Sparks Marina

A Sunday afternoon with two dog lovers, two crusty-eyed babies, two moms, and my favorite animal (Sophie).

Sparks Marina has a couple kid parks and a dog park along a two mile trail. The weather was great, even called for baby capris, so we strolled on over to the dog park where Mallory frolicked among "her Disneyland".

Not being our element*, Haley and I headed back to the playgrounds, where we discovered Samson does not like his umbrella stroller. There was only one incident(s) of Haley semi-yelling at a little girl for pushing Addie, Addie getting kicked by Sam in the swing, and the losing of a pair of keys (recovered).

Mister Adorably Grumpy Pants

(huge factor in this: his numerous viruses he had diagnosed yesterday)

Treat on the way back home. Allowed on vacations. Also allowed, trucker-sized sodas.

Sammy trying his best to win Mallory's affection back after she had to suffer through three hours of watching him AND Addie while Haley, Megan and I went to Bikram Yoga (a whoooole other post).

When Meg, Mallory and SophieGirl rejoined us, Addie practiced her sharing manners with her jelly beans. Yum yum.

*Although not my thing, I did learn a lot about dogs, the culture of loving dog owners, and the inhumane treatment of animals on this trip. I actually stopped on the side of the road in Lehi yesterday to help a stray dog. If you know me, you'd get what a huge influence Megan and Mallory have been on me (Sorry Mom, I still won't let Gus or Miles cuddle up next to me).

Although the dog wouldn't come over to me so I could help it out, I felt like a better person for trying!

Spark it Up

Let me remind myself...vacations with babies, are not vacations. Well, they are once 8 o'clock rolls around.

Mal, Hells, Adds, Sam and I headed to Sparkly, NV Friday morning, and all us adults breathed a collective sigh of relief when we rolled into Sparks all in one piece, unharmed, and only slightly flustered with the babies.

Road trips apparently call for a lot of pictures, luckily we had two daaaahling subjects to photograph, so away we clicked.

My brown-eyed baby boy

Sam discovered his carseat visor, which I had no idea was there.

He had his first sucker, and loved it. Poor Haley was the one in the back with him at that time and lovingly cleaned up the sticky mess, on both babes.

He also gave Addie's baby lots of open-mouthed kisses. Inappropriate.

On the way home Samson figured out how to play peek-a-boo (top right), and I about peed my pants laughing. Then he read himself some books (SMRT, smart) and played with his activity table (yes, I'm ridiculous and brought one of Sam's favorite toys), but figured out it was so much more fun to prop it up on his feet. He's a silly little dude.

The trip home was sans Hells and Addie because they flew to California to visit Grandma 'Chelle, so Sam was a little lonely in the back. I often visited him, and showed him the cakes I was doodling on the iPad. He was impressed.

We got off to a great start once we arrived at Casa de Romo, what with the overflowing diaper of Sam's, having to immediately scavenge the house for any potentially breakable things my monster could've gotten into/onto, wiping two baby noses over and over and over, and dragging in, no lie, about 20 pieces of luggage (of random sorts). Sheesh!

Much more fun was had throughout the rest of the trip...to come later...

Intermission...

...while I compose the post of all posts about our exciting vacation to Reno (oh p.s. vacation with kids is NOT a vacation).

10 Months

Our monster turns 10 months old today! Whaaaaaaat???

Some fun things that have been entertaining us lately...

.He's become quite needy when his mother is around.

.Gives kisses occasionally.

.Repeats what a sheep and lion say.

.Crawls everywhere, and quickly.

.Pulls himself up on everything, and tries to push his limits of all kinds all the time.

.Says "uh-oh", "da-da", "ya-ya", "ma-ma" (but apparently only when I'm not there).

.He's a Fatty McFatterson and I love it.

.Hates getting dressed and/or having his diaper change and turns into Houdini to get away from us (actually not entertaining, unless you're Haley and then it's very entertaining and a little pee comes out).

.Has mastered his "camera face" (please see above).

.Sam's finally started eating (not barfting up) actual solids. Slowly, but surely. Beans, rice, cheerios (and apparently suckers), and little tastes of what we're eating.

Confession

I take motherhood for granted, and I act childish about being a mother.

It's been tough for me to let myself fully assume the role of "mother", and not feel silly when I talk about motherhood, or child rearing, or calling myself "mama". I've asked myself "why?" so many times, and still haven't completely pinpointed the reason.

Do I have a hard time accepting that I am an adult, not a teen anymore, and this is what life brings as we age? Am I trying so hard not to become the typical Mormon mommy that I'm not allowing myself to exhibit motherhood at all? Maybe I don't feel that I can dub myself a "mother" after just one child, 10 months in? Like I'm some sort of poser?

But, today I realized that I need to freaking grow up. Stop thinking those silly thoughts and just dive right into motherhood. I already enjoy it, but I feel like I am holding back. The fact of the matter is, is that I AM a mother. A mother to a beautiful baby boy who depends on me and loves me. I need to cut the crap more often, and be real. I love my baby and love the role I've assumed to care for him, so why should I feel strange or uncomfortable talking about it?

