Photo Contest

There is a certain photography blog that I absolutely love to follow that is having a contest to win a free photo session. Shelly Geller Photography Not only is she a great photographer but she gives great tips and advise in creating your own photo masterpieces! By providing this link I have a better chance at winning. I LOVE her style, and the way she captures the personality of each of her clients. Her photos are amazing! Check it out!

Now, if only I can get to be that good!

Fun Quilt Idea

So, I mentioned before that I would like to make a quilt for Tyson. Here is the pattern I would like to use, I just need to decide on colors. Having never made a quilt before I am hoping that this pattern will be pretty forgiving if I don't get things quite right.

http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/2008/04/for-dana-wonky-log-cabin-block-tutorial.html

Fetus doll

This is for you Brad...

For others of you who may have been a little curious as to what the fetus doll looks like that I mentioned in my last post, here you go. I put my hand in there to give you a sense of scale. Yes, it's even anatomically correct.

Family Addition

For those of you who haven't heard, we are expecting baby #2, due August 1st. I finally had my first appointment this past week. Hearing the baby's heartbeat is always exciting and makes it all seem more real. I am 11 weeks along and have been much sicker with this pregnancy than I was with Tyson (hopefully that means it's a girl)! The morning sickness seems to have been tapering off this week, which I am SOOOOO grateful for! I have actually been able to cook a few real meals without dashing to the bathroom. Poor Ben and Tyson have been living on quesadillas, sandwiches, frozen burritos, Ramen, etc and the main staples of my diet have been Wheaties and Shredded Wheat. It is nice to finally be at a point where other foods actually sound appetizing. I am eager to get us back on a more healthy diet!

I really want Tyson to be involved with the whole pregnancy so he accompanied me to my first appointment. He didn't quite understand that the sound he heard was actually the baby in mommy's belly, but I think he will understand more with each subsequent appointment. Before we left the office Tyson was given a small 11 week old baby doll to take home. He immediately stuck the head in his mouth and bit it. Once I explained that it was a baby he gave it hugs and kisses, it was so cute! It makes me even more excited for this baby especially to have Tyson be a part of everything that is going on! My hope in having him involved is that he will develop an even closer bond to his brother or sister.

Christmas Day 2008

Tyson LOVES his Transformers!
Nurf gun that doesn't work worth beans!

We had a wonderful Christmas! It was so fun to see Tyson's eyes light up when he saw his Christmas presents. When we showed him that he could open them he was excited although he is not a frantic paper ripper, he took his time. His favorite gifts, of course, were his Transformers. For a two and a half year old he sure loves those things and is pretty good at transforming them. His new ones are a little harder though. It's pretty sad when a two year old can figure out a toy and his mom can't. Tyson is definitely mechanically minded, thanks to his dad.

Originally we planned to head to California to spend the holiday with my family but at the last minute we decided to cancel due to the fact that I had been dealing with morning sickness. I decided that spending 18 plus hours (one-way) on a train when I didn't feel well would probably not be the most ideal situation. As much as I wanted to see my family I am glad that we decided to stay home! We had a wonderful day in the comfort of our home where my bed and bathroom were available to me whenever I needed them. We instead had the opportunity to spend the day snowed in with Doug and Sue. They had originally planned to head to Idaho but the weather wouldn't cooperate. We are grateful though because we got to spend the day together. I have to say that the snow storm we experience Christmas Day was a nasty one! I've experienced several white Christmas' but never one as bad as this year! Overall it was a nice relaxing day!

Gingerbread House

I had this gingerbread kit for several weeks and finally got to its assembly on Christmas Eve. I was hoping that Tyson would be more into the decorating process, but he was more interested in eating the candy. (So much for a kid who supposedly doesn't like candy). Ben wasn't too interested either, thankfully Sue was excited to help me. Thanks, Sue!!! We had a great time putting it together and it turned out to be a great Christmas Eve activity! What a masterpiece!

Christmas Lights

We took advantage of the warmer weather last night and headed to Temple Square. We have been wanting to see the lights for the past three Christmas' but we've never made it, mainly because of the extreme cold. Last night was a perfect night to go with temperatures in the upper 40's. We walked around for quite a while and I didn't complain about being cold once, it was great! Tyson marveled at the lights although I seem to remember there being more lights in years past. It was a great way to officially start the Christmas season!