle.  With the amount of family members who came we basically doubled the size of our branch.  It was pretty neat to see.  Here are some pictures.

My side of the family who came.  My niece Haley, my mom and dad, my sister Pauline her husband Chris and daughter Charlotte, and my sister Rose and her 4 girls Summer, Ava, Ali and Sophia.

At the church right after his blessing

Right after the blessing at the church we went up to Dave and Joann's house and had a light luncheon.  It was really fun to see the whole family together and spend some time with them.  I'm grateful my parents were able to come down, though it was a short trip.  They had to leave that afternoon to get back to the farm.  For the luncheon we actually cooked up hams from a pig my niece Haley raised.  Everyone said they were delicious!  She was also a big help getting Nyles in and out of his outfit.  It was fun seeing her.  She is actually taller than me now, as is Summer.  I won't be surprised if most of my nieces and nephews end up taller than me though.  Oh well, at least I was taller than then at some point.  :)

Priesthood holders who attended his blessing (most stood in the circle)

Steve's dad Dave McGrath, friend Dave Thomas, brother in law Chris Grayson, Cousin Greg Taylor, brother in law Brandon Lake, friend Carl Bertoch, brother in laws Phill Monson and Ryan Hammett, Uncle Mike McGrath, friend Rob Daniels, brother Jeff McGrath, me, Steve, Nyles and my dad Grant Hegerhorst

 

Cute baby Nyles

We love his SOOO much!

LuDean's sister Maudella w/ Nyles (she crocheted the blanket he was blessed in) and Margaret from Ireland holding Conor (Nyles' cousin who is 2 weeks older than him)

My sister Rose and her daughter Ava w/ baby Nyles

My dad w/ Nyles, grand-baby #18 on my side, #10 on Steve's side

The next day, on the 15th we had Nyles' 2 month appointment.  He weighed in at 11 lbs 8 ozs and was 23 inches long, which makes him "average" I guess.  It's amazing how much he's grown and developed these past 2 months.  He also got 3 shots and an oral vaccine.  He cried a little of course, as they were giving him the shots, but was fine afterwards.  Our pediatrician suggested getting Tylenol to give to him when we got home since he'd be sore.  We did so, which seemed to help.  The appointment must have worn him out because he ended up sleeping most of the afternoon.

The next couple days I had some Relief Society visits to meet new sisters in the branch and a meeting.  We are in charge of our branch Christmas Party again so we got started on planning that again.  We basically used the "template" we made from last year and made some slight adjustments for this year.  It should be a lot easier this year since we know a little more of what to expect.  Our theme is going to be "Tell me the Stories of Jesus."

Last week I also went and got some storage bins and sorted through all the clothes that my sister Barbara gave me and Steve's sister Melanie also.  With the two amounts combined we have plenty of clothes for Nyles up to 4T, which we are VERY grateful for.  Thank you!

Steve has been working hard at this very BUSY school schedule this semester.  Each week is getting busier and busier but at the same time getting closer to getting done.  I know it will be such a relief to get this semester over with, which means he will graduate also!!!

On Friday October 19th I got together with my sisters Pauline and Rose and their girls and went to Gardner Village to the Witchfest.  Since it was UEA the girls didn't have school.  It was a little crowded due to UEA, but it was still fun.  We went around searching for witches that were scattered around the place.  It was great just to get out and enjoy the sunshine.  Nyles must has enjoyed it too since he slept the whole time in his stroller ;)  Afterwards we went back to my place where the girls watched a movie, ate some popcorn and played while we chit chatted.  It was a lot of fun!

One of the witches we had to find at the Witchfest

 

Cute saying in one of the stores 

 Me, Nyles, Pauline, Charlotte, Ali, Ava, Rose, Sophia and Summer at Witchfest

 (Thanks Pauline for all the pictures!)

That night we went over to LuDean's house to celebrate his Aunt Diane's birthday.  The night before LuDean actually got into a car accident and broke her right arm.  Instead of going out to eat Dave and Joann brought over Papa Murphy's pizza which we cooked up and I made a chocolate cake for her. Chris and Wendy Wardell also came to visit.  It was fun to be w/ them and celebrate her birthday.  LuDean had surgery this past Monday and is slowly recovering. 

