Pomp and Circumstance

16 grueling weeks

9 lbs lost, 2 3/4 inches lost

5:30 AM alarm Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Roughly 30 peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwiches for lunch

Hours and hours of intense physical training occasionally resulting in projectile vomiting

All completely worth it

Best graduation I've ever been to. Short, concise, genuinely enjoyable! And I only got teary eyed a few times, which is a huge accomplishment for me these days, yay me!

So much of our family attended Tadd's graduation, and we are so grateful for their love and support!

Check out my hot husband!

Tadd with his company "Team Money". Silly, silly men.

Standing with some of his class. Class 55 started out with 26 students, and dwindled down to 19 as students either quit or were kicked out. This program is no cinch; not for wimps!

Instructor Dennison. He was their physical training instructor, whom Tadd described as the energizer bunny.

Receiving his graduation certificate!

Posing around the new podium made by his class

Madi, Mazie, Elllie and Andrew made Tadd candy leis!

Nieces Kyra, Adrie and Bree

Each class leaves the academy with a class plaque, which Tadd and these other recruits made in his dad's woodshop. Best plaque the academy has ever received (in my opinion, anyway)!

We got all the nephews these shirts to match Uncle Tadd's!

Tadd is the new family hero in Jack's eyes!

Shaley and Roman

Lo, Dad, Mal, Nick, Whitney, Haley and Addie

Griffin and Crew, who could not have been more excited to wear their "fire shirts" and see the yellow firetruck!

The proud parents!

Breezy, Kris and Kecia

Almost all the nieces and nephews (Ava, Lyla and Addie were a bit camera shy)

Addison so admires her fireman uncle!

Such a handsome firefighter!

Tadd with his maternal grandparents. They were so sweet to come!

After graduation we headed to Rick and Lacey's for a graduation BBQ!

I surprised Tadd with a firefighter-themed cake, which my friend, *Kristin, made. I love having talented friends!

Could this have been any more perfect!? I was thrilled with the outcome, and it was delicious to boot!

My mom has a thing for spray paint. So, she appropriately gifted Tadd with a gold spray painted fire extinguisher!

Chris and Tysen & Co. gave Tadd a "Mt. on Fire"!

He's legit!

An adorable gift we received from Kecia!
Just like daddy!

We are so excited about this incredible accomplishment of Tadd's, and look forward to what this brings to our future! Wish us luck job hunting!

*interested in hiring Kristin for an event? well, you should! visit pieceofcakery.blogspot.com

Introducing...

UFRA Recruit Cox!

Tonight my awesome husband graduated from the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. He is now a certified firefighter! I am absolutely beaming with pride, and it'll take a lot to bring me down from cloud nine!

Even better, I see a huge boost in Tadd's self-esteem, and there is nothing better than that! He has worked SO hard to obtain this, and should absolutely be proud of himself. I am just so pleased with him...so proud! So very proud! Am I sounding redundant yet?

Me and my fireman!

*more on graduation and the post-grad festivities later*

Some Stupid Things Bug Me

And not just when I'm pregnant. Want to know some of the things that seriously irk me beyond belief, but are pretty stupid?

Placing a "?" before a "!" when pairing them together

Fingernails scratching on a suit coat in church

Saying "Nordstroms" instead of "Nordstrom"

When Tadd naps on Sundays, but it's ok if I do

Also, is it just me or did my stomach seeeeriously expand in a matter of 3 days?

4/16

4/19
32 weeks

YIKES!

Pancakes @ 1 o'clock

Today is Mall-Roy's birthday. I've always felt we have the best birthdays. Both the 13th, and both in a month beginning with "A". So happy best birth-day to you, deary!

The Utah residing girls were able to gather for lunch. Lunch? I mean breakfast for me. I can't resist when a restaurant serves breakfast all day.


Glad to spend some girltime with most of my sisters and ma.

For Mark

Taken at 27 weeks, but this girl is currently 29 weeks

I can't quite figure out my face, specifically my crossed eyes

Also, you'll be pleased to know that I just drank my weight in Strawberry Lemonade from Del Taco. Ever had the stuff? Deeevine. Then I felt like I needed to eat half a bagel to, ya know, absorb some of that liquid. Makes sense, right? Well, it does to me.

Happy Tuesday!

Grandpa Coxes 89th Birthday Bash

Grandpa Cox turned the big 8-9 this year which called for a party! Relatives traveled from Orangeville and SLC to celebrate the occasion.

Blowing out his candles. I'd say we skimped on the candles!

Grandpa with all of his 12 great grandchildren

What do the women do at a party? Chat and hang out in the kitchen!

What do the men do? Watch sports, of course!

It was a great party, and we look forward to his 90th next year!

Betty Lou

A few weeks back I drove to California with my dad, sister and her baby girl to visit my sweet grandma who is recuperating. She sure is a fighter! And through everything she's kept up her great sense of humor, and really knows how to make light of her situation.

