6/30/12

Hey! Look Who Got Dressed!

I should REALLY be sleeping right now, its officially 12:42 am on Saturday.

So, I have a hard time finding a happy medium with my attire. I am either totally ready or, shamingly, in my jammies with not a stitch of make-up. I'm an all or nothin' kinda girl. To document my readiness, I have pictures. They are simply from my phone but documented they shall be!

Last night, we went to Tucanos to celebrate Chad's victory of taking a hard test at work, which he totally passed. Not only did he pass but he did the best on his whole team. I married I smart one, I did. He was nervous for nothing.

My handsome (and totally bald) baby boy.
I got so ready, I'm not even wearing my glasses. Which means I couldn't really see.

We decided to brave the date by taking our little dude with us. Haha, how silly of us to take a 5 1/2 month old to an evening dinner. He was actually pretty good considering the fact that it was his fussiest time of day. We tried putting him in a high chair but he really was not a fan. After trying to wrangle him by holding him while we ate, we decided to lay him on the table. Thats right, we are one of those people who brings their baby to dinner and ends up laying him on the table.

My Baby chillin' on the table at Tucanos, no big.

Though I was slightly embarassed/traumatized, we finished our dinner without any screaming so those around us couldn't have been bothered. Weirded out, maybe, but not irritated.

Again, no glasses...weird.

I was proud of us, none the less. We didn't let having a baby keep us down! We packed up our little family and swallowed our pride. Hence the Baby Boy on the table situation.

Happy Saturday!

Hil

6/29/12

Sons

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"Sons are the anchors of a Mother's life."- Sophocles

Melt my heart. I am such a sucker.

Happy Friday and Weekend!

Hil 

6/28/12

The Spouse Cooks!

So, my honey loves to cook.

Which means that I am the luckiest lady around.

Last night, my spouse made us grilled marinated pork chops, dill mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. To top it off we had Simply Apple apple juice. Have you ever had that juice, its like eating candy and I love it!


Our apartment smelled amazing while he was cooking. Yum.

Simply Apple apple juice


We do things a little funny in our house with dinner. My husband often cooks and I nurse the baby or fuss with the pup. I have asked him multiple times if he would rather not cook after a long day at work and he always responds"no, I like doing the cooking". I am relieved because I am okay with cooking but its not my forte. I would rather bake a cake or delightful cheesecake. He is the cook, I am the baker.

Thanks my darling, dinner was beyond delicious as usual :)

Happy Thursday!

Hil

6/27/12

A Fond Farewell to a Friend

I write this post with a sad heart. Not too sad but appropriately sad. Do you ever have that favorite shirt that fits so comfy and is super flattering? Or that pair of butt pants, you know, the ones that make your butt look great. Well, one of my favorite pairs of flats have sadly run their course.

This particular pair got me through my pregnancy, super comfy, slips ons, no hassle, and an amazing color that drew the attention to my feet and not my oversized belly. They went through a lot of wear and tear and were so forgiving of my then, swollen feet.


These photos are a little embarrassing because just earlier today, I was wearing these favorite shoes. Yes, with holes and all and I basked in their comfort the entire time.

Did anyone else have this problem with their Gap City Flats?

Just like when a family loses their old dog, they must fill the void with a new, young, spry, pup. I plan to do the same thing with a new pair of red flats. I have searched a little here and there and am trying to find some that are affordable, the perfect color, and hopefully just as comfy. But just like that family who loses their furry companion, my red city flats will never be forgotten.

Steve Madden Vegass
Gap Ballet Flats
Vince Camuto Ellen Flat

RIP Little Pretties.

Happy Wednesday!

Hil

P.S. Some may have not heard but my incision (AKA Gregory) has healed! It took almost 6 months but I now have a fresh, tender, scar in place of a gaping hole. Blessed day!!!

6/26/12

Lately

To Flutter: when a Mama is scurrying around cleaning odds and ends but never completing anything because she can't keep up with her brain.

That is one of Chad's coined terms. He will tell me to stop fluttering when we are trying to relax at night. Sometimes I just can't relax until something is done.

I've been fluttering a lot lately. Our place has been more cluttered then I would like to admit but I have just been so distracted. I'm generally very tidy but it seems like Bobbie's toys and the Baby's things have taken over.

Also, I have been stubbing my toes more than humanly possible AND I have ingrown toenails (too much info, too bad). Does anyone have magical remedies for ingrown toenails? I would love to hear them if you do!

Geddy and I in our Jammies.

The pictures started to get weird.
But Geddy's face remains the same. 

I realize this post seems a bit dreary but we are really doing well and are very happy. Geddy is growing
like crazy and is cute as a button.

Happy Fluttering Tuesday!

Hil

6/25/12

Review: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Two things. One, I realize that I am late putting this post up today, the day just got away from me because I took this big long nap because Little Dude decided to wake twice last night and it just messed up my whole day. Two, I realize that this movie I am reviewing is far from new but I recently just saw it and thought it was review worthy.

