31 for 21: Raising Awareness

I have been blessed with two adorable nieces who were born with Down Syndrome. It is October, which means it's Down Syndrome Awareness month and time for the 31 for 21 blogging challenge, which my sister-in-law, Kecia, alerted me to. I am already 5 days behind, so I'll be putting forth whatever effort I can muster. To join click on the button I added at the top of my page. So for my day one I am doing some catchup fro awhile back...my news is OLD news.

Back in May? (was it?), Tadd's family participated in a Walk with Angels Event to support parents and families with children of special needs.

The walk took place in Salt Lake, and most of the family was able to attend. It was really neat to meet a lot of Bree's friends, and other children in the community with Down Syndrome. It was exciting to see what Tysen and Chris have to look forward to with Lyla, who they just had in March. We were able to meet the Early Intervention people, which Kecia has said, have been an immense help for them. I'm so glad there are organizations who are there to help my sweet nieces along in this world which we so daftly call "normal".

Bree and Lyla

Tysen and Chris with their kiddies. Ava, Griffin, Crew and Lyla

The whole gang! Did I mention I felt, and looked, like a whale? Good times.

Here's to blogging every day this month!

Want to know why I'm a genius?

...socks OVER skinnies in boots.

Recent Happenings Somewhat Worth Noting

Samson enjoys the shenanigans of Serena and Blair.

He gets a little wild while we dress him. And look at those thighs!

I eat watermelon for many of my meals while it's still in season.

My fam had pictures taken by the fabulous Ashley Thalman, and some inappropriate things were said worth documenting via said photo.

Awww, who doesn't love a sleeping baby?

The babe and I take to the streets for a walk to 7-11 for the daily Diet Coke. And...I have bags under my eyes. Why? This little one has been gifting me full nights of sleep since he was seven weeks old. I have no excuse.

And he gets chubbier by the day. Representing his inactive (preferred word for unemployed-by-firehouse) firefighter-daddy. 'Tis best for us to complete the paramedic program before really starting firehouse applications.

What about this photo should make me want to cook dinner more often?

Wondering why I came in to take his photo and not pick him up. He and IceBat needed a longer nap.

What should've happened this week? The ever-dreaded act of shampooing of my hair. Alas, I am too lazy.

She Has Thoughts

I really enjoyed when my hair used to stay attached to my scalp.

I took the babe to a movie today, and he was PERFECT. How lucky am I? Now Tadd has no excuse not to take me to movies.

And...I'm out of thoughts. That was short lived...

You're Crying in your Room...

...right now, and I'm debating whether a 45 min. nap is enough for you today after a three hour nap this morning. Probably...

On another note, this is the little bug's blessing outfit, and the amazing blanket Haley's MIL whipped up along with his custom bedding. Goodness, thank you Jon for bringing your mother into our lives.

A Farewell to Warm

I told Sam we'd be going swimming with Aunt Hells and Addie soon, and this is how much he cared...

His expression didn't change much the day of...

Addie sure was excited to take Samson out and show him the ropes. She's such a little fish.

Always the protective cousin

I do so enjoy his ever-clenched fists

Sam was a bit cold after getting out, so Haley lent him her tank top. He felt pretty.

I'm sure that was the last swim of the season, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you how pissed I am that my favorite season is over.

Do I not learn that it happens this way every year?

Blessed Food

Per request, recipes for the food from Samson's blessing:

Pork:

6 lb. boneless pork roast

1 16-oz bottle taco sauce

1 12-oz can cola

2 C packed brown sugar

Cook pork roast in a slow cooker or roaster over all day; 2 hours before serving, drain juices, remove fat, and shred. Add taco sauce, cola and brown sugar. Cook 2 hours longer.

Tomatillo Dressing:

1 pkg. ranch buttermilk dressing mix

3 tomatillos

1 C. mayonnaise

1 C. buttermilk

1 C. cilantro, chopped

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a blender; process on high. Chill.

