Potty training anyone?

(This picture is from January) So, we started the weaning process yesterday. It's coming along. Nothing monumental today, but this morning when I woke up, Josh was wearing underwear. Dave was home today and while I enjoyed sleeping in, he started potty training Josh. Way to go daddy-o! (Except, now I am potty training and weaning... that's okay we're ready in the middle of it.) Dave had him sitting on the toilet every half hour. The underwear went on after his bath. He had already gone in his diaper first thing this morning. So... he didn't go once in the toilet today and he had just one accident. Although, he was trying to get to the toilet, but just didn't make it. It was great that he tried. It's on now, underwear all the time. He wore them in the car, to the store, and Gramma Jean's. I am prepared for mess galore, but hey what's the big deal right as a mom we're used that kind of stuff!

Today was the day... the day I started to introduce a cup to my little Parkeroni. If you don't know, my Parker won't take a bottle, cup, or eat food. Looking at his solid physique you would think he would eat anything. He presses his lips together real tight whenever you get a spoon close to his mouth. If he did get food in his mouth he would gag. Recently tough, he started eating graham crackers and green beans. That was a hopeful start.

So, now that he is 8 1/2 months and I've had some great encouragement (Thanks Devon) we are giving the cup a shot. I started out the morning trying to get him to take a bottle. It is one that a gal from church gave me. It is unlike any other bottle I have seen. So, I worked on it all morning and he would not drink from it. Nap time came and he was hungry, but I didn't give in. He eventually dosed off and took a real good nap. When he woke up I tried the bottle again and no go. So we went ran errands and kept his mind off of it. When we came back I tried some applesauce. To my surprise, he ate it. He actually opened his mouth and ATE the applesauce. That was reward enough for all my efforts. Then when my dad came over for dinner he was able to get Parker to drink from his cup. He just took little sips here and there. He drank about 4 oz and then took some more from Dave later. It is not a complete success, but it is a start. I would appreciate any helpful hints or suggestions. I am still going to nurse, I nursed this evening before he went to bed, but I want him to be more independent! For my sake, right?

Fun at Folsom Zoo!

Oh Jimmy!

Many of you probably didn't know one of my favorite comedians/actor is Jimmy Fallon. My friend Ruth knows of my love for him and sent me some fantastic news the other day. He will be taking over for Conan O'Brien when Conan moves to the Tonight Show. It still will be a while before the change, but I am excited for that day! If you aren't familiar with Jimmy Fallon he was on Saturday Night Live, played in a few movies (Fever Pitch and Taxi), and has a couple songs. I like him because he makes me laugh.

What's this.... A NEW CAR!!

How excited am I! We tried for two months to make it on one car. It just didn't work out logistically. So we started talking about it on Sunday and made a purchase last night. It is a brand new Hyundai Elantra. It was rated #1 on the consumer reports for 2008. We wanted a car that got good gas mileage and most importantly safe!! (6 air bags... refer to February to see Dave's accident) We got a great deal and I am so grateful to have my freedom again!

We know this face...

When David was doing his clinicals the other day he saw this nursing publication for Mercy hospital. Guess who was on the cover, our cousin in-law, George. He was in an accident over the summer. This is him with one of his nurses.

Suzanne's Bridal Shower

The Night of Nights

Finally... our shows are back on! Thursday night is our night.Tomorrow we will indulge in Grey's Anatomy, Lost, and ER. Thank goodness for the DVR! Two of our shows are on at the same time. Whatever would we do?

Elf?

Last night we went to my parent's ward potluck. The theme was food storage, so we had to bring items that we could make with it. I have some tasty dishes, but I think I had a chicken enchiladas with gluten instead of chicken. It was good, I just realized the texture was a bit off.

Anyways, Josh was running around and wanting to play with some older boys. When he caught up to them he got a little nervous and wanted me. I followed up behind him and made sure he knew I was there. The boys were really nice and told him he could play with them. He declined and when they boys ran off one said to the other, "Doesn't he kind of look like an elf?" referring to Josh. I didn't know to crack up or feel bad that a kid thought my child looked like an elf. (I really did have to laugh.My mom and I think the little guy thought that because of his shorts and crocs.) He is a cute elf though!