I have been incredibly blessed with this new chapter of my life, and it's shameful that I take it for granted. It was not hard for us to get pregnant. Although not the most ideal nine months of my life, I had a fairly average pregnancy. How immature of me to not take a step back and realize, not just enjoy, the incredible gift I have been given of experiencing motherhood.

I am going to earnestly try from this day forward to take full advantage of motherhood, not shy away from it or give into fear of mothering, and bask in the little gems of our new life.

Introduction

to Photobooth one morning

judging by Samson's face over and over again, he didn't think much of it.

As of Late

I packed away baby shoes and clothes Samson has outgrown. I put this off for a couple months since I couldn't part with the tininess of them.

My love of stripes grew.

Little mister got his hair parted, and I can't even handle the cuteness.

These two little peanuts turned 2 months old. Where does time freaking go?

Sam is pulling himself up on everything. Cabinets, toys, couch, toilet, chairs, tub, my legs, the pantry, garbage can, bookshelves, etc...and started inching his way along the furniture a few days ago.

Little Lucy bug was blessed, and we had some delicious homemade Cafe Rio salads and desserts.

I made a delicious fruit pizza for the blessing that was a total hit (thanks to Rookie-Cookie and Pillsbury. That's HUGE for me!

Everyone needs a pair of floral leggings. And everyone's should be $5 at WalMart.

Gots ma' hairs smoothed with Brocato's Curl Interrupted Smoothing System. Not the smartest idea for my hair right now. It does work wonders (I did the semi-permanent process which lasts 2-3 weeks), but I wasn't planning on it being SO smooth, I had hoped it would still hold curl the same, alas, it did not. I'm clarifying it next week with Kevin.Murphy Maxi Wash.

Oh, is this not how hair is to be washed???

We were finally corrected of our washing ways, and efficiently lathered up my locks.

Baby boy got his first owie requiring a band-aid.

Got a new print on sale from Twig, and I must be really dense because I can't see the hidden letters. Help.

Lyla mistook the tip of a medicine bottle as a baby bottle and just sucked away. It was too funny!

I turned myself into Taylor Swift.

Mostly I was just forcing my hair to hold curl like it used to before the smoothing system (will rectify next week), and it worked.

Discovered the Hipstamatic app. Brill.

PS. None of this is a prank.

Just in case you were wondering.

Shipshape

It was high time I introduced Samson to what goes on in front of the mirror in a salon chair, and high time we snipped at the mangled fuzz on the back of his head.

He's officially in the system!

Notice the phone number..."he's a baby so he doesn't have one". Looks like he's got himself a personal stylist too!

Icky little baby bed head that doesn't go away after naptime.

Awww, what a cute little puddin' head!

Missed Posting This Gem

8 month picture

Goodness, rolls for days

Thirty.of.Thirty

Day 30 – A photograph of yourself today & three good things that have happened in the past

How far past?

Let's say the last week...

1. I got extensions that are most lovely, AND I've learned how to do them. Get yours! (maybe I'll even cut you a deal...)

2. I finally finished that damn wreath.

3. BYU is done playing for the season. I'm so jimmered-out. (hate me if you want)

Past year...

1. We went from dos to tres, and he's most definitely our better third.

2. Tadd started an awesome job doing custom cabinetry.

3. We discovered the wonders of DVR.

P.S. I must say I'm glad this thirty days of blogging is over, I need a break from the every day commitment.

TwentyNine.of.Thirty

Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.

Shopping, hands down. Not just for myself, but Samson too.

With endless funds, of course.

I could also never tire of napping every day.

I am, however, growing a little tired of chasing after this little one. I just need to fully proof our house.

The above are some, definitely not all, of the 'capades I had to supervise yesterday...

Pulling down anything and everything he can reach from the pantry.

.Pushing the radiator over.

.Pulling cords out of the storage bin.

.Not a 'capade - but I absolutely don't tire seeing Sam pull this face when I point a camera at him.

.Chewing on any cord in sight.

.Shutting the door (Tadd said he smashed his fingers the other night)

.No need for supervision here. I love to watch him explore his books.

From what ya'll tell me...it's only just begun.

TwentyEight.of.Thirty

Day 28 – Your favorite movie.

What's not to love?

That's right, I'm reeeal classy.

On another completely different note, m

y crazy dog loving sister asked me to post this:

MISSING DOG NAMED CATCH

My dog and I pass Catch everyday on our walks and we really miss seeing him. I can't stop worrying about him, I thought spreading the word on blogs couldn't hurt. So if you're up for it post the information on your blog. Let's help these people find their dog.

Name: Catch

Description: Large, tan/brown Ridgeback (his hair grows in a "ridge" on his back.) 120 lbs and stands 29 inches at the shoulder. He is missing his right eye. He was last wearing a metal chain collar with no tags.

Last Seen: Sunday March 6th @ Center St. & University Ave. in Provo.

Additional Info: He is very friendly, has never been aggressive and is strongly motivated by food (that's a great way to get him to come to you.) He rarely barks, but sometimes whines.

