Maternity Brain

I don't know if this happens to all pregnant women or if I am just one of the lucky few who loose any sign of a brain when she gets pregnant. I am in a constant state of forgetfulness. For example, I have been meaning to be a more consistent blogger, but have recently misplaced my camera cords and am at a loss as to where they disappeared (or where I last had them). If this was a lone incident I wouldn't think much of it, but unfortunately it is just one of the many things that has slipped through the gaping holes in my brain. I am holding off replacing them because I know that the minute I do, they will show up, and probably somewhere very discreet like the kitchen table. I know that nobody wants to read a post with no pictures, but I am going to go ahead anyway. Just be aware, there are no cute pictures anywhere in this post. So anyway, what is left of my mind has recently been occupied with excited and fearful thoughts of my unborn baby boy. I feel like Emma Woodhouse before Mr. Knightly's return, "I long for it, and fear it at the same time." In some ways I am dying for him to hurry up and get here; I can't wait to hold and cuddle him. I can't wait to meet him and know what he looks like and who he resembles. I am dying to get to know him and watch him grow and progress. But in the other hand, I am terrified at the thought of having two children. I worry about Johnny's feelings and in some ways just don't feel ready to let go of the awesome one-on-one time that I have with him. One thing, though, is definite, in under three months he will be here whether I am ready or not. Which means that I have that long to make the numerous preparations required to have a new baby. I try to include Johnny in all our new baby discussions and will often ask his opinion on certain things. So far, if it were up to him, our new baby would be named either Baby Jesus or Lightning McQueen and would be bald with "squinty" eyes. Needless to say, I've stopped asking his opinion and I just stick to telling how fun it will be to have a brother. And that, in a small way, he has grasped. Johnny talks about playing baseball with him and taking him to Disneyland and these thoughts just thrill me. I know that they will be best buds, and I can't wait until they realize it. Our little Lightning McQueen Barrus is coming, so we better be ready!

We are going private in the next week or two if I don't forget!

One word ... WOW!

I have had some update requests (maybe the Christmas music at the end of January was getting to people?) and while I know that my many readers would prefer something up-to-date, I just have to post this awesome video of Johnny on Christmas morning. Johnny got his first glimpse of what Santa coming really means and he wasn't disappointed. Really the only word to describe it is...wow! (And sorry about the lighting. Had I known Johnny would have such a great reaction I would have asked Santa to leave his stuff out of the direct sunlight.)






P.S. If you want to see more of Johnny and the rest of us leave your email as I have decided to make our blog private. Sorry to those of you who dissapprove, but I just have too cute of a child to let just anyone see. Beginning in February it will be private, so please leave you email here or email me and I will be sure to let you in!

Christmas makes me so happy!

It has been a while since a post and I feel like I have a lot to catch up on and include in this post, but there really isn't the time. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Salt Lake with some of our favorite people and are now basking in the glory of the Christmas season. At our house we are what you could call Christmas fanatics. I just can't get enough of all the Christmas cheer there is out there. It has been a very busy season, as it always is, and has included listening to our favorite Christmas classics (Johnny's favorite is definitely Jingle Bell Rock which he insists I sing to him at night), being charmed by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, watching excellent FaLaLaLa Lifetime Original movies and really enjoying the magic that Christmas time brings. Johnny is at such a fun age this year awaiting Santa's visit--he is really hoping for a slide, fingers crossed--and we really couldn't be happier this holiday season. Merry Christmas to all!!

He'll be on the nice list for sure with a face like that.

We love Christmas this much!

Hi my name is What?

Since discovering we would be having another boy we have been debating about what this child's name should be. When I was pregnant with Johnny we knew his name right off the bat, he was pretty much Johnny from conception. I am the kind of person who likes to have a name picked out and call him that name before he is born; I don't know why, I just like it that way, okay? I understand the opposite point of view, not wanting to hear criticism on a certain name because you always remember who doesn't like your child's name once it's born, and frankly the opinions can get a little annoying. Or maybe not wanting another to steal the name before you get a chance to use it. But being who I am, I would like to share the names that we are struggling over. We have narrowed it down to four. Feel free to give your opinion, but please don't be too harsh. The names we are considering are. . .(drumroll please)

1. Jacob (I think Jake is really cute)
2. Jones (my brother and Grandpa's name)
3. Charles (Charlie)
4. Andrew (definitely not Andy, maybe Drew?)