I so enjoyed visiting her, and my fabulous aunts, Marcy and Robin, who have taken fantastic care of my lil' grammy.

It's so sweet to see my dad around his mom, it's so obvious how much he loves and misses her, and she, him. California is too far away!

Grams is sporting a seriously cool fauxhawk, and I'm sporting a super puffy face.

A 10 hour drive on Saturday and then again on Monday ended up taking it's toll on poor little Addison, but really only near the end. She was such a trooper! I think the above picture perfectly depicts how she felt near the end. "Get me the hell out of this carseat"

How did I entertain her for the last hour? Licorice (which she LOVED) and about a million new verses to "The Wheels on the Bus", most of which were very inappropriate. She doesn't understand, right?

Wacko Turns FIVE

March 10th was the day.

Jack Rockwell was the one we honored.

Kick @ss buttermilk cake and chocolate ice cream was the treat we devoured.

And these pictures are too cute for words.

Tadd and I will be taking him to FIVE Guys Burgers and Fries, and to the Dollar Store to pick out FIVE things very soon to continue the celebration!

Welcome Baby Lyla!

Grandchild #11 was born today to Chris and Tysen (Tadd's sister), and she is such a doll! 6 lbs. 14 oz. and just as sweet as can be. You've never seen a rounder face with such delicate features, I could just stare at her all day!

Warning: picture overload, I just couldn't resist!

Lyla Mae DeMartini

Tysen, please don't be mad that I posted a picture of you, you look beautiful!

I just LOVE this picture!

Our family is overcome with this blessing of having not one very special Down Syndrome child, but now two! Our three year old niece, Bree (daughter to Tadd's brother and his wife, Kris and Kecia), is also Down Syndrome, and has been a constant joy who has taught us so much!

Although this is a very difficult and overwhelming responsibility for Chris and Tysen, we've seen what a great reward and joy it can be. And luckily, as Chris said, "we do Down Syndrome really well in our family".

We are very much there to support the DeMartini's during this time, and can't wait to see this darling angel grow and develop, especially alongside her cousin, Bree!

Welcome to the family Lyla Mae!

Ahhh the Luck o' the Irish

I am 1/16th Irish, and I wear my heritage proudly. My mom made it a point growing up to instill that pride within us, and I'm glad she did!

Friday afternoon Haley, Mallory and I gathered at Haley's to make these sugar cookies, with the frosting recipe provided. Addie helped a little too.

First batch, too crispy. Second batch, perfection. Third batch, too crispy again. You'd think we'd learn right? Not so much. Don't worry, we ate them anyway. Fourth and fifth batches, delicious. This is the best sugar cookie recipe I've ever tried. Maybe we'll make it a monthly thing!

When it came time to frost, we exercised our creativity a little TOO much. Aren't they oh so lovely?

Ah, and might I mention the lovely Easter sprinkles Jon got for us at the store? Yes, we killed two birds with one stone and made Irish Easter cookies. So efficient.

We saved all the pretty ones for my mom, as you can see above. Maybe it would be a good idea to take a professional frosting class. Do they even have those?

Erin go Braugh!

What Do All of These Have in Common?

not pictured: cocoa butter, pine tar soap, cornstarch, oatmeal, and goldbond cream

I have used all of them in a weeks time desperately hoping one of them will cure me of the painful itching and unsightly rash that is PUPPPS.

What is PUPPPS?
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, is the most common rash in pregnant women. It normally occurs in first pregnancies during the third trimester with an average onset of 35 weeks.

Luckily for me, I'm one of the rare ones that got it earlier than 35 weeks, try 23 weeks! It's said that it doesn't really go away until delivery, so I'm potentially looking at 4 months of this. Yup, I think I might die.

What works?
So far, the Prednizone has been the most helpful, but with it only being a 7 day cycle, I'm absolutely terrified the rash will come back full force when I'm done on Wednesday.

Also, the Goldbond spray and cream have helped numb my skin for about half an hour, and all I can do is apply it right before going to bed in hopes that I can actually fall asleep. 3 days, no sleep, hours of itching, makes for one anxiety packed Caitlyn.

All other creams? Ineffective. I don't even want to know how much money I've wasted!

What does it look like?
Ya right, there is no way I am posting a photo of this beast! It's hideous and covers my inner arms, legs, abdomen, lower back and bum. Delightful, eh?

To all pregnant women, and future pregnant women: I wish for you to avoid this like the freaking plague! I would never wish this upon even my worst enemy. And to that end, I wish you all a good night. I'm out to peel my skin off. EW. Peace.

Cure the Blahs!

Got the February blues? The winter blahs?
Let me lend a hand in curing those!
My good friend Morgan is a genius and is hosting a winter giveaway of all giveaways!
And I'm contributing!

Go HERE to enter, and be sure to spread the word!