Contact: If you have found him or have any other information, please call Matthew and Michele, "We miss him so much!"

Call: (503) 893-5236

TwentySeven.of.Thirty

Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how you've changed since then.

Then (March 15th)

closest pic to March 22nd

And now

Only pic I took on March 15th

What? I wanted to remember to repeat this outfit? I liked it.

Well, gee...how have I changed since then? Hmmm...I'm really going to have to search my soul for this one!

.Well for one, my tatas aren't GIGANTIC any more, and I no longer weigh 300 lbs.

.There is no longer a little mister kickin' around in my uterus.

.Meaning, I'm a mom now. (which I still have a hard time labeling myself as. I feel silly or something claiming that title. Like I'm posing as one, or I'm too young. Gee, I'm messed up.)

.We live in a different house, and enjoy making it a home.

.I've learned to love more than I ever thought possible.

.I feel like I have a better grasp on my purpose in life.

.I'm learning not to initially think of myself in most situtations, but rather my child and/or my family.

.I consume 80% more Diet Coke now.

.I've become obsessed with stripes.

.I'm more confident in many areas.

.I'm funnier.

.I love my husband even more.

.I own more jeans now.

.I value family more.

.My arm strength has grossly increased, thanks to the lil' monster.

P.S. Happy Birthday Daddy-O! I love you!

TwentySix.of.Thirty

Day 26 – A photo(s) of somewhere you’ve been to.

Hawaii 2006 (I think)

(One of the four times I've been. I'm spoiled.)

Long long ago before we realized we don't have to be matchy-matchy for family pictures to look good, minus six future family members (sorry you're cut off, Whit!)

Dodger stadium September 2008

Don't eat a Dodger dog, not even good.

Should I relocate here? October 2009

Arizona September 2009

Little unknown bun in the oven

A black hole

...of looooooooove

September 2009

Pete Stott Photography

La-la land

I often revisit this place

June 2005

Pete Stott Photography

TwentyFive.of.Thirty

Day 25 – What’s in your purse?

Unedited contents from both my diaper bag and purse.

1. Wallet. 2. Car seat toy. 3. Changing pad. 4. Board book. 5. Diapees and Wipees. 6. Camera. 7. Roll of quarters (gotta vacuum ma' car). 8. Baby socks. 9. Bib. 10. Spoon. 11. Applesauce. 12. Sweet Potatoes (maybe it's my fault my baby is reeeeaaaally chubby). 13. Skinny straw (do you know me? Won't drink from a fat straw). 14. Coupon organizer. 15. KevinMurphy hair product samples. 16. Dollar store diaper baggies. 17. Bag to hold Baby Orajel, hand sanitizer, camera charger. 18. Formula dispenser (always find one of those hangin' around). 19. Glasses. 20. Checkbook. 21. (Remember that one time I skipped #21?). 22. Sanitizer sprays (for public diaper changes, doubles as room spray) and Spry gum. 23. 6 packs of gum (a girl needs options). 24. Notebook & pen. 25. Peanut butter pretzels. 26. Flip camera. 27. Buxom lipgloss, Covergirl lip stain, Tide to Go. 28. Eyeliner (I finally found it!), Burts Bees tined lip balm, Crawford Leishman Dental Group lip balm.

Thank goodness for pockets!

Aaaand...a handful of receipts crumpled in the bottom of each bag.

TwentyFour.of.Thirty

Day 24 -

A photo of something that means a lot to you.

This is just getting reduntant. Ya'll know what means a lot to me. Taddy, Sammy, family, my faith, Diet Coke, yada yada yada...

So instead, I'll recap yesterday's events.

First of all, my little one eighth Irish wee one wore a pin requesting we kiss him because he's Irish. So...I showered him with kisses all.day.long. He also donned a few gold coins from his pot o' gold.

My shoes, however, belong in a barbershop quartet, and I couldn't love them more.

We spent a little time up at Tysen's among other green-wearing-folk, then ran out to the mall with Nora (Lindey was there too) for GAP Friends and Family (pretty much a bust, by the way), and met up with Haley at the mall.

Haley and I headed to my shanty for some R&R afterward and then took the wee ones to the park. Addie didn't come dressed for an outdoor outing, so we outfitted her in Samson's clothes resulting in a pretty little boy.

Loving the swings.

Seriously.

Poor Addie was forced down the slide by her mean, mean mother and on the last run (which of course she loved), she ended up head first, on her back, hanging halfway off the slide at the bottom. The torture! Don't worry, I saved her, but not before I left Samson hanging halfway off the couch to find him shoes when we were at home. Gee, Haley and I were on a roll!

Haley insisted I let him play in the wood chips. I'm going to have to be pushed to let Sam be a boy and get dirty. It's not my first thought when we're out and about, and I'm going to have to change that!

Sam and I went joined Tadd and family in co. at Chris and Tysen's house for the basketball game. BYU, I think. Ya know, that team with that Jammer Frudette kid. (Ya right, with a Facebook account, a person would have no choice but to know who Jimmer is.)

Erin Go Braugh!