Let me know your favorite as we try to come to a decision.

Halloween and beyond

Although it was a little new, Johnny really enjoyed his first trick-or-treating experience. He was definitely not shy about just stepping right into someone's house and picking out his candy. His manners did need a little work. He was too busy trying to figure out how to hold all his candy in his two hands rather than leave it in the bucket with me, to say thank you. I'm sure he thought he wouldn't get it back, and he probably would have been right. More than once I have been caught eating his treats. If you sit behind me in sacrament meeting, you are well aware of this; we can say it's because I am pregnant but we all know me better than that. He wasn't completely without manners though, he would yell "thank you, guy" after the door was shut as we were walking away. He did make a very cute little cowboy. And so did Alex.

The next day Alex's parents came into town and we began a very fun stay in Newport Beach with them. We even drove down to the Wild Animal Park one day. Other than the lack of elephants, Johnny enjoyed this train ride.

He liked the giraffes.

And really liked the rhinos. I guess they are close enough to elephants to make him happy.

And boy, did he like the petting zoo, although he was a little p.o.'d that the big one wouldn't stand up and walk. Deer are so lazy.

But this little guy was his friend.

By the end of the day he was pretty tired, this rhino couldn't even cheer him up.

I'd like to say, "I can't believe that I look so bad in this picture" or, "Oh I hadn't yet changed out of my Zombie costume from Halloween" but the fact is, this is what I look like these days. Maybe someday I will look human again, maybe.

We also had fun on the Pier. Johnny pretty much just wanted to get down and chase the birds.

The sweet little guy really thought he was going to catch one. He would yell, "come here bird" or "stop it bird" when they would fly away.

One day we took a boat out onto the bay. It was so fun and relaxing to cruise around in perfect weather. When we asked Johnny what his favorite part of the boat ride was, he said "the fun" and I have to agree--after all the name of the boat was Generating Fun.

Johnny with his Nanny and Pops.

I think the sucker added to the overall fun.

He liked helping Alex drive as well.

We also spent some time at the Balboa Fun Zone where Johnny took his first Ferris Wheel ride. (Does everyone know that someone once fell out of a Ferris Wheel and on top of me? It may not have been the biggest Ferris Wheel, but still.)

We love these guys. Thanks for a great trip!!

The latest

We have been pretty busy lately, mostly with Halloween fun. We love this time of year and have really been embracing the Halloween Spirit. Last week we went to the pumpkin patch which was equipped with train rides, a bounce house, pony rides, and a mini haunted house. It also had this awesome tractor which drew Johnny's attention.

I don't know if any of you have ever seen these before, but Johnny just discovered them. You stick your head in and it looks like you have a different body! Johnny couldn't really get over the awesomeness and loved looking like a scarecrow.

And who he calls Frankiestein.

Maddie's favorite part was definitely the hay horses.

In the end, the train ride won Johnny's heart.

Over the weekend we went to our ward's Halloween party and looked pretty awesome in our costumes.

Johnny and Maddie loved their Aunt Kitty.

And here are the rest of us, namely a Geisha, basketball player, kitty cat, cowgirl and boy (sometimes a cowboy just needs a drink from his sippy), someone nasty, and another someone nasty. It was pretty sweet.

P.S. I didn't get any pictures of J.D.'s family and they were the cutest little family of bugs.

And yesterday Adrienne and I realized that even though we are nearing the end of October, we are in California and it is still perfectly good beach weather, so today, October 26th, we had a lovely day at the beach with Mary and the kids.

Johnny loved to run in the sand.

These two look like they have had a lot of beach day in the last few weeks. But really, they are just naturally that tan.

Maddie likes to chew.

And Johnny had a grand old time finding treasures in the sand. We found the most beautiful collection of broken shells.

