4 Months

Here is my sweet baby after his 4 month check up and shots.

SAD. SAD. SAD.

He was a trooper and barely cried at the office.

Xander now weighs 15 lbs 12 oz and is 25 inches long.

He loves to play with anything he can get his hands on,

and it usually goes straight to his mouth!

He loves his dad and always lights up when he hears Phil's voice.

Is the happiest when he wakes up in the morning.

Eats like a champion and gets to start cereal tonight. YUM.

Has been laughing at about anything that scares him.

Smiles all the time.

Enjoys his binky, but not as much as his hand.

Drools almost always.

Has been rolling from his tummy to his back for about two weeks,

and just last night really rolled from his back to his tummy.

After about twenty minutes of it last night he seemed like a pro.

He now likes to roll across the floor, and goes until he runs into something.

The bad news is that he can only go one way right now!

I guess time will fix that.

We love you Xander.

Bumbo Chair

Xander gets extremely tired by about 7:00 pm and is ready for a bath and bed. We like to try to keep him up until 8:00 so he will stay asleep until 6:30 am. Phil and I had eaten dinner and were cleaning things up. Xander was sitting in the Bumbo chair we borrowed from his Auntie Erika. X loves the chair when he is happy but really wasn't into it here. He was almost asleep while sitting there. Phil gave him his binkie and he was okay for a minute, then spit it out and let us know he was DONE. Enjoy the chins, he has a few, especially while sitting up since his head isn't super supported still.

Halloween Ghosts

Our AMAZING Corrie, the wonderful woman who keeps Xander while Phil and I are working, does super fun activities with the kids. She even incorporated Xander into the Halloween fun. As the other kids were painting their pumpkins she painted X's feet and made them into ghosts.

Of course when I saw the final product I got teary eyed...how thoughtful of her! Then I said, "too bad it won't last forever." To which she replied, "That's why I did this!"

She had printed a copy of the foot ghosts on paper so I can keep it forever. I love that woman. She is an answer to many prayers about what we were going to do with Little X. He loves it there and so do we! Thanks Corrie.

Halloween

For Halloween Phil dressed Xander up in the scariest costume he could find...a Utes fan!!! I forgot to mention that the Utah vs. Wyoming football game was on Halloween and that Phil hid the University of Wyoming onsie Xander had planned on wearing for the day, until he put his superman sleeper on to say he dressed up his first Halloween. I guess Phil just saved me a step!

Phil had other plans and dressed him in red and white, he was super cute even as a Ute Fan. Tom and Laura kept Xander so Phil and I could attend the football game. I did wear my Wyoming gear and only got booed a few times on the way in.

You're Invited

I am super excited to invite you all to a Heritage Makers party at my house on

Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00.

The timing is JUST RIGHT to complete amazing holiday gifts that will last a lifetime.

Come check it out.

Please call me if you have questions or need directions.

(801)699-6052

3 Months

Time is really flying by.

On the 17th Xander turned 3 months old!

Here are some updated photos and info.

Xander is trying his hardest to sit up on his own.

Phil was helping him here and almost had X laughing.

My Little X and his crazy hair.

He loves to be laying and playing,

of course with someone paying attention

and talking to him.

Staring at his hands.

One of his new hobbies if he isn't eating them.

X loves tummy time as long as

someone is there with him talking/playing.

We are all adjusting to me being back at work.

Xander loves going to Corrie's house with the other kids.

There is always someone in his face talking/playing/singing with him.

He is SO happy when I pick him up that it makes me laugh.

We are truly blessed to have such a happy, healthy baby boy.

Concussion

Phil is by no means a professional football player, and yes when he got his concussion he was playing flag football with buddies on a simple Saturday morning but the effects seemed like he was involved in this hit.

Last Saturday I had to go in to work to interview for a new sixth grade position at our school, which is a story in itself. I left home at 7:00 and left X with Phil. They got up and about 9:30 Phil dropped X off at Lisa's so he could fulfill his duties to play flag football with his buddies.

I thought all was well. About 12:15 I checked my phone and noticed I had about 5 missed calls from my hubby. I tried to call him back and got a garbled voice with not not a lot of coherence. He couldn't even put together a sentence and he didn't know we had a baby! YIKES. I immediately called Lisa to see if she still had Xander, thankfully she did and I told her to keep him. I called back a minute later asking her to check on Phil since he wasn't answering his phone.