Fantastic Mr. Fox was a heartfelt tale of adorable Foxes being naughty. Seriously, it was the cutest thing, ever. Not only was the design amazing and up to par with any Wes Anderson Film but it had wonderful voice actors and the story was remarkable. I understand the story itself was originally a children's book by Roald Dahl. I, myself, have not read the book so I am not sure how closely the film follows it. If you have read it, please let me know if it is similar, I am quite curious.



George Clooney was the voice of the main character, Mr. Fox, and did an awesome job. His character reminded me slightly of Everett McGill from O' Brother Where Art Thou (also played by Clooney). Meryl Streep was Mrs. Fox, which frankly, you can't go wrong. Meryl Streep's voice is so calming to me, it makes me want to take an eloquent nap. Is that a thing? Probably not but its the only way I can describe it.


My personal favorite character was Ash, the spicy son who is looking to please his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fox. Ash has this angsty side where he is constantly scoffing in response to conversation. Ash wants so baldy to impress his Father and would do about anything to do so. Ash's voice was Jason Schwartzman, one of my favorites.



One of my favorite elements in the movie was the use of the word "Cuss". If you have seen the movie, you know what I am talking about. If you haven't seen it, then you should!

Fantastic Mr. Fox gave me the warm fuzzies like any kids movie should but was different enough to really catch my fancy (and it really was different, some may call it weird). This is one movie that I would allow my boy to watch over and over again and even I would not grow weary of it.

Happy Monday!

Hil


6/21/12

Star Wars Craft and Bouncing Thoughts

My thoughts are all over the place today. Like that old computer game where the ball would bounce of a board and hit bricks. You know the one. Luckily, all the jumbly thoughts are pleasant ones.

The kind of thoughts where I get teary eyed as I walk my pup and babe because I am just so darn happy.

Something else that I am so excited about is about a little craft I am going to start doing. I really am not a crafter and the fact that I am doing 2 in 1 year is kinda bogus. Its going to take some time but thats okay because little dude is still so little. I am going to make a Star Wars Quiet book. I bought the instructions on Etsy for $10 and it is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. I can't believe how charming it is. The images below are from Etsy, I haven't started mine yet. There are more pages than the ones shown below.

Etsy
Etsy
Etsy
Etsy
There are lots of little details so I imagine it will be time consuming and frankly, frustrating but again, little dude is still little so I've got some time. I'm eager to get started and hope I don't get too frustrated.

Happy Friday!

Hil


Do You Like Fudge?

For a sweet treat this week, Chad and I went to the BYU Bookstore and bought Fudge. Fudge will always remind me of a time when my Mom made homemade Divinity and Fudge and we took it to my great Aunt's house in Salt Lake. She was old and a super funny lady who got glamour shots of herself taken when she was like 60 years old. A real character. I am fond of that memory because my childhood was awesome.


We got 3 different kinds and split them. Clockwise: Mars Bar, Vanilla Praline, and Classic Chocolate. Chad and I agreed, the classic chocolate was the best. The other two were quite tasty but far too rich for our liking. In fact, with the Vanilla Praline, I ended up just pulling out the caramel and eating that because the "Vanilla" was way too much. 

It was a fun little outing and rather tasty taboot. Though I am nearly in a sugar coma, it was worth it :)

Happy Thursday!

Hil 

6/19/12

Geddy and the Exersaucer

Geddy recently got an exersaucer. Since he has ALWAYS preferred standing over anything else, an exersaucer was a perfect fit. He is able to stand in the center and be surrounded by brightly colored toys. Not only can he stand but he can bounce in it too! Though bouncing is fun, it sometimes gets a little out of hand and we have to step in to stabilize the toy and the boy.

Cheeks for days.
So focused.

I realize that I am posting a ridiculous amount of pictures but to be frank, this is about 1/3 of the pictures I took during this specific shooting. He just made so many cute faces.

When the bouncing got kind of crazy. 
Looking at Daddy.

Also, Geddy has officially started rolling over (from his tummy to his back). I was questioning if he was ever going to get up the gusto but he finally took the plunge. We practice everyday and he is getting pretty good. He gets his shoulders stuck though so some days it takes a bit of time to relearn the whole thing but by golly, he is doing it!


Blooper picture.


Lastly, Little Dude is starting to wear 6 month clothes. Its always nice to pull out a new size of clothing, I feel like we are accomplishing something.



Happy Picture Overload Tuesday!

Hil

6/18/12

Review: Welch's Fruit N' Yogurt Snacks

Quick review today about Welch's Fruit N' Yogurt Snacks. I know a lot of nursing Mama's are hungry, constantly. I myself get quite snackish through out the day and these little guys are the perfect treat.

They taste like fruit snacks but for adults. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of your Gushers, Fruit Smiles, Fruit By The Foot, and Dora the Explorer Fruit snacks (as shown here), but these make me feel slightly more sophisticated. Plus, they claim to only be 80 calories, with Vitamins A, C, & D, and Calcium. Not that I really care but that sounds good for my body.

They are super yummy, I am a big fan and plan on getting more the next time I grocery shop!



Happy Snacking Monday!

Hil

6/17/12

Being a Father by Chad

Here is a post from my amazing Husband! These are Chad's thoughts on Fatherhood.