Nyles is 2 Months Old

Nyles is officially 2 months old today.  As I mentioned before, Pauline came up last week and took REALLY cute pictures of Nyles.  Thanks again Pauline for taking them; we really enjoy them!  He's such a joy to our lives and has such a sweet spirit.  I think you can tell from the pictures, enjoy ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love you baby Nyles!!!

Fall is here

Can you believe October is here?  That means Fall has been here for over 2 1/2 weeks.  My time off is sure going quickly.  I only have 4 1/2 weeks left, so I'd better make the most of it.  It sure has been fun to see Nyles grow and develop, even in these first couple months.  He's changed a lot these past couple months and I know there is much more to come.  He'll be officially 2 months old on Friday so I'll post more then and show the pictures Pauline took last week (they are sooo cute).  Here's a quick update on some other things that have been going on.

On Sunday the 23rd we went to the Brigham City Temple dedication at our Stake Center.  We had originally planned to go to the noon session, but after struggling to get Nyles to bed the night before we decided to go to the 3pm session.  That way we were able to sleep in a little more per say and get all of us ready.  Dave and Joann we kind enough to come and sit with him while we went so we could go together (since kids under age 8 we not allowed).  Since they watched Nyles for us I decided to make them dinner.  I made sweet and sour chicken w/ rice then molten lava cake for dessert.  I made plenty so we decided to take it down to LuDean's house to visit her and Diane also.  She had made a roast and rolls, so we all shared each other's meal; it was all very yummy.  It was fun to visit with them also.

4 Generations...LuDean, Dave, Steve and Nyles

On Wednesday the 26th I had a home and visiting teaching meeting.  This was the only night all the others could meet and since Steve has class on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-10pm, I just took Nyles with me.  Thankfully he was really well behaved and actually slept through the whole thing.

Cute little Nyles sporting his big boy clothes :)

 

The next night I had my RS Presidency over for a meeting.  We got a lot accomplished, mainly getting new sisters callings.  We have had a lot of people move out so we have needed to change almost every calling.  We are just about "refilled" per say.  With having a new branch president it might take some time though.

Nyles in his cocoon Grandma VaLere made for him

Steve and I also had a dentist appointment that morning and neither of us had cavities...yeah!!!  Steve said that was the first time ever for him.  He might be exaggerating though ;)  We brought Nyles of course.  The receptionist let me know that she is a grandma and if he starts acting up she could hold him for us ;)  All the hygienists wanted to see him and the Dentist.  They all said he was so precious.

Nyles in his cute pjs

On Saturday the 29th Steve left in the morning w/ his dad and brother/brother-in-laws up near Logan to go pheasant hunting.  They went last year and wanted to go again this year.  Last year they had snow and cold weather, but this year they went earlier and had rather warm weather, 80 degrees I think.  While he was gone I ventured out and went to WinCo w/ Nyles.  He was really fussing going over there, but then fell asleep right before we got there and stayed asleep for a while after we got home.  I got some items to make monster cookies w/ miniature M&Ms for Conor's baby blessing the next day, then made them one I got home.  They turned out pretty good I think.  That night was the Relief Society General Conference.  Steve didn't get home until right before, so I just pulled it up on the Internet and watched it.

Nyles taking a bath...he loves his bath time :)

 

On Sunday the 30th we decided to go to our sacrament meeting, then head up to Conor's blessing.  We were going to ride w/ Dave and Joann, so I left a little early to go home and feed Nyles in order to leave in time.  As soon as Steve got home we drove up to their house, got in the Tahoe and headed out.  We first stopped by LuDean's house to get more tables and chairs, then headed up the rest of the way.  We got there in plenty of time so we could save some seats.  I also was able to feed Nyles some more which allowed him to sleep most of the afternoon actually.  We went to a park after the blessing for food, stayed and chatted some, then cleaned up and headed back.  We stopped by LuDean's again to say hi and ended up staying most of the night.  We played a game called "The Game of Things" which was really fun!

Steve and Nyles all ready to go for Conor's blessing

On Tuesday October 2nd I had some RS visits, so Steve watched Nyles.  On Wednesday the 3rd Pauline and Charlotte came up to visit and take pictures of Nyles.  They turned out REALLY cute.  I'll post those pictures in a couple days.

