Memorial Day Weekend Update

Monday, May 13^th—Nyles had his 9 month appointment.  He weighed 17.42lbs which is in the 7 percentile, was 26.97 inches in length which was in the 11 percentile, and his head circumference was 18 inches which is in the 63 percentile.  He's growing well, though still small in comparison to others.  I'm not too worried though considering that he was 3 weeks early.  His motor and developmental skills though are doing awesome though!  He's has his inchworm crawl down really well and gets around rather quickly now.  Steve said the Dr also held Popsicle sticks out and he grabbed them both with his hands, so his eye hand coordination is doing really well.  He's also quite the "chatter box" during the day.  We love him soooo much and are so blessed to have him in our lives.

 

Tuesday, May 14^th—We did a switch w/ Stacie in order to go to the temple.  We had Stacie come down and be at the house while Nyles slept so we could do some initiatories.  The next night Steve went up to their house and watched their kids while they went to the temple.  Ironically that same day, Wednesday, Carrie didn’t have anyone to watch Lynsie since Ryan was gone on a trip, so Steve ended up watching her during the day from 10am until I got home.  It was nice since Carrie’s work is just off 7200 South, so it was close for her to drop off/pick up.  She also came and had lunch w/ Steve since she was so close.  After I got off work I took over watching Nyles and Lynsie.  Luckily I got Nyles to bed and Lynsie shortly after wanted to take a nap too.  Carrie showed up shortly after 8 or so.  After this experience Steve and I both agreed that twins would be really hard to handle.  Nyles and Lynsie are only 4 months apart which made it difficult to balance their feeding/sleeping schedules.  We don’t know how people do it, but I guess  you figure it out.

 

Steve also went and got me some flowers and planted them for me.  So sweet! ;)

 

Friday, May 17^th—Steve went up to the cabin w/ Dave and Rob in order to get the boat ready to be used.  They also had to fix the upstairs toilet and the drain under the kitchen sink which were leaking.  Well then ended up needing a few more parts then though thought, so they actually ended up staying Saturday night as well.  I have to admit that I don’t like it when Steve is gone, especially over the night, but Nyles and I made it through ok.  Steve and I have only been away from each other a couple times since we were married, and only maybe one or two other times since Nyles was born.  If all possible we prefer to be together.  While he was gone I was able to get the house cleaned and got groceries.  It was a pretty productive weekend, but we still missed him. 

 

And yes they found time to fish ;)

 

 

Sunday, May 19^th—I had meetings in the morning and another one in the afternoon for home/visiting teaching.  Afterward we went over to LuDean’s house for a family dinner.  It was nice visiting w/ everyone.

 

Silly boy getting into things.....such a quick little mover

Monday, May 20^th—Steve started his summer semester classes at SLCC. He’s taking a Biology and Chemistry class, both prereqs for PA School.  Since both of them have labs which are 3 hours long we had to schedule one of his classes during the day on Wednesday and Friday.  Luckily Joann was willing to watch Nyles during those times.  I also had to switch my schedule in order to get off work a little early so he could make it to class.  On Tuesday/Thursday I’m off at 4:30pm then meet Steve at the train station where we trade Nyles.  Steve then goes to class and I take Nyles home.  It’s nice since I have more time to play w/ Nyles before he has to go to bed.  I also meet Steve at the train on Wednesday so he can get to his chemistry lab by 6pm.  It’s a little tricky, but it’s working so far. 

 

Friday, May 24^th—we went up to my parent’s house for Memorial Day weekend.  Steve had class Thursday night and then we ended up switching his schedule so he had class Friday morning as well, so we just planned to leave after his class.  Well, come to find out his teacher was sick Friday morning so he just came right back.  Nyles had just gone down for a nap right before Steve left for class so we let him sleep.  He actually ended up sleeping 2 ½ hours, so we just left him sleeping while we packed and cleaned up.  We left about 12:30pm, which was what we were planning anyway.  He actually did really well going up.  He played most of the way and took a little nap when we were close to Twin Falls.  It’s nice being able to feed him snacks on the way to keep him happy.  We only stopped once to use the restroom and then in Glenns Ferry to pick up a part for my dad.  We got there just in time for dinner, and then put Nyles down to bed.  After he went down we played a game of Sequence together. 

