Hi Baby: Happy 3rd Birthday

Happy birthday my sweet baby girl.

 I know every mom says this on every birthday- but I can't believe you're already 3! Today after your nap you cuddled with me for a full 15 minutes. And while that might not seem that long to some, for you and your world with big, explosive feelings and energy- it felt like forever. And it was just what this mommy needed. Your sweet soft skin clutching onto that stupid old puppy and still fitting your head right where it needs to be. It was the best 15 minutes I've had this week. You can tell everyone your birthday is "August 5th!" and when asked what you want for your birthday you immediately yell "CAKE!" and then a notch quieter yell "AND POPPY AND NANA AND JAKE". You're an easy girl to please.

I remember August 5th 2014 and being told you were coming TONIGHT, not in 3 days like we thought. I was in labor but your stubborn body was breach which meant we had to do things a little differently. But you came out perfect at 6PM and I've been enamored by you ever since. You have made me a better person. You have shown me my purpose here on Earth. Being your mom is the most satisfying and fulfilling thing I have ever done. Not a day goes by that I don't thank my Heavenly Father for trusting me to be your mom. I pray that I can raise you and love you and mother you in the ways that will help you grow and succeed and flourish. I never want to be the person that dulls your sparkle or rains on your crazy little person parade.

 I've learned to give you space and independence and you're thriving. You have such amazing control over your body and strength. You're such a physical person and I love watching you experiment and test your body's limits. You're starting to draw and I'm pretty impressed by you. You can draw circles and faces and lines that are "mom and daddy and Booger and Kenzie!" You love to use your scissors and still aren't super into toys. You still yell "I'LL HELP YOU!" and proceed to drag a kitchen chair over to the counter to help me cook. You get frustrated, but can be talked down pretty quickly. You throw tantrums, but only when you're tired. You love to watch movies/TV and we usually watch a show in the evening to help you calm down a little bit. You're starting to become sweeter and nicer to Cooper and you two actually played together for 20 MINUTES and I thought I died and went to Heaven.

You're smart, sassy, funny and quick. You ask questions when you don't understand something. You repeat until you totally comprehend what I'm saying. You love making new friends and can play for hours with others. You also sometimes like to act like a "little baby" and need to be held and I don't mind it one bit. You're starting to test bedtime and try to pull the "I need a drink. I'm hungry. I want dad to sing me a song" but I'm still winning that game...for now.

I don't know how to express my love for you. And this last year has been so much FUN. I've loved being able to talk and communicate. I love your funny sayings and demeanor. You make me smile and laugh every day, and I try to make you laugh every day too. You're my best girl. I say a silent prayer every day that we can always be best friends. I hope as I write you something on your 13th birthday I can say that same thing. But for now, I will soak up every sweet moment with my little 3 year old. I love you Kenzie girl.

xoxo
Mom

Birthday Recap and more baby thoughts

Football season has officially begun (I swear I've said that like 8 times now but since school is starting too it reeeeeally means it's football) which means I'll probably have a new blog post up every day because  
1. I'm by myself without by bestie to talk to and no good TV to watch (YET!)
B. my baby is in bed by 7:30  
3. I no longer have to be in bed by 8 
D. I have 598234 random thoughts running thru my head.

We celebrated Mckenzie's birthday on Saturday and I loved every minute of it! Our families and friends came over for a suuper causal party and I really thought it turned out great. It really means so much to me that we have such amazing family that love Mckenzie. One of the best things about having a child is seeing the rest of your family welcome them into that love. We sang happy birthday and she gave us her best "not impressed" face and after a solid minute of just touching the frosting, Kenny double fisted her cake and even offered some to Bart.

her face the entire time we sang "happy birthday"

She will no longer smile on command- it was nice while it lasted!

playing with her friend E

obsessed with the balloons (and in this pic stuck)

I was emotional earlier in the week about her turning one, and bawled my eyes out writing her birthday letter, but since then I have been good. I am just enjoying her and not thinking too much about how fast time goes. Just in this last month she has turned into so much more of a little person. She obviously understands what we are saying to her. She goes to the front door when she wants to go outside (which is 3885 times a day). She is so dang smart and it's amazing to watch her everyday become more aware of what's going on and figuring out who she is, and how she fits into this big world.

We went to her 12 month check up. She weighs 23 pounds and is 28.5 inches long. That puts her about 72% weight and 23 % heights. Bart is now convinced she is going to be a little person, but I remind him I'm 5'2'' and I do just fine. The doctor says she is perfect and he's amazed that we have never had to bring her in for any kind of illness. It's been such a blessing to have such a healthy and happy girl.

favorite toys: tooth brush and tylenol bottle

we rarely wear pants. you're welcome.