On Thursday the 4th we decided we'd go up to the cabin.  We waited until Rob Daniels got off work, then met him at Dave and Joann's house and headed up.  Rob drove his own car behind us.  We stopped in Heber to get some groceries and a bite to eat at Arby's.  By the time we got to the cabin it was about 9pm.  It definitely was cool up there.  We had to start a fire right away so we weren't freezing.  At least so Nyles and I weren't freezing.  Steve and Rob seemed to enjoy the cold.

We slept in the next morning, then I made breakfast (bacon, hash-browns and toast).  Steve and Rob then went out fly fishing behind the Dam.  The wind was REALLY blowing which made it pretty cold, but they said they still had a good time.  Dave and Diane came up that night.  We played "Ticket to Ride," then went to bed.

River behind the Dam that Steve and Rob fly fished

On Saturday it was a little cool, but at least the wind wasn't blowing as bad, so they all went out on the boat to fish.  They stayed out until 2pm, then came in since the wind was picking up.  I stayed in the cabin and listened to General Conference.  There were so really good talks.  I especially liked the one from President Uchtdorf called "Of Regrests and Resolutions."  I like this quote, "We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it. Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it."

 Nyles loving life at the cabin

After they got back we had sandwiches for lunch, then the guys got ready for Priesthood.  They then drove down to Heber to watch the session.  Diane and Nyles and I stayed at the cabin and talked and watched "The Vow" which was on tv.  After they got home we had Diane's yummy stew for dinner and watched "Dirty Rotten Scoundrel."  

On Sunday we just watched General Conference and played a couple more rounds of "Ticket to Ride."  It was a lot of fun.  Dave made his famous ribs for lunch; they were yummy.  We also went for a drive around behind the Dam to where Steve and Rob fished.  We were having so much fun we didn't get out of there until after 7pm, so we didn't get back until about 8:30pm. 

Nyles enjoying life...driving over to the Dam

Grandpa Dave showing Nyles how to wear his pants

Rob taking his turn at holding Nyles

Well we're looking forward to seeing most of you at Nyles' baby blessing this coming Sunday.  See you then!

One Month Old

Wow this past month has really flown by.  I can't believe Nyles is already a month old (actually 5 1/2 weeks today)!  There are days when I feel like we're going to be in this stage forever, then there's days when I feel like growing so quickly.  Some days I feel like all I get done is to feed him and change his diaper, repeated many many times.  Each day and week has been getting better and better though.  I feel like I'm getting more sleep (most of the time) or just getting used to the constant interruptions at night.  This past week I also have been able to make meals every day for Steve and I and do some other things that I needed to get done.  We've also been taking Nyles out a little more and have been going on walks w/ him the last couple days.  It's been nice to get out and feel like I'm actually accomplishing things again, in addition to taking care of our cute little boy that is.

Here is a quick update on Nyles since we got home from the hospital with him.  Steve was in between school semesters, which turned out great, so he was able to be around to help me with Nyles.  After we got home we had to go back the next day to check on his jaundice levels and weigh him.  When he was born he was 6 lb 9 oz, then when we weighed him again that Wednesday (three days later) he was 6 lb 4 oz.  His jaundice also went up so we had to bring him back the next three days to be tested and weighed.  His jaundice had increased so much though that they had us put him on a bilibed for a day.  It was sad to see him on the bed and not be able to hold him, but thankfully it got rid of it.  Then next couple days we didn't have to have him on the bed because they wanted to see if his body could get rid of it on its own, which it did thankfully.  His weight also slowly went back up to 6 lb 6 oz, then 6 lb 8 oz.  And at his 2 week appointment he weighted 7 lb 4 oz.

Little Nyles on his bilibed

Steve and Nyles showing off their muscles

Stacie and Conor came over to hang out on August 17th while the rest of the family was at a birthday party for Chandler since they were still so little.  We ordered pizza and watched a movie, well had it on but mostly just talked. ;)

Cousins, 2 weeks apart, Conor and Nyles.

Nyles first bath.  He loved it actually!

The next week my mom came down to help us w/ Nyles.  Unfortunately the day after she got here we learned that her dad had a stroke and wasn't doing well.  That night my mom went down to be with him and ended up staying overnight in the care center with him.  The next couple days she'd come stay at our place, make some food, then go back down to American Fork to be with him.  He passed away that Friday morning, August 24th.  It was hard for my mom, but I guess the good thing is that she got to be here with him a few more days.  My mom went home for a couple days then came back down for his viewing which was held on the 29th and funeral on the 30th.  My dad came down w/ her this time, along w/ my 2 brothers Dexter and Daron and some of their family.  Steve missed his classes that morning so we could go to the funeral, but I was glad we could all go together.  Rose also went to the funeral.  We didn't get much of an opportunity to chat w/ anyone unfortunately because we had to head back up to SLC so Steve could go drop off some things for school.