Lisa called me a few minutes later and said Phil was in pretty bad shape. I told her his mom, who is a nurse, was on her way over and I was on my way home. When I got there I found Laura and Lisa sitting with Phil. What a sight. He looked like the same hottie I was married to but I quickly realized that he wasn't okay, or even close to okay. By the time I talked with him he did remember we had Xander but couldn't remember where he was or why he would leave him with Lisa to play football. He kept repeating himself. The conversation went something like this:

"Why were you at school?"

"I was interviewing teachers."

"Oh, did you get one?"

"Yes, we offered her a job."

Pause for about 5 seconds...

"My knee hurts...Why were you at school?

I would tell him and then he would start up again. After about an hour he would switch topics and even dredged up topics from years ago.

I tell you, we decided that he would NEVER play football again. Our bodies are so amazing and it is scary to see what can happen to them when they get abused. All I can say is take care of yourself and be thankful for each day we have healthy and normal.

Xander's new hobby

This is Xander's new hobby. I hate it as everything is wet and drooled on. Poor kid, we just can't get the pacifier in fast enough. If he ever finds his thumb on a consistent basis we are in trouble because I am not sure he will ever take it out to eat again!

Please excuse my hair. We had a rough weekend and I wore NO makeup and a hat all day Sunday. Details will follow.

Hiatus

The definition of hiatus is a long break. I guess that's what I have been on. Been back at school for a week...love it! Have a great baby-sitter for X and feel super comfortable with her. Have a husband who is still trying to play football as he were 15 again (more to come). So much for my hiatus. It ended tonight.

2 Months

Time is moving too fast.

On Thursday (17th) Xander turned 2 months old.

It is amazing how much they change,

how much they grow,

how much you love them...

in two months!!!

We also had to take him to the doctor on the 18.

Shots.

Yuck.

It was fast, over before I new what was going on.

Over fast enough to hold him.

Comfort him.

I am SO grateful for this little guy.

30 and 7

WOW.

I know it sounds funny but I have spent a lot of time the last few weeks thinking about these two numbers.

Random you may think, but there is a reason. Actually two reasons.

On August 31 I turned 30. Over the last five years or so I have had this vision of my thirtieth birthday. I saw this huge party with lots of friends and treats, lots of family and of course a few kids of my own. As time went on I realized that my vision probably wouldn't be correct in some aspects so I upped my expectations for a huge party.

Also on the August 31 Phil and I celebrated our 7th anniversary.

As it turned out the day came and went and I didn't plan anything big. Phil felt bad since he new I was sort of hoping for something but it was actually just what I could have asked for.

As for the few kids I hoped to have by now, I am truly thankful for my little boy and have enjoyed the faith walk getting him here with us has been. I have grown so much and have come so much closer to my Father in Heaven. What a test of faith, and honestly I still have a ways to go but I do feel like a much better person for the journey we took.

As for the HUGE party, no family was able to attend. I guess we are just too busy as we all get older and I new I would see my family in a week for Labor Day.

As for the friends, it wasn't huge but the night of the 31st some of our good friends ditched their crazy schedules and children and went with Phil and I to Cafe Rio, one of our favorites, to have dinner and visit.

Our anniversary came and went and as Phil and I talked we both laughed about making it this far. It hasn't been anything close to easy, but we made it...together! I love Phil for the strength that he is to me. For his hard work and dedication to making our marriage work. For his making me laugh and the way he always helps friends and family with what-ever he can, sometimes even forgoing his own items to be of service. For the love he shows me and for the amazing way he has welcomed Xander into our lives. I love HIM.

As I reflect I am so grateful for my life and all that I have. It is time to really enjoy it and stop worrying about what I don't have. Life is too short and as I look forward to my next thirty years my focus is completely different, as it should have been all along.

Buddies

The day we got home from Saratoga Xander really struggled to settle in. He was exhausted and just out of sorts. After a few hours of crying Phil finally settled him down and they slept like this for quite awhile. I love these two!

Labor Day

During the Labor Day festivities in Saratoga, Wyoming Xander got to meet a lot of family for the first time. His Aunt Ashley and Uncle David were super happy to get their hands on him and he loved sitting in his recliner while playing with them.

Xander's first time in the wonderful Wyoming air. It was a bit cold and rainy but he seemed to love it as he did really well. Phil and I got to spend time 4-wheeling and fishing as well as doing other things with family while little X was held by everyone else. It was a bit strange.

The first time all 9 of us had been together in 3 years! Yikes. That's what we get for living so far apart. I guess it makes us appreciate the time we DO get!

Grandma was there too but she was taking the picture. Love you Great!

Amanda's Wedding

My sister in law, Amanda, got married on 9/9/09. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception. I will post other pictures later as I think she should get first dibs at posting them! These are of my two cute boys. Welcome to the family Dustin!