Too pooped to poop?

Notice something different in my bathroom?



I guess he was just wiped out when he went to do his business... so he took a nap. We'll see how it all turns out?

Showers

My friend Ruth has deemed me "The Shower Queen." Over the past 5 years, I have thrown, I think, around 12 showers. (Either bridal or baby.) I love to do it and it is fun to help someone celebrate. As of tomorrow night though I am hanging my hat until my sister in-law has a baby. (At least that is my plan for now... right?) I mention this because I found this website operationshower.org. It is an organization that sends "showers in a box" to pregnant military spouses and hosts group showers on military bases. What a great idea! I wish I came up with it myself. I always have a soft spot for military families because one day my brother will be serving our country. Way to go Operation Shower!

What concert was this?

David's cousin, Cory, is in a band. They played at a bbq we went to the other day. I had to take a picture so in 20 years I can pull it our and say "Cory... check you out!" He is the one on the drums. They were good, Josh thought it was a little loud. I thought they were radio worthy.

My new favorite thing

While in Utah I found this handy wrist strap for my keys. I am always juggling keys and kids when I get out of the car. It serves its purpose well and I find my keys easier in my purse. Woo Hoo!

Day 7 in Utah

Today we took it pretty easy again. We had some fun driving through the old neighborhoods that my mom used to "party" in. She doesn't really clarify what that means, but she has lots of fun memories she has been sharing with me. We ate at the Burger Barn, which was good and of course they had fry sauce. It was a lot like the drive in, in Malad. They had fresh limes and gems (Idaho fans will know what those are). After that we headed to Aunt Lrae's and had some good chat time.



This evening we all went to Garcia's for mexican food. It was tasty. The best meal I've had since we started the trip. (I've haven't had good luck with the food I've ordered this trip).



Then after that, we headed to the pool. Uncle Jare joined us while Sam and Dad hung out on the side. We had a fun evening and are now ready for bed!

Day 6

Our morning in the pool. Here's a coincidence, this pool at our hotel was Josh's first pool he ever went swimming in, in April 2006. This was Parker's first time ever swimming & it was at the same pool also in April. He loved it. He just floated around and relaxed. He almost fell asleep. Do you like the boy's matching suits?



Josh was so brave and got right in with his water wings. He loved swimming all by himself, as long as his face didn't get wet.

Day 4 & 5

On Sunday we took it pretty easy. Josh and I made pb&j sandwiches. He made his own all by himself. Even cutting his bread in two. Way to go Josh. The rest of the day we just relaxed and watched General Conference. Later in the evening we visited with Sam's aunt again. We had a nice time with them. They are such friendly down to earth people, they made us feel right at home.



On Monday we packed up and headed out to Roy. My Aunt Lrae lives up here and we came to visit with her. We were off to a shaky start with both boys crying in the car, but soon they both feel asleep. What a relief. Once we got here we got checked into out hotel. Can I just say, I love the Hampton Inn. It's clean, they have a great breakfast, and even more exciting an indoor heated pool! After we got checked in we headed to Lrae's where Josh made fast friends with his second cousin Riggs. Once Josh saw Riggs he said "Mom, I'm not afraid." Speaking of mom, Parker is all about mom. He says "Mom, mom, mom," or "MAA." He has started say "daaadaa" too. It's pretty cute with his two little bottom teeth which is surprisingly visible.

We had a good evening, of course, watching Dancing with the Stars and eatting pizza. What more could a girl want? (Maybe no little interupting during it, but that's how it goes.) The boys have been good though and we'll see what tomorrow holds.

Oh and this is a picture of Josh's rug burn. What a "bommer" that's what he says instead of bummer. Little too much rough housing for him last night.

Day 3

Today we had the chance to visit David's Great Aunt & Uncle, Em & Cliff. We had a wonderful visit with them. They are so active and obviously experienced grandparents. Even though Josh told me he was going to be shy before we got there, he wasn't at all. He took Cliff's hand and was off. They went outside and played call with the dog.
Then we had a delicious lunch with egg salad & chicken salad sandwiches, homemade apple sauce, and cookies. Emily and I enjoyed visiting and catching up on the family. While we were there Parker did what else... have another blow out. So, Emily helped me clean him up and wash his pants for me. While we were waiting she played with Parker and he was happy to play with her. Em also let Josh play on her keyboard and with some of her teddy bears. When we left she gave him a new book, he enjoyed looking through it that night.