Nyles w/ his Grandma Hegerhorst

Cute little Nyles in his bassinet (cute little chicken legs)

Such a rough life :)

We put some shelves in the closet in Nyles' room so we can be a little more organized.  We still have our food storage in his closet though since there is no where else to put it.

The week my mom was here, Steve's sister Carrie also went through the temple and was sealed.  Since my mom was down w/ her dad we asked our neighbor Melissa to sit w/ Nyles while we went to the sealing.  Thankfully he just slept the whole time and we got back just in time to feed him.  It was a neat experience to be at the sealing; the Spirit was really strong.

Draper temple on date of Carrie's sealing (August 22nd)

Over Labor Day weekend we went up to the cabin.  It was fun to get out of the house for a while and to be w/ others.  The weather was rainy Saturday and Sunday, but it gave us a chance to visit and also for Steve to get done w/ his homework that he was catching up on.  Nyles right eye had discharge on Saturday so we took him to Heber to get it checked out at the Instacare.  The Dr said it was an eye infection so we got some drops to put in his eye.  It broke my heart to see him in pain.  When we got back on Monday (after Steve went fishing w/ Dave in the morning), it still wasn't better, so we made an appointment to see his regular Pediatrician.  His Pediatrician said it was actually a clogged tear duct so there was nothing we needed to do (no more drops thankfully) other than put a warm wash cloth on it to help clear it up.  Luckily a few days later it did clear up.  When we went in to the Dr, Nyles also weighed 8 lbs 3 oz, so he's still gaining weight at a good pace.

 Nyles w/ his Aunt Kim at cabin

Cute Nyles at cabin

Hanging out w/ his Grandma McGrath

 After we got back from the cabin, I had a meeting w/ my RS Presidency (finally after a month).  I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.  We went to sacrament meeting that week, September 9th, but then came back to feed Nyles and didn't make it back.  This last week though we stayed for all 3 hours.  It's still a challenge to balance when he needs to feed, but its getting better.  I've also been able to go on RS visits w/ my counselors again, which has been nice to meet the new sisters that have moved into the branch.  This past Sunday we had lots of changes in the branch.  We actually got a new Branch President.  We also got a new Elder's Quorum President and a couple weeks before that we got a new Primary President.  We still haven't got our new Sunday School President, but I'm sure that'll come soon.  The branch definitely has changed, as it always does every so often.  Many people moved out in July and August also, so since we've come back from having Nyles it really seems different.   We were able to meet w/ President Thorup before he was released in order to get our temple recommends renewed and to get tickets to the Brigham City Temple dedication coming up this Sunday.  It was good to talk w/ him one more time and discuss the needs of the sisters.  I'll miss working with him. 

Chillin' w/ dad, looks like he's watching TV

 So happy ..... after being fed :)

Steve is enjoying his classes for the most part.  This semester he has 2 classes at SLCC, 2 online classes, 1 hybrid class which is mostly online, his capstone project, and one other class at the U in order to finish his Bachelors Degree this Fall.  He's got quite the load with 22 credits, but luckily he'll be done after this, then he only has his prerequisites to finish in order to apply for PA school after that.  He's got his work cut out for him, but I know he can do it. 

This past week Nyles has made great progress.

• He has switched from newborn diapers to size 1
• His newborn outfits are getting tighter, so we're starting to use his 0-3 month ones
• He started using a bottle w/ no hesitation.  We wanted to introduce it now so when I go back to work it won't be a struggle.
• He started sleeping in his crib and now sleeps there all the time.  Steve is pretty happy about this one ;)

Here are some more pics of cute little Nyles.

 He truly his "Daddy's little buddy"

Exhausted after talking w/ Grandma McGrath ;)

Passed out, enjoying his cocoon/sleeping bag that Great Grandma VaLere made for him

Doesn't want to let go of the Binky, silly boy ;)

We're loving having Nyles around and his precious spirit.  He's such a joy to be around.  Even when he cries he is just soooo cute; I can't help but smile.  We're going to bless him on October 14th.  We'd love to have anyone come that can.  Have a great week!