Lindsay Rebecca Flake Cahoon

Today is my best girlfriend's birthday and I have been sitting and reflecting on the awesome friendship that we have had through the years. Many of you may not know Lindsay very well, but one of her best qualities that I have to point out in this post is her amazing wit and how it has often been used in the form of poetry for my enjoyment. Two of my favorites that you can enjoy are "Ode to the Burger" and "Babies". Read these and you will understand just how funny and creative she is and you will probably anguish that she was not your best friend through High School and beyond. So in honor of her 24th birthday I decided to write her a poem in return. If you have read hers you will see I don't have the inherent talent that she possesses, but I had to give her something for her birthday and this year I didn't have a Kneader's gift card to re-gift. So here goes. (A quick warning to those who want to read this but don't know Lindsay or didn't know us in High School, don't bother reading this post. You won't get it and your opinion of me might be lowered.)

When the Flake's came to mom's birthday, Lindsay was quite shy

We mostly just stared awkwardly and then we said goodbye

Our parent's wanted us to be friends, on that they were bent

Our dads took us to Little Women and Andes mints Dori sent

We talked little at church, she was shy I found

"My name was going to be Rebecca Lindsay, or the other way around."

We did interpretive dance with leaps, twirls and bends

She was a human, I, a tiger, different species but still friends

We didn't get really close until high school came

People thought we were one person, our looks and voices seemed the same

We spent alot of time with Sarah, Kayley, and Tanner

There was nothing we liked more than making a good sign, poster, or banner

She did many funny things and was never made a fool

When she sang "I'm coming up" I'm sure Ben thought it was cool

We had fun learning "math" in class with Mr. Pham

I am still so sad I missed wedding pictures of Mai and Sam

Kayley took us to the Jingle Ball where Lindsay touched Mariah Carey

DJ Shiftey was there and was he awesome? VERY!

We watched The Practice every Sunday, it became our weekly hobby

We got involved in the lives of Eugene, Eleanor, and Bobby

We were "Gone 'till November" when we took a fun road trip

then stopped at Peggy Sue's where we got milk shakes to sip

We always went to Girl's Camp and got "lost" on every hike

For my birthday she taped Smart House, which she knew that I would like

In'03 we went to college and lived together in the dorm

Watching Saved by the Bell in her room soon became the norm

When Connie married Dave, Lindsay got the bed by the sink

Heather loved her post-its and learned the hard way that I stink

She took good care of me when I missed home down to my bones

She tucked me in, turned down the lights, and softly turned on Norah Jones

We hung out with cousin Mark and J.D.'s house was a hit

We also went to Katie's, but I don't know how we all fit

She dressed me in preserving salts, sweet, yes, oh so sweet

And told me in twenty-five hundred years my maker I would meet

She had a way with the boys, "caliente" and "flawless hair"

James Choi was quite smitten because her ears were bare

And now we are both married, me to Alex, her to Juddy

It worked out just right that her husband is mine's buddy

Gino is the godmother to my son Shrek the Third

She sang him lullabys and sounded like a bird

Now we live apart and I must call her on the phonesy

Because I love and miss my best girlfriend Bone-Z

Well that was definitely longer than I had originally planned, but there are just so many awesome memories. I even left out a ton, like a milk shake minus the milk, Teasdale, nature's greatest deception being the dolphin's smile, Twins? Sisters? Friends?, our romantic steak dinner for two at Lonestar, and the list could go on I'm sure. There are just so many great memories. Lindsay, it has been one crazy cake.

The results are in

We went to our ultrasound today and are very excited to be having another one of these!

I can't wait to see his smiles.

And his pensive face.

And his love of animals.

And his dreamy look.

And his obsession with sports.

And his halloween spirit.

If he is anything like his brother I will see these things all the time. I love my Johnny so much and can't wait to have another little boy. Johnny didn't seem to care much that we were having a boy, probably because he was wrong--he always said it was going to be a baby girl--or maybe just because he is almost two and doesn't really understand that it means a lot of boyish fun for him in the future. While he didn't seem to mind, I thought it was a fun and interesting time getting an ultrasound. I remember with Johnny we went at this stage and his legs were spread far apart as if he was showing us how proud he was of his parts. With him it took about one second to clearly see that he was a boy. This little guy was a tad more sheepish and had his legs crossed at first giving us no visibility. So I had to get up and move around to try to get him to move. He did, but unfortuately once he moved his legs the cord was in the way and there was no telling the gender. The lady fiddled with the machine trying to get him to move then I got up and tried to get him going and we tried again. We were successful at moving the cord but the minute that was gone he moved his hand to cover up. I couldn't help but laugh at his attempts at modesty. I know I already love my sweet boy and can't wait to meet him.