(whatever you do, DON'T buy your dressing in pints from Cafe Rio, sooo expensive!)

Rice:

2 tbsp. oil

1 lb. long-grain rice, uncooked (2 1/4 C.)

4 cloves garlic, pressed

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

Juice of 2 limes

4 C. water

In skillet, fry rice in oil. Add garlic and cilantro; saute 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add lime juice and water. Cook until rice is done. (Or use a rice cooker!)

The Silver Lining

Although I am pissed that Autumn is upon us, AND that everyone is excited about it, I am pretty much in love with these seasonal jimjams on my lil' punkin.

even better: they glow in the dark!

A Lesson Learned

Always an easy smile from Violet

"Geez Samson, why can't you just smile for the camera like me?"

There is success in scolding

Since I'm SOOO Popular...

I need your phone numbers.

I updated my phone, and all my contacts have been erased. Somehow, I can't retrieve my backed up files. Awesomeness.

Email me your number? caitlyncox(at)gmail(dot)com

Also, every appointment in my calendar is gone, and since I'm not a genius and didn't immediately update my schedule in the salon computer, I'm unsure of when all my appointments are in the near future.

Dear Clients, if we have an appointment set up please let me know! Sincerely, Me.

A Blessing for "This Little Guy"

Our little one was blessed today by his daddy. He was very curious with the whole thing; laid there, eyes wide open, looking around at the men in the circle (I won't tattle on who opened their eyes), and didn't make a peep. What a perfecto babe.

His daddy gave him such a sweet blessing, and I'm so grateful for the power of the priesthood and the spiritual experiences we receive from it.

We had a rockin' luncheon afterward of homemade Cafe Rio salads (an idea stolen from Kecia :), which I'm pretty sure we don't make often enough.

A big thank you to everyone for making this such a special day for us! Our handsome Samson (Samsome) is so lucky to have so many great family members!

Also...

I thought you'd enjoy this little gem

Post edit: I've since noticed that his diaper looks VERY full in the picture. I promise I change him regularly.

A Typical Friday Night...

..lounging in the Bumbo, enjoying David Bromstad's keen eye for design

Sipping a little Diet Dew

Playing a bit of Angry Birds

He surely rules the house - in charge of the remote already

These Words are My Own

• I miss giving birth. Yes, it hurt like hell, but by doing it I felt like the most amazing woman.

• I feel funny calling myself a woman, I'm pretty sure I'm still a girl.

• It's 3 AM and I'm considering driving to 7-11 for a Diet Coke.

• I can't decide if I liked Mockingjay or not.

• Samson's diapers smell of death. I swear. Never has another infant's diaper smelled as bad as my child's. Ask Whitney, she'll vouch for me.

• I ate a pack of crumb donuts, leftover chicken tamale pie, and two giant carrots today and I feel good about my healthy choices of food. Can't forget the 76 ounces of Diet Coke I "ate" as well. It's just a zero calorie snack, right?

• I can't handle how rad my son is.

• I'm actually in like with my hair these days. That's a first. And just when I begin liking it, it starts falling out. Thanks a lot three-month-old-dwindling-hormones.

• I'm thrilled both of my sisters-in-law finally posted about their pregnancies. Now I can shout about them from the rooftops! Due within a day of each other, might I add.

• Samson is getting blessed this Sunday, and all I can think about is how I'm positive he is going to mess his diaper RIGHT before the blessing, and his outfit buttons, rather than snaps. What was I thinking?

• It's more than irritating finding melted chocolate, sunflower seeds or Veggie Straws on the opposite side of the bed in the morning.

• I like our house. Remind me to post pictures of it sometime. Charming.

• I'm growing tired of hand washing seven bottles every day.

• I'm not growing tired of watching Sam eat (or is it drink?) his seven(ish) bottles every day. So fetching cute.

• If only Haley's blog wasn't private, then all your lives would be enriched by watching the video of her Addison toddle around in her much-too-big squeaky shoes.

