31 for 21: This is How we Do it

Spare yourself. Don't peek into my closet, or Samson's, for that matter. The organization and color coordination may make you gag. And then...in rooms I don't care about? Mayhem. We like to keep things interesting around here.

31 for 21: Quatro

Our little dude is four months old today.

Time flies.

And it yet it creeps by.

Tadd was just saying today that he looked at my "Walk with Angels" post, and he swears it was three years ago that I was pregnant. I swore I would never forget what I felt like when I was pregnant, but oddly enough I've forgotten. It's this evil pregnancy amnesia (as my mom calls it), and it's seriously cruel. I'll be with child again one day, I'm sure, and then it'll all come flooding back to me. Gag.

But...good news is, I got this little Samsonite from it all. And he rocks. Rocks, I tell you.

Evidence of such, below.

Weight: 15 lbs. 4 oz.

Length: 26 in.

Head: 17 in. (I have no idea if this is normal or not)

Tidbits I love about Sammy:

The nose-crinkle when he smiles really big, resulting in the little "X" wrinkle on the bridge of his nose

How he babbles in his crib when he wakes up (usually)

His craziness in the bathtub

His adoration for his daddy

Those wide, brown eyes

The smell of his breath (is that weird?)

Squeal, squeal, squeal

Like clockwork...messy diaper #1 of the day

When he's feeling needy in the car, all he needs is to hold my hand

The 10+ hours he sleeps at night

His immediate 2+ hour nap right after he wakes up and eats between 7 and 9 (dear blog post, please don't jinx this)

Those smiles, giggles and laughs

He loves having his face tickled, tends to calm him down and can put him to sleep

That pouty lip when he's about to reeeally cry

How he can get Tadd to full-on belly laugh

How's he found his thumb, and ohmyhell, it's adorable when he goes to town on it

Likes eskimo kisses

What a champion errand buddy he is

The way he flexes his itty bitty feet when he stretches

P.S: I heart him

31 for 21: Happily Ever After

This "singlegirlinethiopia" ain't single no more!

One of my besties got married to her sweetheart yesterday. I forgot my camera at the temple, so no photos of the happy couple together, just this happy couple directly below.

Celina and Adam happened to rent a house in our ward! Yay, friends! It's no secret that Tadd and I as a couple aren't the most social of humans, so I'm glad to have some built in friends in our ward.

Celina was absolutely glowing, and I just couldn't be happier for her! Adam is such a sweet guy, and I'm convinced he and Tadd are going to get along famously, making our hang-outs with the newlyweds even better.

Doesn't Tadd look like Hitler? *gasp!*

The luncheon was at Spark, and she had a great photobooth corner with some silly props. You bet Sammy looked smashing with a mustache in the polaroid pic we took for Celina's guest book.

Note: Although not on purpose, kale pre-bloomed is a seriously fantastic plant for bouquets.

Ma, thanks for letting Samson watch you while I attended the sealing!

31 for 21: Buddy Walk

The Buddy Walk is something the Cox family looks forward to every September. I've actually never been, so I was glad I could be a part of it this year. Samson was thrilled as well.

There was a program before the walk by the lady from Signing Time, which the kids absolutely loved. Some kids were called up on stage to help her sign her songs from her videos, and it was adorable. It's incredible how quickly kids catch on to signs, and how well they can keep up with her. I took three years of sign language in high school, and could only pick out a dozen signs. it's pathetic how little I remember! The way she teaches on her videos, I'm sure these kids won't forget their new signs anytime soon!

Can't wait for these two to be best buddies. Lyla already grabs his hand when they are laying next to each other.

I adore Bree's cheesy smile

Most of the Cox and Clapier families

Oh, Andrew. Classic.

Bree and Lyla's team name was X-tra Cute Cousins, referencing the extra chromosome. Clever!

I really enjoyed this event, and will join the family in looking forward to it next year! And I'm thrilled I have a new sleep shirt!

31 for 21: Red Barn

Sue Bear has some very resourceful friends who inform her of activities in the area to do as a family, and by family I mostly mean, as the daughters plus offspring, if applicable.

This month's activity was the Red Barn in Santaquin, which I highly recommend. Fun hay ride, pick-your-own-pumpkin, maze, fresh fruit, and freakin' amazing apple cider doughnuts.

Um, could you just die? He looks so adorably silly.

The Ingrams

Baby Vi

Jack found the end, no problem. That clever fellow.

Haley and I weren't quite so clever.

Little ghosties at the South Ridge Farm

Who wouldn't want to pick these little pumpkins?

Mallory found the most interesting pumpkin...of course.

Not sure if Addie found an Addie-sized punkin

Samson sure enjoyed himself, and his baby pumpkin. He won't let me carve it though, says it won't last as long.

Would YOU be comfortable like this?

Mummy, thank you for the outing, we surely enjoyed ourselves! And the squeaky cheese and doughnuts!

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!