She's officially a walker and doesn't crawl anymore unless it's in the grass because grass is hard. It really feels like my baby is gone and I have a toddler now. She's a speedy little demon and loves walking down the sidewalk. We go on multiple walks a day and on the weekend we take even more! Luckily the weather has been cloudy and not too hot. She still goes barefoot, but only because the shoes I bought her still haven't come in the mail. Hopefully she accepts them and doesn't demand to be a homeless looking baby for life.

I know I make her sound like an angel baby (because she is) but that doesn't mean we already have our fair share of tantrums around here. I'm trying really hard not to just laugh at them (because baby tantrums are hilarious) and remembering to acknowledge her frustration and ask her what's wrong. I know one day she will be able to tell me, but for now she's quite the drama queen.

Hi Baby: Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday my sweet angel baby,

As I held you tonight and gave you your bedtime bottle and sang you the song I have sung at least once ever day since you were born- I couldn't help but cry a little bit. To say I am overwhelmed at the fact that you are turning one is the understatement my life. I started crying at work the other day just talking about it and yes, everyone thought it was funny but totally understood too.

I remember the day you were born like it just happened. I remember going to work that morning and having contractions and having my crowd of interns look at me sideways like I was dying (which is what it felt like BTW). I remember going to my last doctor appointment later that day before your scheduled arrival (which was supposed to be 3 days later) and telling her I didn't feel very good and something keeps hurting and is this what contractions feel like??? Yes. And your baby is coming tonight. In 4 hours.

I remember going into the surgery room and having them pull you out of me at 6:08pm. I remember your dad snapping away with the camera and hearing you scream your little head off. I remember finally getting to hold you and see your face for the first time and yes, of course that's what you look like. We've met before. You were meant to be mine.

This year I remember so much of you. I remember every milestone, every new sound you have started to make and every new way you learn to throw a tantrum. I remember the first smile you gave me and the first time you rolled over. I remember the time your car seat flipped over as I was driving because I didn't snap it in right- you were maybe a month old and I felt like the worst mom ever. I remember the lack of sleep and the day you finally slept through the night. I remember every feeling and emotion you have brought out of me in just 365 days.

I have loved becoming your mom this past year. Step by step, mistake after mistake, we have done it together. The happiness and joy you have brought to our family this year is impossible to explain and I know you won't understand it until you have a baby of your own.

I'm not crying because I'm sad. I'm not crying because I feel like I missed out on this past year. (On the contrary, I know I've been very much here and present with you everyday). I'm crying because I'm reflecting on all that love, sadness, fear, joy, happiness, peace and honor I have felt this year. And I can only imagine what the next years will bring.

So enjoy your birthday my big girl. I will keep singing your bedtime song and adore you every minute of the day. I love you.

xoxo
Mom

Hi Bart, Happy Birthday!

Hi Bart,

Happy birthday! I figured since I write our baby public letters all the time I could write a special letter to you on your special day!

I know you said you feel old turning 29 today- but all I can imagine is the years and years and years we have ahead of us. You are so young ( and so am I!) and we have to much life left to live. I'm thankful every day that I get to live that long life with you.

This last year has been a big change for you- but you are handling fatherhood wonderfully and I couldn't be more proud or more in love with you when I see you with Mckenzie. She loves you (even when she hates you) and her eyes (that look EXACTLY like yours) light up every time you get home. Thank you for loving her so completely and being such a hands on dad. That quality totally makes the top 5 list!

I want to tell you thank you for working so hard for our family, for putting up with the lack of dinners made for you and for finally emptying out the bathroom garbage can. We were in a secret battle to see who would do it first- thank you for caving. Thank you for putting up with my crazy and thanks for admitting when you are being crazy yourself.

I know today was a pretty insane day and we didn't get to see much of each other (you aren't even home now, hence the letter that you will read before I actually see you again) but I hope you realize how special you are and how much I love you.

Thanks for being the man that you are. Every year you get better and I become better because of you.

xoxo
Meg

25

Happy birthday to me! I'm 25 today. 25 feels so official. Not old, I know I am still young and I am totally OK with that, but it does seem more legit than 20-24.

This past year has gone by faster than usual and I'm glad that it's over. 

This past year I got pregnant and spent 9 of the 12 months being pregnant. Being pregnant meant I was pretty much in a state of waiting and anticipation. I was just waiting for my baby to get here so the year didn't seem to be filled with much else. 

I'm looking forward to living my life this next year. I get to run again and work and be a wife and a new mommy. Instead of waiting I get to just live, and that's what I am most excited about for 25. 