Then later in the day we went to Park City to see a house. While we were there, Josh got to play in the snow. That was probably a highlight of the weekend. He got to throw snowballs at Grandpa. When he talked to Dave on the phone he was pretty excited to recount his experience. Parkeroni slept the whole time through our visit in Park City, he is still getting through a little cold.

Then after Park City we went to dinner and then on to Sam's Aunt's house. They have a big family and Jared loves spending time over there. They were all so nice and Josh loved playing with the other kids. We are going over there tonight to watch movies.

Day 2

Our day started out with a trip to our favorite place, Target! Aunt Sam and I took the boys out. While we were there Parkeroni had a "blow out." So when I went to change him he surprised me with the biggest mess ever!! So, Parker ended up in just a diaper & a blanket. We headed right to the kids department and dressed him with a new outfit. That girl at the register said it happens all the time!

Our treat of the day on Friday was to see Uncle Jordan. We went up to bountiful to meet up with him at the Wright's house. We got the tour of their home and it is beautiful! My favorite parts were the view and the movie room. They look right out at the Bountiful temple.
We then took Jord and his friends (Spencer & Collin) to Chipotle. They ate their burritos in about 5 minutes and ordered one to go. Then we stopped by Iceberg for ice cream. We went back to the Wright's and Josh was thrilled to get to play a little pool with Jord. We had a great visit with them.


While we were Bountiful, my dad went to his mission reunion and got to catch up with many old companions. One came only because he knew my dad was going to be there. He is not active in the church any more and wanted to catch up with my dad. Then there was also another missionary my dad served with who's son is in my brother's mission right now. Small world isn't it. Overall, we had a good day.

My birthday

I had a wonderful birthday, thanks to my family and friends! It started off with sleeping in (always a plus). Then when I came out Dave had freshened up our birthday decorations and got me beautiful flowers & ballons. They sang to me and I opened all my gifts. I got some darling clothing a new dock for my iPod. Then Janell took me for brunch at Danielle's creppery. Delicious!! What a treat though, not just the food, but time visiting with her. Then I was off to a wonderful massage... I mean wonderful. I recommend it! Then we did a little shopping and had dinner with my parents at El Fornio. Josh spend the afternoon with Aunt Teri and that was a nice birthday gift. I appreciated all the well wishing and efforts everyone made so I could a nice day.

We made it to Utah!

We had a great ride out to Utah. The boys were real good, even with Parker's new tooth & cold! We only made two stops and seemed to make pretty good time. My mom's driving didn't even scare me (she's what I call a "late braker" and it drives me nuts!) So needless to say we made it safely. Jared and Sam's place is beautiful! Sam has a great sense of decorating taste. We all fit real comfortably. Jewels is their cat. She is pretty unsure of us. Josh seems interesting to her, but still makes her uneasy. He insisted on buying Jewel's a gift, so we got her a package of what else... little cat athletic balls. He presented it to her when we got here. He's a thoughtful kid. Sam and I stayed up later than everyone else just talking. It was great! They have been married now for a year in a half, but with them living out of state we haven't had the chance to be together as much as I'd like. It was fun to just visit. I have two really great sister in-laws. I don't know what's new for today, but we'll just play it by ear.

Another tooth!!

Amazingly enough one tooth wasn't good enough, Parker cut his second one today! Right next to the bottom one he got on Monday. I had a dream last night that he cut this tooth, so it was funny that he really did. He has a runny nose today, but for the most part has been a trooper!

We are off to Utah tomorrow. I should clarify, me, Josh, & Parker are going with my parents. Dave-o get a mini vacation. (I thought I was the one getting the vacation until I packed all our stuff!) I am really excited though because my brother and his wife haven't seen Parkeroni yet. In fact they haven't seen Josh since last June. Man has he changed. We'll also see Jordan, my brother in-law and some other family. (I miss Jord and I really will miss him when he goes on his mission.) Not that I have a following, but... I will be posting to my blog in Utah so Dave can see us.