31 for 21: I, Like, Make Stuff

Such as these. An idea my SIL, Lindey, found! Yes, it is possible to print straight onto fabric from your home printer. After a few trial-and-error attempts, we figured it out, and my printer prevailed!

P.S: In the Provo area, embroidery hoops in the suggested sizes are hard to find! I made do with what was around.

And check this out! Festive, eh? I smack my face on it any time I use the front door, it's pretty gigantic. Don't mind the painters tape...just working a little curb appeal.

Of course I only copy people, such as this chick, with my handicrafts (I can't get myself to say I'm crafty because I'm not, nor do I wish to be more so). Thanks for the tip off, Erika!

31 for 21: Do You See What I See?

I spy with my little eye...

A tiny baby who needs to see his mommy while she gets ready or he'll most often freak out.

Well, 'ello there gov'na!

31 for 21: Tis the Season to be Layering

Sleeper, swaddle, sleep sack.

Whoa, alliteration.

And don't worry that I go in to check his temperature at least six times after I've put him down, and adjust the settings of his heater and both fans, which I'm convinced he needs for the white noise. OCD much?

31 for 21: Out Like a Trout

Tadd said this once, and I liked it. Like when Katy Perry kissed a girl.

31 for 21: Not My Kids

...but too adorable not to share

I'd frame the top right picture for my own home.

Cool dude Jack Rockwell

Crazy, dimpled Van Ethan

Beautiful, chubby Violet Caroline

Courtesy of Roger Ruth Photography

31 for 21: Parks and Peyote

One last warm afternoon

Three sisters

Two babies

Starburst

Pretzel M&M's

Stroller walk to the neighboring park

Lounging on the grass

Watching a doggie play frisbee

Pleasant sisterly conversation

Elderly Indian smoking peyote

Yes, elderly Indian smoking peyote.

What a way to ruin a textbook "la-de-dah" outing.

Samson was frightened, but couldn't help sneaking a smile. Just a happy, happy boy.

31 for 21: For Joanna

A teensy request...

surely I can accommodate my childhood violin teacher!

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?