Nausea, I loathed it

I did loathe it, which is why the drifting away of the nausea is such a happy occasion. I despised that nausea so much words can't express how the leaving of the disgusting feeling that lasted from morning until bedtime (and on occasion kept me up through the night) every day is so joyous. Every now and again I have a bad spell, but for the most part I am feeling so much better I can't explain how wonderful it is to feel almost normal. Maybe I will bear my testimony about it next month--"With every fiber of my being, I am so, so, grateful to feel good again." Only pregnant people can understand the horrible ill feeling I speak of, so I won't try to explain exactly what it was like. But I truly hated it, loathed it even. My dislike has only made the relief sweeter and now the only thing I agonize about in this pregnancy is wondering whether it will be a boy or a girl. At first I wanted a girl quite badly for the usual reasons, i.e. I have a boy already, girly things are so fun to buy etc., etc., not to mention women's rights--who's to say boys should dominate this family? It's all about equality, right? But then the other night as Johnny was racing down the hall from his room wearing his halloween pj's and getting so excited to play cars with his dad while they watched the Angels game, I got a pang of wishing for another boy to be Johnny's little buddy. So I guess what I mean is, I will be ecstaic either way. I just want to know! Seriously I want to know now.

Family Photos

I love pictures. I love how they can take you back to a certain time and bring back emotions that existed then. I love how you can watch people grow through them and marvel at how quickly life goes. I love capturing a split-second of someone's life and always having it to look back on. Since I had Johnny I have loved them even more--especially when they are of him. So, a little while ago Johnny and his Barrus-side cousins had some pictures taken. If I could post them here I would because Johnny looked especially darling in them. Since then I have really wanted to get some family pictures taken, so that I can document this time of our lives before I start looking too gigantic. Jill Facer (http://photomylove-jill.blogspot.com/) took them and did a fantastic job. I just love them and can't wait to get the disc so I can go through every one of them and see how attractive we all are. Here are three that she posted on her blog that I thought were cute.

I think this was the last picture she took before Johnny ran away. At this point we thought we were done and he had already played in the fountain and become soaking wet. Needless to say, by this time he was fed up with the whole thing and only cared about the treat he had earned for being so good in other pictures.


Please don't criticize the hair. You can be the expert when you have a son with curlyish hair that grows inexplicably fast.

If you really want to make fun of hair just look at mine. I have had these bangs for like three weeks and this is still the best I can do. Yikes, I know!

Seven weeks down, 33 to go!

When I found this picture of of this happy, carefree woman just thrilled to be alive and pregnant, I, as I often do, compared her to myself. I was hoping to find a picture of a chubby, sweaty, nauseated-looking woman to represent me, but for some strange reason chubby, sweaty pregnant women don't post pictures of themselves online. Maybe I will be the first. I just have to tell you, this pregnancy has been a harder one than was Johnny's. I look at this woman and her flowing auburn hair and am reminded of mine that has air-dried into a curly/wavy mess, then been slept on, then been under a hat and is now just out in the open for the world to see. Her body is another issue. Those hips don't look like she's been eating like I have been since I got pregnant. Well, I can't be sure, maybe she did have a bowl of macaroni and cheese with a hot dog cut up in it ( a meal I haven't eaten in about 15 years) for lunch yesterday, I just don't know. And maybe her husband did make two trips to Rubio's in one day for bean burrito's because that is the ONLY thing she could stomache. The fact is, I don't know alot of things about this woman, but despite all the differences that I can see, I know that she or anybody else isn't happier than I am to be having another baby. Seriously, I know that this part is difficult and that I am not smiling and hugging my tummy, or doing my hair, or even showering much, but I really am excited to hold my baby and bring that much more joy into my life.

She's my sister

Sisters are great, it's true. Anyone aho has them knows what I mean, and those of you who don't are seriously missing out. Mine just left for school and I miss her already. Yes indeed, I do miss her.

Who wouldn't miss having this face around? It's like a ray of sunshine.