 

Saturday, May 25^th—Nyles actually slept really well and slept in a little so that was nice.  Steve got up though and went w/ my dad.  They ended up going into Mtn Home to get a part for our car to fix the back breaks.  My dad then replaced the back breaks, which were pretty bad he said (so thankful my dad is a great mechanic, definitely comes in handy.)  Thanks dad!. :)  

 

Cute baby Nyles, being a little silly too

 I was seven months old in this picture and Nyles is 9 months...see the resemblance?

 

Loving watching the kitty at Grandma's House

 

Cute video of Nyles watching the kitty

  New toys to play with!

 The Mother's Day card Nyles helped us make ;)

 

 

 

After lunch we decided to go to CJ Strike Dam to fish, well Steve and my dad went to fish, we just wanted to watch.  I put Nyles in the Baby Bjorn and walked around w/ him for a while.  It was nice and sunny so after a little bit he got tired and wanted to take a nap.  My mom and I then drove back and left Steve and my dad to fish some more.  They just started catching fish when we were leaving.  I guess they ended up catching 40 some bass fish.  They had a good time I heard.  They ended up only keeping 2 of them though since a lot of them were pretty small.  My dad and Steve watched a movie that night after dinner.

 

The fishermen and their BIG fish ;)

 

Now there's a bigger fish!

 

Sunday, May 26^th—Nyles went down for a nap right before it was time to go to church so we decided to let him sleep.  He ended up sleeping a couple hours so we only made it to sacrament meeting.  After church Dexter, Anna and Grandma came over for dinner.  After cleaning up dinner Grandma went back home to take a nap and we all just visited.  At about 5:30pm we picked Grandma back up and headed to the cemetery where Grandpa was buried.  We decided to go visit his grave and put flowers on his grave since it was Memorial Day the next day.  It had actually rained pretty hard and hailed before we left.  Luckily it stopped just long enough for us to go over there and get back into our cars.  As soon as we jumped into our cars though it started to POUR so hard!  It was coming down so hard that the wipers had a hard time keeping up w/ it.  Luckily we all made it home ok.  Dexter stayed for a little while after that then left.  Anna stayed and played a game of Apples to Apples then left at about 10:30pm.  It was nice to stay an extra day and be able to visit longer w/ everyone.  Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us come up!

 

Nyles enjoying a Cheeto

 

Nyles and Steve

 Flags for Memorial Day....and a storm coming

 Back Row:  Dexter, Michelle, Mom, Dad, Anna, Chris
Front Row: Grandam Hegerhorst, Colby, Dakota, Kolten, Colten, Nyles and Steve

Dexter, Michelle, Dakota and Kolten
(Mom and Grandma wanted a family pic of them)

The rain coming down hard after the cemetery

Monday, May 27^th—That morning after Nyles got up we pretty much packed up and left.  We didn’t want to get stuck in traffic or the heat.  Thankfully Nyles did really well again.  We only stopped once to use the bathroom.  He only slept for 20-30 minutes in the car, so when we got home we put him down for a nap.  After he got up we wanted to go out and do something.  Since the pool was pretty busy we decided to go on a hike.  We decided to go up to Donut Falls.  Big Cottonwood Canyon was really busy, but we got up there in good time and made good time going up and down to the falls.  Nyles seemed to enjoy the hike and looking around at the beautiful landscapes.  After this hike we decided we need to get a better carrying system for him.  Since I got a bunch of perk points from work from our last campaign to use I found a backpack/baby carrier and ordered it.  Hopefully it’ll get here soon because we really want to keep hiking this summer.  After the hike we put Nyles to bed then Steve and I watched a little TV together.

 

 Cute baby Nyles and Steve on our hike, so beautiful

 

 

 

This past week was pretty busy.  Steve had classes Tuesday-Thursday like normal.  On Thursday I met him at the train station at 5pm then he went to class.  I then took Nyles home to get him ready for bed before 7pm.  A little before 7pm Steve got home in order for me to hurry over to a Stake Training meeting.  It was a good training, about 2 hours long, about Welfare.  There are a lot of resources out there for those who are struggling financially, emotionally or physically.  There were several interesting points that I learned, particularly about the mindset of those in poverty vs middle class.  It was also stated that the Lord doesn't want us to be in poverty, hence why the Church puts so much emphasis on self reliance and education.  It was a great training.  I also just got my new 2nd counselor this past Sunday while we were gone.  This will be my 4th second counselor in the past 2 1/2 years since I've been the President.

 

I had this musical dog since I was one years old (it still works too).  

Nyles loves playing with it! ;)

 He's getting so quick and loves to eat our shoes that Steve has to put him in "baby jail."