.

Stink Face

The title says it all!

Productivity

So,  as much as I am loving being a mom I am really having a hard time with not being as productive as I used to be.  I have had seven years of marriage to get things done on my time and it has been hard to get things done on "Xander time" instead. 

Last Wednesday Lisa and I decided to purchase a 40lb box of chicken breasts as it was super cheap.  We knew we could package it and really save a lot of money. Let me tell you I had heartburn thinking about trying to trim and package 20lbs of chicken with a five week old, but it worked.  He only screamed the last few minutes thanks to the swing...it has been a life saver. Little X has a hard time falling asleep on his own and the swinging motion really helps him drift off and stay that way.  It got me almost an hour. That tells you how long 20 lbs of chicken takes to de-gross the way I like it fixed.  

This is about half of my chicken waiting to be packaged.

This is the gross trimmed off stuff from 20lbs of chicken, talk about gagging. 

Thank goodness this adventure took place after pregnancy!

The amazing sleep machine. (sorry it's blurry)

To end a fabulous day of what I felt like was finally productive Lisa and I made an entire cooler full of peaches from my mother-in-law's tree into freezer jam. It was great as Mindi came over and held little x while lisa and I made batch after batch.  

Thank goodness for swings, friends and starting to feel like a person again!

Cabellas

For those of you who can't tell, this is little x in the cart at Cabella's.  Phil has wanted to go down to envy all the amazing hunting/fishing/camping gear and it hadn't worked out so the plan was for him to go on Friday after work.  

My plans changed I needed to go in to work for a bit and so I made him a deal!  I said that if he would stay home with little x that we would pack it up and head to Cabella's with him.  WOW!  Phil's face lit up and he said, "Great, a family outing, when you will be back?".  

Needless to say I went to school for about an hour and then I anxiously packed up all the things you need for a baby and we ventured out, in rush hour traffic none the less.  We made it there and back and X only cried a bit.  It was nothing a bottle couldn't fix.  We walked around for about an hour and a half and decided to eat there as well...I know, what brave souls we are!  

It all turned out great and besides getting a good picture of Phil and his son at the best man-store ever there were no regrets.  

We may even try to get out for a family trip again...soon!

5 weeks. YIKES.

Xander loves the tub.  

He was so tired after our walk and his long day of eating, pooping, 

and sleeping that he crashed while bathing.  

New Jammies and a fabulously soft blanket, courtesy of Wendy, little x naps well.

And wakes up well.  This blanket is one of his faves.  Thanks again Wendy!

 

4 Weeks Old

Yikes. My little one is already  4 weeks old. Phil and I sat last night, enjoying the squeaky noises little ones make as the sleep, talking about what an adventure this has been.  We are so blessed to finally have our little x here with us and the time is flying by. I have to say I have enjoyed every minute of it, except one night at 3:30 in the morning when too was crying because I didn't know what else to do.  I just didn't like the helpless feeling of not being able to help Xander calm down. 

Here is what I wake up to each morning!

I love it.

My Favorite

This is by far my favorite picture of Xander so far. 

I love his expression and personality...not to mention the hair!  

Gotta love the hair.

Sorry

This is my peace offering. Chocolate and Diet Coke always makes things better and I have to say how sorry I am for taking my LOOOOOOOOOOOONG blogging break.  I have been enjoying my little man, not to mention trying to figure out how to accomplish all that I must with him around. My hat goes off to all of you who make this look easy, organized, and under control!  Especially when you have other children at home already.

Anyway, I promise to get back sometime!!!  Hope all is well.

A Good Hair Cut

So, with  my baby being a little over two weeks old I have to say I indulged in a little "me" time before my sweet mother goes home on Thursday, which by the way is giving me an ulcer. We have loved having her here to help us adjust to being three.  I went to my new favorite salon - Kelly and Company, in West Jordan and got the best hair cut...ever! I love my stylist. If you are in need please ask and I will share my secret haircutting genius with you. Anyway, I snuck away while mom kept Xander. It was the best 45 minutes! Thanks Mom!!!

Xander Calstan Edwards

Thanks to all for your support and love. Xander Calstan Edwards (Calstan is a mix of two of his great-grandfathers' names) was born July 17, 2009 at 9:43pm. He weighed in at 7 pounds 9 oz and was 19.5 inches long.  I have much more to blog about but am exhausted and he is sleeping so I am going to nap too.  