I thought the words of this song really sum up the way I feel about my sister, and nobody can say things the way that Barney does. Those of you who never watched Barney don't know just how funny I am. Those who did can probably picture the two brunette sisters singing this song and feeling the love.

Sometimes we're real close friends,
we stay up late and talk at night

other times we don't get along,
there are even times we fight

but I know she's always there
and I know she'll always care

she's my sister, I love my sister

I've given her a great big hug
when she was feeling sad

but then again I've said some things
that have really made her mad

But I know she's always there
and I know she'll always care

She's my sister, I love my sister

But I know she's always there
and I know she'll always care

She's my sister, I love my sister
She's my sister, I love my sister

My big boy

Everytime I look at these pictures my heart just aches that Johnny is growing up so quickly. I am reminded of how fleeting those stages were and I almost can't bear the thought of him leaving babyhood and becoming a little boy. I have loved every stage of his life and this toddler stage is no exception, although I do really miss having a baby around. This is why we are having another one due April 19th. We are very excited for some new baby love!

The rest of our trip and more

After our Fourth of July celebration, we stayed in California for about another week. We had a lot of fun, except for this one instance.

I took Johnny to the park one day and darn those slides!! The slide was so hot that Johnny burnt both hands and part of his leg to blistering. His entire hands were covered in huge blisters for a few days. It was very traumatic, but luckily Grammy had this bowl of cold water for him to hold his hands in. The popsicle helped matters also.

We also went to an Angels game. We are such sporty sisters.

The beautiful field at Angels stadium.

Almost the whole gang.

Johnny loved his treats.

Adrienne and I took the kids to the beach one day. Johnny liked the water until a wave crashed over him and Maddie. Then he was just terrified of it. Here he tried to outrun a wave and didn't quite make it.

Our beach buddies.

This was before the wave incident.

While he didn't like the water, he loved the sand. Nobody claimed this pile of shells, so Johnny claimed them.

Beach babies.

I love this face!

Johnny had to tell me about each shell.

Johnny also did a lot of swimming in the pool. Pool water he doesn't hate. Some days he did hate having to get out though.

But he liked to bundle up in a warm towel.

For my dad's birthday we went out to eat in Newport then to Balboa park to watch the boats. Maddie was beyond darling that day.

Sitting on a park bench.

Kissing cousins.

For he's a jolly good fellow.

A few days after we returned from California we set off to Lake Powell with Alex's family. I took a total of three pictures on that trip. Ooops! Here is one of them. Johnny was mad they had to stop going in order to take this picture He loves going fast!

This was in the car as we were leaving. I had to capture how awesome Johnny's hair looked the whole trip. A combination of the water and wind made for some crazy hair.

The Fourth of July

Every year my family goes to Coronado Island for the Fourth of July. It is always such a fun day filled with bike rides, croquet games, frisbee throwing, and catching up with family and friends. All of this is, of course, accompanied by dispicable gluttony. This year was no different and we had another great year celebrating our country.

Johnny was supposed to be standing by the flag, but in pure Johnny fashion ran away at the last moment. I really love the way it turned out though.




Maddie had to squint into the sun for this one. Isn't she so cute?!

Just two people loving America.

As you can see we got pretty artistic as the day wore on.

Johnny was a little unsure about having to share his "perch" with Maddie, but he still was sure to be soft as he patted her head and pushed her away.

Mary got some bonding time with our cousin's darling little Elise.

Apparently Maddie found something better to see than my camera on the ground.

Bruder and sissy.

We forgot Johnny's shades so he had to wear Mary's.

We always set up camp on the Coronado golf course, which is open for the day, and Johnny found this awesome sand trap. Some golfer will find some great treasures in there.

A ball in one hand and a cookie in the other. It doesn't get any better than this.

He made off with someone's croquet ball. (P.S. the caution tape is marking off the green so it doesn't get too trampled. I know things in the background don't escape Lindsay's notice.)

Here is some of the gang.