 Just being his cute self

 

Friday May 31st--After work we had a little date night.  Steve met me at Sportsman's Warehouse right by the train.  He was supposed to meet someone to buy his chemistry book.  While we were waiting Nyles and I went into the store and looked at some shoes on clearance.  I actually found some Teva sandals that are closed toed 50% off, so they were only $25 bucks.  I was so excited.  We then headed down to South Towne Mall to pick up some towels I ordered from JCPenney.  After a lengthy discussion they came to the conclusion that only 1 towel came, so we'll have to come back again to get the other one.  We then went over to the food court and got these Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches; they were really yummy!  Nyles was getting pretty tired by this time so we went back and picked up the Jeep and went home.  After we put him down we made some popcorn and watched a movie together.  It was a great date night! ;)

 

Saturday, June 1st--Steve went fishing in the morning w/ Zach while Nyles and I cleaned up a bit.  After he got home we had lunch, Nyles took a nap, then we went swimming for a while.  Nyles actually liked the pool a lot better this time, I think because it was a lot warmer and during the afternoon when it was quite warm outside too.  Nyles was so funny, he loved just chewing on the swim noodle while Steve held him.  We were there about an hour then Steve went w/ Phil to help pack up/move Carrie/Ryan's stuff from Orem to Park City.  They sold their house and are building a town home in the same neighborhood as Stacie/Phil.  It won't be done until August so they're going to live w/ Ryan's dad in Park City.  Luckily Steve got home by 9pm so we were able to hang out a little.

 

Sunday, June 2nd--It was fast Sunday.  I also gave the lesson in Relief Society on visiting teaching.  After church we put Nyles down for a nap then went over to Dave/Joann's to visit for a little while.  Carrie was there taking a nap and Lynsie just sent down for a nap too.  Steve played Bocce w/ Dave for a little bit while Nyles and I talked to Joann in the kitchen.  Joann had made a turkey roast, potatoes and carrots.  She insisted that we eat some so we did.  Kinda funny, I was holding Nyles on my lap and grabbed some turkey meat and all of a sudden Nyles just took it from me and shoved it in his mouth and started eating it.  He's really enjoying trying new foods these days.  The Dr said he can have almost anything now besides nuts, honey, and cow's milk for allergy reasons.  We then went home and put him to bed.  Our neighbors Dave and Melissa Thomas then came over and played a couple games with us.  It was fun!

 

Saying hi to mom at work

 Trying mom's chicken noodle soup

 

Well can you believe June is here already!  Even though Steve has to take classes through the Summer we're still pretty excited.  We're looking forward to swimming, hiking, maybe a little camping, going up to the cabin, Steve fishing, and our family reunion w/ my side of the family in July.  We love you all, take care!!! ;)

 

 

 

Cabin Trip/Mother's Day

Friday, May 10th--We decided to go up to the cabin w/ our neighbor's Dave and Melissa Thomas and my friend Eve Flake, her husband Darrell and little girl Breanna.  Eve actually started work at Fidelity the same day I did back on November 12, 2007.  We were in the same training classes and then on College Planning shortly after.  Our first kids were born 9 days apart.  Breanna was born on August 3rd and Nyles was on August 12th.  It's been fun having someone to talk to (chat) at work and discuss how our babies are growing.  She actually decided to quit work and stay home full time w/ Breanna, so May 7th was her last day.  I've been missing her at work but am glad she can stay home w/ Breanna. 

I was able to get off work at 3:30 pm on Friday since I had an hour of vacation left I needed to take plus I switched to a 1/2 hr lunch.  It was really nice getting off so early.  This gave me time to get home, feed Nyles and finish packing.  We all met in Heber at Artic Circle, where we got some dinner.  We got up there in good time then put the kids to bed.  We then put on Star Trek (the new one) and almost finished it before we got too tired and all went to bed. 

Pics of the cabin/Strawberry

The next morning after breakfast everyone went down to the shore to fish.  Nyles and Breanna just went down for a nap so I stayed at the cabin in case they woke up or needed something. 

Breanna and Nyles

 

The kids woke up about the time they all came in for lunch.  We had lunch together then we decided to go back down to the gulley and fish some more.  It was pretty sunny, which was nice, but the babies didn't really like the sun in their eyes.  We stayed for a while then went back to the cabin so they could take another nap.  