I really sucked it up when it came to my 25 Before 25 list. When I made it I didn't know I was pregnant and I didn't know how much said pregnancy would make me just want to sit on the couch for 5 months straight. But I did get a few things checked off. 

I read lots of books 

I graduated college

Obviously I had a baby 

I tried new recipes and ate plenty of cheesecake 

I feel like my life will now be spent watching my baby grow up, instead of myself, but I have no doubt 25 will be great. I will just turn my list into the 25 during 25 and finish the rest!

Hi baby: 25 years

Hello my sweet squishy baby,

I just put you down for the night and I'm thinking about you. I turn 25 tomorrow. 25! It seems so young, and yet 10 years ago I looked at that age thinking it was so old. 

When you turn 25 it will be 2039. WHAT?!?! I will be a few months from 50. You might have a baby or two of your own. You might not. Maybe you found the love of your life and maybe you are still looking. Will you be in college or your dream job or off on an adventure somewhere? Will you be organized and responsible or flighty and spontaneous? I hope your dreams will be coming true and you will embrace your youth. I hope you don't try to grow up too fast and I hope you try to take on the world. I hope you'll want to call your mom a few days a week to catch up and say hi. 

I might be turning 25 tomorrow, but all I can think about is you and the life that is ahead of you. I guess that is what motherhood is all about. 

I don't know where you'll be or what you'll be doing when you turn 25 on August 5, 2039. But I know I will love you just like I love you today. You will be an amazing, beautiful, talented and strong young woman, and I will be your proud mama  

And that is a pretty great birthday wish. 

Xoxo

Mom 

Birthday Cereal

My dad turned 50 this week! We surprised him with a party at the park. It was the finest of parties, complete with cold cereal and chocolate milk (a family/dad favorite). It was pretty toasty at the party, and my camera's battery was dying so I didn't get tons of pics, but you get the idea!

Happy 23!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend Sarah Gardner! She turns 23 today and this post is for her


11 Things that I love about Sarah

1. she laughs really really loud in movie theaters and doesn't even care
2. she matches sparkles and animal print like a boss
3. she's genuinely kind to the majority of most people
4. like a true friend, she has always been happy for my happiness
5. she has impeccable 80's dancing skills and taught me all that i know
6. she has matching outfits with her dogs
7. she can find a gem within the Clearance rack
8. she treats her puppies like her children ( and she's the only one I don't mind doing this btdubs)
9. she lets Bart and I crash on her blow up mattress whenever we need a place to stay down south
10. she kicks ass at crafts, blogging, cosmetology, teaching, etc
11. she thinks I'm funny and appreciates my humor

+ 

12 of my favorite memories

1. when I first met Sarah she wore red, white and blue on a regular basis and didn't care that it wasn't the 4th of July
2. cruising around in her red Mustang convertible feeling pretty dang cool
3. taking that same Mustang and heading south to St. George to hang by the pool, buy matching outfits and play midnight tennis
4. going 80's dancing every week protecting each other with code words and names *cough* roxanne* cough*
5. laughing at each other's jokes because no one else thinks we're funny
6. shopping in Vegas like we had money to spend...( we didn't )
7. hanging out in a bathtub because the hot tub was closed
8. Being one of her bridesmaids wearing a dress that really only SHE could pull off...but we all tried anyway
9. when she was one of MY bridesmaids and threw an amazing bachelorette party where we created Playdough penises
10. being able to call/text/message her whenever, even if it's been forever since we've talked, and know it's all good
11. wading through freezing cold water and climbing rocks with our hubbies and children (aka dogs)
12. attempting to play video-interactive games and failing miserably.

=

23 Reasons I consider her my very best friend

Happy Birthday Sarah! I hope you have/had an amazing day. You deserve all the happiness in the world!!

love always,
me

Birthday Worthy of Pinterest

I have such a sweet husband! He totally showed off his creative side yesterday for my birthday and it was so much fun! 

When he gets home from work he has these beautiful flowers (he is getting much better at picking them out..these weren't near death). He hands me flowers and a Kit Kat with these notes

"Flowers cause you're beautiful. KitKat cause you're sweet"

Cute right? Well it didn't stop there.......

"Meat cause you're an animal"

 First stop...Ruby River! If you know me, you know I love ribs. It's kind of hard to find a place with good ribs, but this place is not too shabby. Of course dinner came with a note as well....

At dinner he gives me my present...a Fossil watch! I have been dying to have a classic watch like this and he got exactly what I wanted! This note was the best.