• Is it worth entering the putrid dollar theatre to see Eclipse?

• I'm pissed everyone is excited for autumn.

• Will&Grace should actually correctly be titled Jack&Karen.

Quarter of a Century

I feel old. When Tadd and I got married, he was turning 25 that year, just a month or so after our wedding. I was marrying an OLD man.

Am I seriously already the same age my husband was when we got married? Where the freak has the time gone? Next year, I'll be closer to 30 than 20...bring on the depression.

A few highlights from the day:

Some sleeping in

(brought on by me suggesting Tadd wake up at 7 and feed Samsizzle, how self-deserving am I...)

Lunch with my boys

Inception with Tadd while Jon and Hells watched the child

Dinner at the Halls

Getting to fawn over my little Addie Lou

Tadd's softball game, where I gazed at the following for much of the event

The little stud slept through the whole thing, and still went right to bed when we got home. What a fabulous gift.

He's attempting to tell you he thinks his mom is #1.

Tadd's family celebrated the August birthdays a few days later, so Tysen and I had the pleasure of celebrating our happy days together.

Notice my "cake"? Genius. And yes, I consumed that entire half of watermelon within two days.

A few unphotographed tidbits:

My oh so generous gift of a video camera from el husbandero

Lunch with my sissies the next day

Lunch with my mom and sissies (double time!) the following week

A truly gorgeous skillet, knives and other cooking utensils from mama dear and papa dear (with help from whit dear)

Mini cupcakes from The Chocolate

Happy birthday to me! And thank you to all that made it a special one!

P.S: we've finally joined all you humanoids in the 21st century

with a working computer and internet. Huzzah!

Baby Vi

Samson's cousin, Violet, was blessed August 1st, and boy did she look beautiful! We just love this little girl, and can't wait for the two babes to begin interacting with each other!

Samson's first Sunday at church. Isn't he looking dapper?

There was the most amazing sunset that evening, so we spent some time out on our porch enjoying it. Or rather, I enjoyed it. Samson...not so much.

I'm going to miss summer! Actually, let's not talk about it, I get way too depressed...

The Best Gift

What did Sammy give his daddy for his birthday?

Some seriously adorable smiles

Happy Birthday to my Tadd!

A night out with just my husband for his birthday? Yes please!

Camme watched little Samson for us so we could celebrate Tadd's birthday! We headed up to Ruth's Chris in Park City for a seriously amazing dinner!

Happy 30th you handsome old man!

You don't even want to know what I'd do for another filet on a a 500 degree plate...

"Yes, Awwwl Boats"

Nick's parents have bettered our lives. They purchased a boat this year, and have been kind enough to let us go out with them (or with Nick and Mal) for some boating fun! I haven't tried anything beyond tubing, and boy did it kick my butt! The first time we went, every bit of me was sore by that evening!

I really only got pictures of little Miss Addie since she's so freaking cute!

Adds and her momma

She was certainly outfitted for the excursion!

Jon took Addie out on the tube (going like 2 mph) and she loved it!

I'm excited to one day take Samson out when he's old enough!

4th Festivities

Did anyone else feel that the 4th this year was a bit too long? Although it's my favorite holiday, hands down, I was firework-ed out by the 5th. Fireworks every night from Friday to Monday was a bit much, but we did love spending it with family and with our little bug.

Before the haircut, notice his sweet hairline.

Baby Lyla with Papa

Watching the stadium fireworks in the Provo High field. Samson wasn't impressed by any of the Fireworks; slept through every show.

Tadd and Mazie

We watched some Fireworks at Whitney and Ethan's Sunday night. Van was content to sit away from it all and just take it in. No sparklers for him.

All bundled up, the both of us. It was surprisingly chilly each night that weekend.

Lil' Van in his knickers. I don't care what you call them, Whitney, those are knickers if I ever did see some.

Happy 4th! (very late)

He Slays Me