What a great holiday it was. The night finished off with some terrific fireworks over the ocean, of which Johnny was completely in awe. I thought he would be so tired after such along day that he would sleep for the two hour ride home. Instead, he talked about the fireworks THE WHOLE way home. We sat through two hours of "fire!" "sky!" "whoa!" "boom!" Luckily everyone in that car thinks Johnny is the greatest kid ever and loved to hear him tell and re-tell about the fireworks. I just love my little guy. And I love the Fourth of July. And I love America--God bless it!

What we've been up to

Thus far we have had a very fun and busy summer. I started this post about a week ago but because of a series of unfortunate events, I am just getting around to finishing it. In the last week or so we have been faced with the flu, an ear infection, a foot injury, and the worst experience of my life that I don't even want to relive. I will just say that it had to do with Johnny getting a mole removed and questions as to whether or anisthetic had done its job. Other than those things we have had a fun summer that began with a trip to California. There, we celebrated my Grandma LuGene's 80th birthday and had such fun with my cousins and their kids. We were only missing a few, one of which was Alex, but we still had a great time.

Here is the birthday girl with her four kids. (My grandpa had to have heart surgery shortly before so he souldn't make it.)

Fun with cousins!

Our cute Maddie.

It is always fun to eat out in California, we get to go to our favorite places. Johnny enjoyed the cake here. He meant to just get one bite, but the whole cake came with it. I love that he still tried to eat it like it was one bite.

So worth it.

Johnny had a little pajama party with Maddie.

He also had a pajama party with himself. He loves these funny little slippers.

Johnny loved the pool. Yes, he did fall in once.

He also loved playing basketball outside.

We got to see little Elise! When the camera comes out she hyper-blinks while she awaits the flash and I was lucky enough to get her in the midst of it.

More fun with cousins. Three of my favorite people!

It was so fun to get to see everybody and to meet some of the newest additions. We had to get the birthday girl with all the darling babies. Maddie didn't bother waking up for the picture.


After that great trip, Alex and I celebrated his birthday by going to see the Eagles in concert. They are a favorite of Alex's and it was a great night. We pretty much just took it easy.

Since then Johnny has pretty much just kept on being cute.

He loves his letters and he knows most of the sounds they make! I know he is going to be as smart as his mom. His favorites are any that resemble a ball, like C, O and G.

He also loves to climb into his chair and read a good book. I find him like this a lot. Another thing he shares with his mom.

He recently got very into drawing. I love when he has to stop and draw in the middle of running around. He doesn't even really have to time to sit down. So he will just squat, draw and then be on his way.

He got some new sunglasses. I love the faux Ray Bans on him. He loves them almost as much as his red slippers.


And last but not least Alex and I spent our 4th anniversary in Chicago. Alex went once on one of the boys football trips and always wanted to go back, so we did! We left Johnny with his Grandma and had a great time. What a great city!!

I was amazed at the tall buildings. All you city folk know all about this, but I was really surprised at how vast it was. There seemed no end to the skyscrapers. The biggest surprise of all was the cleanliness. Like I said, a great city!

Here is the Sears Tower flanked by fellow skyscrapers.

We took a lot of public transportation. Doesn't Alex look cute on the train?

We also did a LOT of walking (this is where i injured my foot). It was so fun to explore the city. Did I mention I like this city?

If we just would have joined the segway tour my foot would have been saved a lot of agony. Alex just couldn't bring himself to don the neon vest and zoom around the city. I don't really understand why, don't these people look cool?

This is another thing we didn't participate in. Would have been fun though.

I really liked the artistic element of the city. I loved this sculpture because his upper body reminds me of Alex's.

The entrance to the Art Institute.

Going here was my favorite part of the trip. It was filled with Monet, Seurat, Georgia O'Keefe, ElGreco, Rembrandt, Renoir and so many more--it was incredible!

This is the view from our hotel room. We were right downtown.

Here we are on our 4th Anniversary. I don't know why I decided to not look good that night. Oh well!

This is the view looking down from our hotel room. We were right on the river. I really loved this trip and this city!