"Watch cause you're not always on time, but I'd like you to be"

After we got done eating he hands me one more note....CHICK FLICK! yay! I have been wanting to see Pitch Perfect since it first came out, and he was kind enough to take me. The movie was SO GOOD. Have you seen it? We both loved it and it's one of those I'd like to own (which is saying something because i'm really not a big watch-movies-more-than-once person)

"Chick Flick cause I love you that much"

 To summarize: Bart's the greatest and I had such a fun birthday! Wasn't he just so creative? I was proud and I even asked if he got the idea of Pinterest (he looked at me with disgust). Thanks Bart, you're the best! 

Plus, the celebrations aren't even over yet because I get to go to my parent's on Thursday for family dinner, and then ST GEORGE!

23

Being 23 means....
acting older than I really am
having the love of my life and best friend all wrapped up in one
knowing who my true friends are,
and realizing i could be such a better friend than I am
being an adult when i just wish i could be a kid 
no more problems with boys, girls or parents
and living a drama-less life
being thankful for all that I have,
and knowing i am always being watched over

who says turning 23 doesn't matter?
that it's not a milestone,
but isn't every year special in its own way?

moved out at 18 
started college at 19 
life slapped me in the face at 20 
got married at 21 
started my dream job at 22
 .......what will 23 bring?

Snow, coats and naps

Well my birthday celebrations have officially begun, and mother nature decided to give me snow to start things off right! I loved it! The storm was awesome. I loved watching it snow all day at work and then coming home and getting in sweats and slippers and some hot cocoa of course....can't forget the cocoa

On Saturday it was too snowy to go running, so Bart and I decided to go jean shopping for my skinny hubby....it wasn't a pleasant experience. 

We went to Khols first and by the end Bart wasn't a happy camper. I found myself an AMAZING red coat (pics to come) but we couldn't find any pants that fit Bart.

 Who knew losing 30 pounds would make it harder to find jeans?? 

We went to the mall next and we found ONE pair of jeans...three different stores and only one pair. Not even the same style, but different brand, fit the same....so, ONE pair of jeans later we were done shopping....

we probably won't be doing anything like that anytime soon. 

Later that day Bart and I met his mom and brother at Red Rock for some lunch.

Love that place!

All bundled up with 3948 layers to decrease the possibility of me whining about 

the cold

 And what would a Saturday birthday celebration be without taking a nap?? 

Which is exactly what we did and it was a pretty great nap.

To finish off the day we headed down to my old stomping grounds (any by stomping grounds I mean the place where sad, terrible memories were made). Our nephew was playing in a championship football game at Lehi High so despite the 20 degree weather, we went and watched! His team was playing Lehi's team which of course means Lehi lost...because that's what Lehi High School does....lose!
It was freezing but since it was a little league game it was only an hour and half so we survived.

All this fun stuff and my birthday hasn't even happened yet! Stay tuned :)

11/13/09 - 11/13/10

This is kind of late seeing as how my birthday was 4 days ago buuuuuut this is some of what I have learned this past year::

No I do not need a new pair of shoes or a new shirt every other day

It is okay to have to buy all the toilet paper for your roommates...

I am a candy addict....and I dont know if that will ever change!

Family is my biggest blessing. I now have 2 amazing families

Even though I am still only in charge of the salad this Thanksgiving, I AM slowly learning how to cook.

Love happens when you least expect it...and you have to love yourself before you can love someone else like they deserve

I have come to see Logan, UT as my home. I really like it here and I definitely could NOT say that a year ago

I kinda suck at school....but at least I try, and procrastination is my middle name

I have discovered the joys of football and basketball games...you're welcome.

I have learned to live in the moment, worrying about the future all the time doesn't change a lot, so just enjoy today

Laundry should be done on a regular basis because doing 12 loads in a row SUCKS!

I miss reading. I really like to read but I haven't read a book in way too long.

I have learned that bad things happen, but life is happy for the majority of time.

I have come leaps and bounds as far as money management goes...(I will give myself a big pat on the back for this one)

Water is the best beverage...just embrace it.

In my interpersonal communications class we talk about levels of friendships. i have come to discover that i prefer most people to be at a certain level of friendship. The level where I dont need to disclose anything that makes me vulnerable. My whole life i have been stabbed in the back and have come to deal with it in my own way. I can honestly say having a lot of good close friends does not appeal to me. at all. I am very comfortable with where i am when it comes to my friends...all two of them. :)

This past year has probably been the best year in the past 5 in a lot of ways. I have made mistakes, but I have truly overcome them. I have met amazing people, some I sill have and others I don't. I have learned sooo much in school, I want to study everything, school is amazing (even if I hate it by November). 

November 13, 2009-November 13, 2010 will definitely be a year I won't soon forget. All-in-all I would say it was a good year....but I am of course excited for my next year of life....LOTS of big changes. Cant wait!