Papa and Son


"Today is my first father’s day. Well, not really my first, but the first on which I’m actually a father. 

The experience of fatherhood has stirred emotions and ideas within me that are completely unexpected. The first is that of imperfection. Since Geddy’s arrival, I’ve been consumed with my own failings as an individual. I’ve been vexed with how imperfect I am in the grand scheme of things and how far I have yet to go. It’s almost as if I’m afraid that every poor decision, sin, or error I commit will damage my son. Perhaps it’s the pressure of having a captive audience. Sure, there was pressure in being the oldest son in a family of sons, pressure to set the pace and to lead by example, but knowing that my child is looking and will look to me as his definition of manhood truly frightens me. 


I did the same with my own father. I learned that being a man wasn’t about puffing out your chest, never backing down, or how strong you were; it was about patience, self-control, and perseverance. More than anything it’s about priorities. My father never put anything before his boys except for my mother, and he told us that was the way it would always be. There’s honesty in that. I never had to guess with my father because he always kept his word. When he told me that his door was always open, that I could talk to him about anything without being afraid of him getting angry, I believed him. You see, my father was easy to understand. He had a few simple rules, and once you got a handle on them you felt the peace that comes from consistency, from predictability. If you respected him he respected you, and if you were going to survive in his world then you’d better learn some common-sense. But it wasn’t enough to know the rules, you had to live them, and in living them you became more like he was: A calm man of devotion. A man committed to his family above all else. A man who believed in fairness, and whose greatest fear was that his children would think he wasn’t trustworthy. We never did. 


Perhaps the pressure that I’m feeling is born out of my admiration for my own father. He set the bar so high I’m afraid I won’t measure up. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try."


Thank you Chad, that was amazing!


Happy Sunday and Father's Day!


Hil

6/15/12

Daddy, Papa, Father, Dad

This is my second time writing this post because I somehow deleted the other one. The one I previously wrote was huge. Like, 6 or 7 full paragraphs. I nearly threw my computer at the wall because I was so mad.

ANYWAY. This post is dedicated to Daddies everywhere but especially my Father and My Baby's Father.

First off, I have an incredible Father. How do I describe Ron? He is a strong, secure, loving man. Growing up, I always felt so safe and secure in our home. My Dad has gone through a lot in his life with both his parents passing away while my Dad was young and that has made him self sufficient and stable. My Father is assertive and gets stuff done. I have learned to love making lists, planning things, and problem solving from my Father.

My Dad High School Jr. Favorite picture.

One thing that I will always cherish is how involved he was with my in my childhood and teenage years. I played sports all growing up; basketball, tennis, and softball mostly. My Dad missed MAYBE 2 games in my whole life. He was always there, I always knew I had someone there cheering for me. He was so dedicated to me and supported me. He knew the players on my team, my game schedule, and he was always encouraging. These times were so special to me, I was really grateful to have that time to bond with my Dad and will never forget them.

My Dad with My Mom

Now to discuss my Baby Daddy. Oh Chad, I get teary eyed just thinking about your new role of being a Father. Chad completely blew me away with how gracefully he slipped into the role of a Dad. I remember thinking "This seems easier for him than for me". He truly impressed me with how protective, supportive, and eager to be involved he was. I cannot express my gratitude enough. 

My Dad and My Baby Daddy
I remember crying in frustration in the middle of the night feeling so alone as I held a screaming baby. And out of our bedroom comes an exhausted Daddy to bounce our baby boy to sleep. Chad has saved me, more times than I would like to admit. He has this secret source of patience and I want to know where he got that special power. Chad has asked me a few times "Do you think Geddy knows that I love him?" and that question shows his love.

Chad with Geddy on the day he was born.
One last thing I want to talk about is Chad being a "Daddy" to our Bobbie. Some may roll your eyes but a good man has a soft spot even for a dog. One of my biggest fears (oddly enough) with having a new baby was the transition of our furry baby. There are books written specifically to help your dog transition to a new baby. Its a big deal and be traumatizing to EVERYONE involved. Bobbie is used to getting a walk every day. If she doesn't, she is bouncing off the walls. While pregnant, I walked Bobbie most the time because it was  good source of exercise but once this little boy came and having a C-Section, there was no way I could do it. Chad stepped up and took care of our little pup. He gave her special loves when I was nursing, he walked her religiously, he took her potty, he helped her transition to our new little one. Bobbie has always ADORED Chad and this only enhanced her love for him.

Baby Boy with his Papa
Though this post doesn't have as much detail as its' original, I am so grateful for my Father and the Father of my Son. I feel so blessed.

Happy Friday!

Hil

6/13/12

Shoe of the Day

Today's shoe of the day is a little on the wild side. Again, a sky high wedge is my weapon of choice. These are quite comfortable and easy to walk in. Most of all, they are super fun and I love the colors.

Some days, you just got to pull out something flashy. I wore them this last Sunday with a simple black dress and turquoise beaded necklace. I didn't want to go too crazy considering I was going to church meetings. I would also wear them with a pair of skinnies or a pencil skirt.


Happy Thursday!

Hil