The great outdoors with man's best friend

If any of you know Johnny, you know two things about him: he loves animals and he hates being confined. People whose homes have been left in shambles after a visit from Johnny (i.e. Ty and Danielle, J.D. and Adrienne, and others) know that he is a busy guy who needs a little freedom. So I am in no shock that once he discovered the joys of the outdoors, he will no longer be contained by four walls. He lives to be outside! So, my parents house was the perfect haven (other than the pool, but that is entirely another story) for my little guy to run free and play with his new best friend--the dog (technically this is Mary's dog, but that too is another story). And since this is strictly an outdoor dog and Johnny wishes he were strictly an outdoor boy, they were a match made in heaven. And as long as he can play with this dog, I don't have to get one for our own home! Life is so good.

Tag, I'm it

A long while ago I got tagged and am finally getting around to doing it. The rules for this tag are as follows:
1. go to your my document/my pictures
2. go to your sixth file
3. go to your sixth picture
4. blog about it
5. tag six people

So here it is...
This picture was taken just minutes after Johnny was born. He hadn't even been bathed yet, and I just love how new and infantish he looks. Looking at pictures from this day is the greatest feeling. I love remembering the feeling of joy that came with seing my little guy. He has changed so much and I love him even more now than I did in this picture. He is my little angel!

I hate tagging people, so I am cheating and skipping step 5.

Soakin' up the sun

For the last few years I have come down to St. George to babysit my cousins for a week while my aunt and uncle go on vacation. So, while I am too busy to actually soak up the sun, I at least get to enjoy the sun and the weather that hovers around 70 degrees. Last year was the first year I brought Johnny and since that went well we decided to try it again. It has been fun thus far; Johnny has loved having some big kids to play with. I have always said that he needs like a four- or five-year-old to play with because he tends to frighten children his age or younger with his overly friendly personality. Little kids and babies just don't appreciate how "soft" he is trying to be when he gives them a big aggressive hug or a nice firm pat on the back. So, having the older kids around has been so fun and he has been their shadow since we arrived. We have been busy busy and luckily the kids are very helpful and Johnny has been a trooper. Our trip so far has included . . .

Johnny honking Danny's nose just as I was going to take a cute picture of the three boys. The timing really couldn't have been better.

Johnny meeting and falling in love with Danny's teddy bear

Proudly finishing this 1,000 piece puzzle.

Danny making this awesome plastic cup pyramid.

The boys eating breakfast together at the bar.


Johnny eating spaghetti for dinner.


Johnny discovering the joy of stairs. (He also discovered the pain of stairs when he took a tumble down the flight.)


Danny losing his first tooth!


Johnny trying to escape this picture.


Johnny finding these little beauties. Now Johnny on the kick drum. Come, come.

The day of love is here. And who doesn't love love? This Valentine's Day, as Alex is out of town, I have been thinking of other great love stories. I know it is shocking to think that there are love stories out there that beat mine, but I would like to include a few that are close. Here are a handful of lines from some of my favorite love movies and/or books that really melt my heart. (If any of you know these better than me you will probably find some errors. They are not verbatim, but I just don't have time to go watch all these and make sure they are. So, here they are as they exist in my memory.) Sorry, but I am not going to set up the scene for each line. If you haven't seen these movies or can't remember, you will only be better and happier if you go watch them.

Return to Me:
"I love Elizabeth, I'll always love her. But I ache for Grace." This isn't even the best part of the movie, but I thought that it really captured his feelings of love.

You've Got Mail:
Joe Fox: "152 felony indictments."
Kathleen Kelley: "152 insights into my soul."
Unlike the other quote this is not the perfect lovey dovey quote, but boy do I enjoy this part. And it is a romantic comedy so it made the list.

While you Were Sleeping:
"I'll tell you what it is, she gets under your skin so bad you don't know whether to hug or really arm wrestle her. She would go all the way to Florence just to get a stamp in her passport. I don't know whether that amounts to insanity or just being really, really likeable."
Sorry, I probably butchered that one. I hope it's close though because I like the way Jack's felings for Lucy really agitate him.

Emma:
Mr Knightly says something about hurrying back, anxious for Emma's feelings, then says, "I rode through the rain. I would ride through worse than that if I could hear you tell me I had some chance to win you."
Oh Mr. Knightly, you could win me.

Pride and Prejudice:
"It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to admit how ardently I admire and love you."
Mr Darcey wins. He is perfect; indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfeclty amiable. I wish I were his "dearest, lovliest Elizabeth." Lucky is the woman who became mistress of Pemberley.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all.