The Flakes, Darrel, Breanna and Eve

 Melissa fishing

 Steve and Dave getting ready to fish again

 Steve fishing

 Nyles and I

They caught quite a few fish.  We made tin foil dinners that night for dinner and Steve cooked up the fish on the BBQ as appetizers (for those that like fish).

Melissa and Dave enjoying the fish

 

 Nyles enjoying his graham crackers

 Nyles admiring the duck Steve shot several years ago

After dinner that night we played games and had a great time laughing and enjoying each other's company.  The next morning we had breakfast they packed up, cleaned up and headed back home for church.  Eve and Darrell had church at 9am so they left first, then the rest of us followed shortly after.  

On about Thursday or Friday Steve got a call from the 1st Counselor in the Branch Presidency asking if Steve and I could give our testimonies in sacrament meeting.  We had already planned to go to the cabin but figured we'd be back for Mother's Day anyway.  When we got to church however they had us in the programs as giving talks.  They had another couple speak before us on Mother's Day also.  The sister had just given birth to their first baby boy 2 months before.  Ironically a month or so before this the Branch President asked if I thought it was a good idea to have new mother's speak on Mother's Day.  I said it was ok but I think we'd rather have the day "off."  Well I guess things worked out.  The message that the other sister shared was beautiful and I heard others really enjoyed my message as well.  I shared a few quotes from Sister Beck, then read this poem.  It made me cry, still does (hence why I didn't think it was a good idea to have me speak).  

"Before I was a Mom"

Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

After church we went over to LuDean's for dinner to celebrate Mother's Day.  It was nice chatting w/ everyone and just enjoying one another's company.  

Mother's Day cards we gave

Nyles was mostly cooperative (though we only got one hand and foot from him ;)

Playing w/ cousin Conor

Nyles playing w/ Grandma McGrath

Update on Cute Baby Nyles

Nyles will be 9 months old on Sunday.  Here are some updates about him.

• He's been getting really good at rolling both ways, from his back to his belly and vise versa.

• He's learned to rotate in circles on his belly and push backwards
• He's just now starting to do an "inchworm" crawl.  He started doing it on Sunday and is getting better at it.  Click on this link of Nyles trying to crawl, Nyles inchworming it

Here's another angle

• He keeps flipping over on his belly while sleeping.  He'll wake up sometimes because he's not sure what to do.  He also kept getting his little legs/feet stuck in between the bars.  I ended up getting a mesh bumper for him to help him from getting stuck.  It has helped not only from his feet getting caught but also his binky's have stayed in his crib.  He has a tendency of throwing them at night time and we can't find them. The last couple days we've found him actually sleeping on his belly too so he must be getting used to his belly.   
• He's getting rather vocal and talkative.
• He's also just "wiggly" and wants to move around all the time.  I think we've got an active boy on our hands.
• He's starting to like books and reading together, or by himself

• He's doing really good w/ solids.  He still likes things pureed mostly since he only has the 2 teeth still.  He LOVES graham crackers!
• He's learning to use his sippy cup pretty good.
• He loves to be outside.

• He really enjoys watching animals move, especially fish (like Father like Son)

Steve's Graduation from the University of Utah

Sunday, April 28th--We had church and meetings like normal.  We went for a walk in the afternoon.  Nyles really enjoys his walks.  In the evening we invited the couple who we visit/home teach (Matt and Jenny Jenkins) over to play games.  They taught us how to play Hand and Pony, which is like Hand and Foot.  It was a lot of fun.

 He loves to eat his toes and socks on the way :) 

Tuesday, April 30th--We were asked to feed the missionaries.  Since I don't get home until about 6pm we told them that would be the earliest we could feed them.  We decided to make Hawaiian Haystacks since they're pretty easy to make.  Around 3:30pm Steve said they called him and asked if they could come at 5pm instead since they scheduled an appointment at 6pm.  He told them it wouldn't work since I wouldn't be home until 6pm so they ended up cancelling.  By this time Steve had already got the rice cooked up and the veggies cut up so we figured we just have leftovers for a while.  About this time Steve heard from Rob.  Steve told him about the situation and he said he'd be willing to help us out.  Soon Zach heard about it and he said he would just come stop by to say hi to us and Rob.  After I got home I got the last few things ready and got 3 plates out since Zach said he wasn't going to eat.  Next thing I knew he Zach was getting a plate and dishing himself up some.  Both he and Rob and seconds AND some dessert.  I made Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp the night before which we had w/ ice cream.  Well, I'm glad we made a lot, and I'm glad they could help us out to eat it ;)  After we got done w/ dinner we put Nyles down to bed, then I went out w/ Cara (my RS Secretary) and went around our complex to visit a few sisters.

