Night Walks

Walking has become a very important part of our night routine with Max.
When Will gets home from work around 5 we get ready to either go on a long walk, or walk to Seven Peaks.  I have been trying to walk at least 6 days a week.  The pace has slowed, but that is okay.  I am still getting 3-4 miles of walking in daily and all three of us get outside.

This week we did more walking instead of swimming. 

Max enjoys throwing rocks in the stream by BYU and it is shaded so Will really likes that.

The 4th of July 2013

Fourth of July is one of my favorite Holidays. 
I love everything about it - from the parade, to BBQ's to fireworks.  I love that it is Summer and NOT Winter! 
This year was especially fun because Max is old enough to understand what is going on.
Provo does a FABULOUS job celebrating the 4th of July.  I am a huge fan of the events they have and look forward to Provo on the 4th each year.

The Freedom Festival is basically a carnival with rides, games, food, music, and lots of fun.  We took Max down there the night before the 4th of July.

The morning of the 4th we watched the Provo Freedom Frestival Parade.  I knew he would LOVE the parade because of all the fire trucks and colorful floats.

We then went swimming at Seven-Peaks, and to a BBQ at the Henry's house.  I didn't get any pictures.

That night at around 7:30 we headed to the McGuire's house.  Every year they have what they call the "Cul-de-Sac of Fire"!  It was our first year in attendance, but you can be SURE we will be back every single year!  There was food, dancing, fireworks, great friends, and most important Max loved it.  We stayed up late and couldn't have asked for a better night! 

Max learned how to work the little "Pop-it" firecrackers.  It was pretty funny to watch him throw them at everything.  Once he figured out how to "Pop" them in his fingers he wanted "MARE and MARE"!  (More and more) 

The video above is a VERY excited Max.  He was like this ALL night!

  

 

 HAPPY JULY 4th EVERYONE!! 

Cousin Andrew's Utah Visit

Andrew came out for BYU football camp last week. 
He stayed with us for the whole week and it was a blast. 
We fed him, made sure he got a lot of good sleep, and entertained him with some classic childhood movies.  Monday - Thursday Andrew was playing football all day.  He came home tired, hungry, and smelly.  But it was worth it!  He was given the award of defensive MVP on the last day at the awards ceremony.  We are super proud of him! 

During the week bed time was 10:30-11pm.  We watched Goonies and Ferris Buellers Day Off.  I think Andrew laughed at Will and I laughing more than the actual movies. 
We took Andrew to some Provo Hot spots to eat.  J-Dawgs, The Slab Pizza and then we made him classic waffles one night. 
Thursday after camp was all over we let down our hair and relaxed for Friday and Saturday.  We went to Seven-Peaks, saw Monsters University, ate out at Red Robin, and played board games.  It was a perfect weekend. 

Max really warmed up to Andrew.  The first few days he was shy, but then, he pulled out of his shell and showed off big time.  It was like the "Max stage!" 

On Saturday night we took Andrew to the Airport, on the way we stopped at Chick-Fil-A.  I have never been, and for a fast food joint it was pretty good.   

Max was sad when Andrew left.  On Sunday morning he went looking for Andrew.  He sure missed his audience.  Mom and Dad are boring, Cousin Andrew would laugh at all his "jokes!"

Andrew we are so glad you came!  Can't wait to see you in a few weeks.  Please come again. 

Max tried hard to pick up and put on Andrews helmet.  He didn't want any assistance.  The helmet never made it on his head. 

Flash back:
The baby in this picture is Cousin Andrew, the teenager in this picture is William.  Thank you Rebecca for posting this on your blog. 

Baby Goals

In the beginning of this summer we were at the Parker's house and they asked all the friends there to say a summer goal, or two, or three.
Immediatly I thought...I want to have a healthy little boy this summer.  But now that I have had time to think, I have some more to add.

1.  I want a healthy baby to be born into our family.
2.  I want to feel empowered by this birth.  I was scared and felt very guilty after Max was born, but this time I want to feel good about myself.
3.  I want a shorter less complex labor and delivery.  (54 hours was just crazy long!)
4.  I WILL BREASTFEED.  I only did for a few days with Max, before I gave up, didn't ask for help, and didn't make the effort to try harder.  
**This time I have a lactation consultant coming to the hospital.
**I have done a lot of research about breastfeeding and feel A LOT more prepared.
**No bottles will be offered to the baby until breastfeeding is WELL established.  If this is a month or four months, then so be it.
**I am determined to make this part of my life work.  I am REALLY excited to be the only person to feed my baby.  I am excited to share this bond with him.

If you don't support breastfeeding and have negative thoughts about it, then don't share them with me!  I don't want to hear them!  I am doing what I feel is best for my baby.

5.  I want Max to feel special at the hospital and when we come home from the hospital.  I want to make sure we take time just the FOUR of us at the hospital, and make sure the four of us bond.

These are the most important goals to me.  These are the goals that I think about often.

I am so excited to have Baby Peanut.  I can't wait to meet him.  I can't wait for Max to meet him.  And I can't wait for Will to look into his sons eyes and tell him how much he loves him.

34 weeks + 3 days...almost full term.  Bring it on!!

Best Buds

Max and Will are best buds.  No question about it.  When Will comes home, it is Daddy time.  When Will leaves for work, it is Mommy time, but Mom isn't as cool as Dad. 
So glad Max has a fun loving, kid friendly, silly, and faithful Dad.  He is one lucky kid!!

Less than 45 days

In less than 45 days I will get to meet the little Peanut who has been kicking his way into my heart for the past 9+ months.

The two year old check up

Max was a GRUMP at the doctors today.  Screamed, cried, kicked, and cried some more.  And for the record...NO SHOTS were given!  So who knows what was going on???

Max isn't in the 100% group anymore.

Weight:  31 pounds, 93%
He hasn't gained a pound since he was 10 months old. 

Height:  35.5 inches, 77%
He has grown 4 inches since 18 months, and 8 since his year checkup.

Head Size:  20.5 inches, 99%
This is the FIRST time since being born that he is on the charts for his age.  His head hasn't grown since 18 months.  He still has a HUGE noggin!

This is Max being very mad at us.

Pouting.