I, for one, am crossing my fingers for the pedicure or caramel popcorn!

Update

Oh wait...I have nothing to update on.
My life is pretty dull.
Therefore, my blog has become dull.

However, I've received such great advice from my bloggerites (clever, eh?) thus far about garments, heartburn, and pregnancy acne, that I'm enlisting your help again.

What is your favorite carseat/stroller combo? Please advise!
for the record, I don't mind buying an only-infant carseat...whatever the correct term for that is....

(so sorry this has become somewhat of a baby blog, I vow to not allow this to continue)

Continued Letters

Dear little baby boy,
In the wee hours of this morning, while I lay awake unable to sleep, I finally felt you move for the first time.

It was such a cool feeling. A little like bubbles, a little fluttering, a little bit like you did a body roll, which would be really rad if you did.

I won't lie, I teared up a little, and then when I felt you move again, I giggled.

I'd love to say I will stay up until 3 a.m again for the chance to feel you again, but that's not likely. So, go ahead and wiggle around more during the day. Okay?

Little Letters

Dear face,
Please stop breaking out. I know with my hormones out of whack, you think it's acceptable to make me feel like I'm 12, but it's not!

Dear Addie-girl,
Please be a good little baby when I babysit you tomorrow. I won't even ask you to smile or laugh at me, just please play with me! Please help me to not feel more freaked out than I already am to have this baby.

Dear laundry,
Do I always have to fold you? 'Cause I don't...

Dear car,
Can you get your oil changed on your own? It's just such a hassle!

Dear bills,
Please pay yourself, and not with my money. Find other funds!

Dear Fire Academy,
Please treat my husband well, he's just so cute! Don't kick his butt too badly, ok?

Dear heartburn,
Just go away! I'm sick of burping up acid (TMI, I know), and chewing chalk (aka Tums) everyday.

Dear maternity garment bottoms,
You are ugly. And uncomfortable. I can only wear you folded down, but I prefer not to wear you at all.

Dear 6 a.m. mornings (Mon, Wed & Fri),
I actually don't mind you when I get up with Tadd to pack his lunch, and make sure he eats breakfast before he goes to school. But I think I only don't mind you because I'm with my cute husband, AND because I get to go back to sleep after.

Dear F.R.I.E.N.D.S,
I heart you sooo much. Thank you for entertaining me every night.

Farewell Friend

This is Celina

She's h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s

She gets really tan

She's not afraid to speak her mind

She loves Crest Diet Cokes

She has amazingly beautiful, curly hair

She's all sorts of a great friend, she'll back you up no matter what (if she likes you, lucky for me, she does!)

She's very giving and selfless

She's gone away for nine months to Ethiopia (no, her parents didn't ship her off to conceal a taboo pregnancy)

She's heading up an educational sponsorship program (read more here) that her family largely supports. I'm so proud of her! And jealous...how fun to embark on such an incredible, rewarding adventure!

We had a little going away lunch a week before she left, good times!

But now that she's gone I realize we should've dubbed the entire month prior to her departure as Spend-Every-Lunch-Hour-And-All-Drink-Runs-With-Cely-Month.

How I will miss you! Keep blogging, and let's Skype!

Christmas-ness

I believe there were some Christmas festivities we participated in that need to be documented...

First off, Breakfast with Santa!

Only picture I got, but I love the looks captured on the kids' faces (and Tadd's) right after Santa made his surprise arrival.

Christmas Eve: dinner and games

Christmas bingo which ended in a marshmallow fight!

Right-Left game where everyone unwrapped a great gift! I especially loved Bree's enthusiasm when she discovered there was Dora paraphernalia among the gifts!

Drop-the-pin-in-the-jar-game (for lack of a better name): isn't Tadd just the cutest?

Reading of the Christmas Story from the book of Luke

Love the festive socks, Kris!

The kids acting out the nativity.

Christmas Morning

Gifts waiting to be opened...

We shared the morning with this crazy gang! The kids were hilarious to watch open all their gifts!

Family Gift Exchange (day after Christmas)

Lots of fun gifts were exchanged, but we especially loved the fire gear Tadd received from Rick! (have I even written about Tadd entering the fire academy this semester? I'll get on that asap...)

Bree gave Tadd's new boots a try!

Not pictured, but still worth documenting: Christmas Eve lunch with my family at Mi Rancherito (hit the spot, lemme tell ya!). It was so nice to spend some low-key time down south with my parents and littlest sis before the busy Christmas hoopla began!

We are so very thankful for our families and the wonderful gifts we received, but most importantly we were grateful to be able to spend time with the people we love!

The Verdict

Don't you think these will look dashing on our little BABY BOY?

That's right, we found out today our June bug is a little HE! It's all too surreal to think about, but so very fun! We are absolutely thrilled!

Fah who for-a! Dah who dor-a!

Welcome Christmas, Christmas Day!