Well Checks

Today Sophie had her 2-year well check and Rhys had his 2-month well check. The kids are doing great. Sophie now weighs 29 pounds placing her at the 73 percentile for her age, and is 3 feet tall, placing her at the 86 percentile. She is healthy, happy and about to begin potty training.



Rhys packed on some weight! He is now 13 lbs., 8 oz., placing him at the 82 percentile for his weight, and 25 inches, placing him at the 93 percentile for his height/length. He has a mean case of eczema so Daddy gets to work hard so we can fork out the money for the expensive laundry detergent for sensitive skin. We also get to play the formula game to try and find the perfect match for his sensitive digestive system. Considering what a sensitive baby Rhys is, he sure is a easy, low-key sweetheart. And check out our son's awesome Buddha belly!

Saturday

The morning started out with Neal off to his dad's with a chainsaw. His dad was unharmed but a dead tree was felled by the two, leaving the front yard a bit less forested. And yes, felled sounds wrong but it is absolutely correct--trust me, I'm a speech-language pathologist.

Later they ran off to Home Depot and ordered a new microwave because ours made a bad sound and then stopped working this week. After a bit of investigating it was determined to be really dead and a new one will soon be on its way. I spent the morning tending to the kids and the house.

Then in the afternoon we went back over to Rudy's and had grilled burgers and hot dogs (thanks Rudy) and jumped in the pool. Sophie didn't take too long to warm up to the idea of getting water in her face and even going under briefly. She spent the majority of her time jumping into the water. We are so happy she has such courage.

Nap Already!

So I think Sophie is napping since I don't hear her and I put her in bed 20 minutes prior. When suddenly, an "I need help" comes from behind me. I look to find my daughter standing in the doorway of the office with her shorts on her ankles up-side-down and backwards. Huh?! And carrying a snow hat. Double Huh?! Note she is wearing her "Patience Tester" T-shirt today.

More of our cutie:

Saturday Yard Work

It may not be the most efficient way, but it is the most rewarding.

Grin

Rhys totally gave his first real smile today! There was 4 in a row and one near giggle. I have a witness. Haven't caught it on camera yet but this will be my new mission. I love being a mom!

Oh Look! Our Kids Again!

See the above picture? This is Rhys' favorite thing in the whole world. Laying on his changing table and staring at the neat-o cubby boxes on the wall. He gets really happy, nearly smiles, coos, and kicks his legs and waves his arms like a maniac. And you thought Disneyland was the happiest place on earth! See the picture below? Totally enthralled! See him look at mommy? Bored out of his mind.

Below is Sophie in our office chair. Her new favorite pass time is spinning in the office chair until dizzy. Remember when dizzy was fun?! This is how I know I'm old.

Congratulations Aila

This past Sunday, we were happy to attend the baby blessing of Aila (pronounced eye-la), the second daughter of our friends, Chris and Karen. If you do not know what a baby blessing is see the post A Blessing for Rhys below. Aila was born just 10 days before Rhys.

Thank you to Chris and Karen for inviting us to share in your joy. And those cinnamon rolls , at the get-together afterwards, totally rocked!

Anniversary

Seven years ago, today, we were sealed together as husband and wife in the Los Angeles Temple. A friend of ours told us of a anniversary card she and her husband received; It said that they had made it past the 7-year-itch only to head into the 8-year-full-blown-rash! Funny! We have a sense of humor but don't feel that way at all.

Marriage rocks! It's fun, exciting, highs and lows, and a great place for growth. We are absolutely sure that marriage is no fairytale. In fact, often while living the day to day ins and outs of marriage, one will remind the other, "This is so not Hollywood!"

Despite the lack of a Hollywood director and good make-up and hair people, we have been through a lot together:

• Beating breast cancer
• Neal completing his degree
• Saving for and buying a house
• Moving to Texas
• The birth of our daughter, Sophie
• The birth of our son, Rhys

To the future we say, "Bring it on!" We are very happy with our union and the blessings we have been given. We know as long as we keep God in our relationship we can look forward to an eternity of fun together.

A Blessing for Rhys

Today was a very special day for our family. For those who are reading and are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or just want a refresher, the purpose of this ordinance is twofold: to give a baby an official name for church records and to provide an opportunity to give a blessing for a child's spiritual and physical welfare. Neal and several of our friends, who are worthy priesthood holders, gathered in a circle with their hands under Rhys, holding him, as Neal gave the blessing as directed by inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

Some of the things noted in the blessing were that Rhys was one of elect of the Lord, that he would be a leader and guide to those around him and that he would be a peacemaker. Additionally, it was mentioned that he would get an education, serve a mission, and marry in the temple some day.

Rhys wore a darling, white outfit sewn by our friend, Carly, especially for this occasion.
After the blessing and sacrament meeting, our company took a few pictures on the church grounds and then headed to our house for a potluck and conversation. Rhys slept through almost everything.

We feel very blessed to have Rhys' sweet spirit in our home. We are grateful to our Heavenly Father for the blessings he has given us: our little family, freedom of religion, friends and family to support us, among many more. Thank you to our friends and Rudy and Becky for coming and participating in this special day. Chris holding Aila, Karen holding Elsa, Carter, Kari holding Kenzie, Becky, Rudy holding Sophie, Neal with Ben in front of him, Keri holding Rhys, Angie with Abby, Liz with Briana, Dave with Jake, above are Carly, John, and EllaPoor Elsa took a spill.Three generations.Those who participated in the blessing.

Poor Abby got a brush stuck in her hair but no scissors were needed. At the end of the big day, Rhys decided to wake to a nearly empty house.

What? You Want to See MORE Pictures of Our Kids?

Can do!

Check out those lashes!

One-Month Well-Check

At one month of age, Rhys continues to be blessed with good health. He now weighs 10 lbs., 11 oz. (at birth 9lbs., 2 oz.) and is 22.5 inches long (at birth 20 inches). That places him in the 67%tile for his weight and the 73%tile for his length. He got one shot and was quickly contented with a little holding. I know other new moms may hate us but Rhys is taking a bottle around 8 or 9 at night and not waking until 3 or 4 a.m. and then again around 6 or 7 a.m. so we really only have to get up once with him and just start a day a touch earlier.