39 Weeks

Here it is Mom!  I got your message and figured I better take advantage of the only time I will want to show how big I have gotten to the world.  The Dr. said all is well today. My blood pressure was excellent, I guess school was the stress, and I have dilated more and am 80% effaced. My non-stress test showed a lot of contractions, that I have been feeling, and they said that is also a great sign.  If I make it until next Wednesday, the 22, my due date, we will schedule something for the following week as Dr. doesn't want this little guy too big.  After all, I don't feel too bad about an induction as I for sure know when the due date is because of the nature of becoming pregnant.  We know exactly, down to the minute, when he was fertilized and implanted (something not too many people can say). As a matter of fact we even have a picture of him three days fertilized!!! Perfect for his baby book.  

Has Time Stopped?

Wow, after close to seven years of marriage and almost five tough years of infertility we are on the cusp of parenthood and it feels like time is simply standing still.  It is that nightmare when you are 7 years old, waiting for Christmas or your birthday.  Waiting for the fun and for the gifts. Waiting see what is to come.  It feels like it will never get there. It is hard to sleep, hard to concentrate and just so dang exciting that everything takes a back seat.  

That's where I am right now.  

I can't sleep.

Can't concentrate.

And frankly don't want to do anything but have a baby.  

Go ahead and laugh but it's true.  I can't wait to get to the Dr.s tomorrow and see what progress has been made and what the upcoming plans are.  I have been having contractions, not too many but about 4 an hour and am really hoping for a change in dilation and effacement tomorrow.  If nothing else Dr. will strip membranes...yuck...to help things along.  

It is time.

Non Stress Test

The name itself induces stress. That's what I informed the lady was performing mine NST today.  She laughed and asked if that was why my blood pressure was high. I didn't think that was so funny.  Anyway, jokes aside, all was well with the baby and me.  Same old info, blood pressure creeping higher but not too bad, swelling not favorable but not bad, no protein in urine, the baby's heart rate was great and so was his fluid.  Sorry family who has today, there will be NO baby Edwards today. At least due to the test results.  

4th of July

We were officially party poopers for the 4th.  Phil and I got up at 6:30 to cook 8 dozen scrambled eggs for the Ward Party.  We had a great time visiting and eating a good breakfast.  When we got home we decided to tackle the mowing and yard work that still needed to be finished from last weekend.  That required we take a drive to Home Depot to get a boarder for our new tree.  Among other things we left with our boarder, a new trowel (they break like crazy), two tomato plants (yes, I am very late this year), two tomato cages, and three of our very favorite perennials.  We have been wanted to plant red pokers and decorative grass for quite some time, the cost has been very prohibitive though.  Yesterday the HD had a great sale so we splurged.  When we got home Phil tackled the backyard mowing and weed eating and I, as funny as it probably looked, took to planting our new perennials and tomatoes.  Once we had finished we worked together to get the edging/boarder put around the new tree.  When all our yard stuff was finally complete we came in and had lunch while watching a movie and just relaxing.  

Our usual tradition of spending the afternoon with Phil's family at the West Jordan Park with all it's festivities was forgone as I didn't really feel like sitting in a park in the hot weather with a huge line for the bathroom!  Dangerous for someone 9 months pregnant.  Sorry family, we missed you!  We did end up seeing the Transformer movie, it had readily available bathrooms and air conditioning. After that we came home and watched TV for about 30 minuted before deciding that at 10:15 on the 4th of July we were both ready for a good night's sleep.  

Are we old or what?

The sad part is that I LOVE fireworks, and with our little man's due date approaching, we probably won't be involved in the 24th fireworks either.  SAD.  

New Tree for Kya

Last Saturday, among other yard work and cleaning the garage, Phil and I planted a tree in our tree-less backyard.  After having our HUGE cottonwood taken out last fall we have been wanting to do this and finally the time was right.  Kya needed a new shade source and it will take some time but eventually our Norwegian Sunset Maple will be a great shade tree for her.  

How I Feel

This is how I feel.  Of course it is not real because I am not that blond, my feet are way to swollen to wear anything that ties, and more importantly the only reason I would run like that was if someone said there were free donuts.  Even then I would pee my pants and have to stop before I slipped or laughed my head off.

That being said, tomorrow is my LAST day of school for the year. I am ready.  Although I feel like this I promise I won't run.  I will be waddling quickly out the door.  I will have to be back next week in order to get my 6 weeks of sub plans ready but at least the kids won't be here and I will be focused on next year.  It is days like today I love and hate my job at the same time. What other job do you have to line out 6 weeks of plans for a sub in order to take FMLA leave?It bites but I will do it with a smile as it gets closer to the date I get to meet my little man.