Nyles just loving life, playing w a bucket and cup....they're more fun than toys you know ;)

Thursday, May 2nd--After I got home from work we went over to Macey's to get a few groceries, then came home to put Nyles to bed.  We then invited Dave and Melissa Thomas over to play Munchkin w/ us.  It's a game Steve learned how to play while on his mission in Canada.  Needless to say the boys liked it much more than we did.  At least I can finally say that I played it with him.  Next time we'll invite more men to play w/ him so it will be more "fun" for him ;)

Friday, May 3rd--I took the day off, which ironically worked out to be Steve's Graduation from the University of Utah.  He technically graduated December 2012 but this is the only commencement they have so they combine them all together.  It started at 9am at the Jon Huntsman's Center.  He had to be there at 8am so he left a little after 7am then Dave and Joann picked up Nyles and I just after 8am.  Zach Hannay also came w/ us.  Pauline, Charlotte, Rose and Sophia also met us there to watch his graduation.  Though it was only a few seconds for Steve to walk across the stage and have his name read, it was still nice to see him "officially" get his diploma.  He's worked so hard to get his degree.  I'm so proud of him!  We're one BIG step closer to being able to get into PA School.  He still has some prereqs that he needs to take between now and this time next year before he can apply but we're on our way.  One step at a time!

Steve ready for his graduation

Megan Williams and Steve, degrees in Health Education and Promotion 

Dave, Joann, Nyles and Zach

Nyles excited to see Daddy on the screen

Charlotte and Nyles

Nyles and Rose

Pauline and Nyles

Rose, Me, Pauline, Sophia and Charlotte

Steve, Nyles and I after graduation

Proud parents, Dave and Joann w/ Steve

Officially graduated ;)

After the graduation we decided to go back closer to our place to get together w/ the others for a hot dog roast.  There is a park just down the street from our place with a playground, a field, and a pavilion.  Dave brought his BBQ grill to the park so we could grill the hot dogs and then everyone else brought other things.  Kim and her kids, Stacie and her kids, LuDean, Melanie and Brandon all showed up to celebrate w/ us.  Rose wasn't feeling well after the graduation so she ended up going home, but Pauline came w/ Charlotte.  It was nice for the kids to be able to run around and make messes.  It was an easy clean up on our part plus people were able to come/go as they needed.

Once the graduation was over we took Nyles back home to take a nap.  He slept for a while then we decided to go to Cabela's so Steve could use his gift card he received from my parents for graduation.  Nyles enjoyed looking at the fish in the aquarium because they were moving around, more-so than the stuffed animals.  Steve of course found some more fishing stuff, a tackle box, pliers  hooks, sinkers, line and power-bait.

Steve and Nyles at Cabela's enjoying watching the fish

Nyles wasn't quite as impressed w/ the stuffed one who didn't move

When we got home got Nyles ready for bed, he was definitely ready.  Zach then called us up and wanted to know if we wanted to go up the canyon w/ him and Megan Williams and make s'mores.  We called Rob and he was willing to sit at the house w/ Nyles so we could go out.  It was a lot of fun.  Megan's friend also came and Zach's sister Sarah and her fiance Greg.  It was fun to get out and enjoy an hour or two by ourselves, like a real date ;)

Saturday, May 4th--Steve took Dave Thomas up to Strawberry to fish for his birthday and I stayed home and did laundry and cleaned up a bit.  Steve said they first went out on the kick boats but didnt' really catch anything, but then they just fished off the shore and were catching fish like crazy.  He said his new power-bait was really catching them.  They brought home several fish, which Dave took.  After Steve got home he hurry and showered and changed then went to a reception for Rob's younger brother Michael who got married in Manti the day before.  I put Nyles down so stayed w/ him.  There was an accident on I-215 on his way home so he got delayed a while.  We watched TV for a little bit and had popcorn after he got home.

Strawberry Lake

Sunday, May 5th--We went down to Orem for Carrie/Ryan to bless their little girl Lynsie (she was born in December).  The blessing went well, then we all went up to Melanie/Brandon's place in Draper for lunch.  Since it was Cinco De Mayo we had a taco bar and churros.  Nyles was getting cranky and tired after a while but luckily he fell asleep in his car-seat after rocking him a bit so we were able to help clean up.  It was a fun day.