Oh my goodness! Time sure has flown by this year. As I was working this morning and the clock turned to 6:38, I felt tears well up in my eyes. I am SO blessed to be a mother to Miles. He is such a loving and happy baby! He has gotten so big! He is 32 1/2 inches tall and weighs 22 lbs 11oz. Aaron and I are so blessed. We are having a birthday party for him tomorrow and I will post pictures and video then.
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Dear Miles,
I can't believe that you are already a year old. It seems like just yesterday that I held you in my arms for the first time and you grasped my finger while you nursed for the first time. You've had a hold of my heart since that moment! I am so blessed to call you my son. You are a precious son of our Heavenly Father and your dad and I are so humbled that He entrusted us with you.
You are such a pleasant and easy-going baby. Grandma Ru once said that we were blessed with an easy baby because it was so hard to get you here. I truly believe that because you are an easy baby. I couldn't have asked for a better baby. You are so much like your daddy. You are so relaxed and laid back. You take everything in stride. I pray that you will be able to keep that quality as you grow and mature. It will serve you well in life. You get so excited to see your dad, to talk to your grandparents on the phone, and it seems you are just excited to be alive. You love life and help your dad and I love life as well.
Keep growing! Keep being happy! Keep being super loving! We will try our best to make this next year even better than the last!
All our love--your mom and dad.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Blind Dates Do Work
Eight years ago today I met my sweet amazing husband on a blind date. Yep, it worked! As I am sitting here reminiscing, I thought I'd share our story. One of my best friends at the time was Michelle Pedersen. One day Michelle and I went shopping and then went back to her house to "chill." Her husband, Joe, was home and right before I left he said that I was perfect for this guy named Aaron that he worked with. He asked me if he could give Aaron my number. I figured "Why not?"
A week or so later, Aaron called me. Now keep in mind, he was working swing shift so he called on his dinner break which was around 10 pm. I had to be to work by 7 am so I was usually in bed by this time. I remember putting the cordless phone next to my bed and reading and getting ready to go to sleep when he called. We had a good conversation up until I mentioned that I was a "returned missionary." As soon as I said that, there was silence at the other end of the line. I remember thinking "Great, he hates sister missionaries and I guess he'll just be a one date wonder; if we even make it to a first date." The conversation continued and he asked me out for that weekend--Saturday, February 22, 2003.
I was excited as I got ready for our date. I even remember what I was wearing--Khaki pants and a long sleeved light weight brown keyhole sweater with bell sleeves (I know, I remember the strangest things!) When he rang the doorbell and I opened the door, Aaron took my breath away. He was wearing a very sexy off-white turtleneck cable knit sweater, dark jeans and nice shoes. He was also holding a peach rose. Yep, he brought me a rose on our first date. I was speechless, which for those of you who know me is pretty hard to do. I really honestly believe it was love at first sight for me. There was just something about him. He led me to his sweet Acura with leather seats (yes, I was impressed--call me materialistic, but it was all part of the amazing package and first impression).
We went to dinner at the Bluebird Cafe in Logan. We both ordered the steak and sweet and sour chicken. It's a random combination, but oh so good! We talked and talked and talked. I found out that he loved fishing and being outdoors. He also played the saxophone, loved music, and liked the symphony. Wow! Talk about my perfect man--manly, yet sensitive. Stars in my eyes....
After dinner, we talked about what we wanted to do. We had originally planned to see a movie but had talked so long that we missed all the first showings. He didn't want to go to a late show because he was executive secretary and had early meetings Sunday morning. This impressed me to no end. In the past I had dated guys who weren't that "into" the gospel. They had testimonies, but it just didn't seem important to them. Here was a guy that not only was it important to, but who was worthy of his priesthood and trusted in such a calling. Another "perfect man" moment. The only movie we could go see was Jungle Book 2 because it had an 8:00 start time. So, that's what we went to.
As we are sitting in the theater I remember a preview for some movie coming out on March 23. Aaron said. "Oh, that's my birthday." During the rest of the previews, I started planning what I would do for him. Crazy, I know, but part of me knew that I would be dating him in a month. As we watched the movie, I had to try REALLY hard not to hold his hand or sit too closely to him. I am a very affectionate person, but I was "warned" by his friend Joe that he was a slow mover. I didn't want to do anything to scare him off.
He dropped me off at my apartment and we shared a long hug before he left. I remember talking to my mom the next day and telling her that this was it. I found the man I was going to marry. She just laughed. But it was true! We were engaged 2 months later (April 21) and married 2 months after that (June 20).
I am so grateful for Joe and Michelle for bringing Aaron and I together. What an amazing eight years this has been.
A week or so later, Aaron called me. Now keep in mind, he was working swing shift so he called on his dinner break which was around 10 pm. I had to be to work by 7 am so I was usually in bed by this time. I remember putting the cordless phone next to my bed and reading and getting ready to go to sleep when he called. We had a good conversation up until I mentioned that I was a "returned missionary." As soon as I said that, there was silence at the other end of the line. I remember thinking "Great, he hates sister missionaries and I guess he'll just be a one date wonder; if we even make it to a first date." The conversation continued and he asked me out for that weekend--Saturday, February 22, 2003.
I was excited as I got ready for our date. I even remember what I was wearing--Khaki pants and a long sleeved light weight brown keyhole sweater with bell sleeves (I know, I remember the strangest things!) When he rang the doorbell and I opened the door, Aaron took my breath away. He was wearing a very sexy off-white turtleneck cable knit sweater, dark jeans and nice shoes. He was also holding a peach rose. Yep, he brought me a rose on our first date. I was speechless, which for those of you who know me is pretty hard to do. I really honestly believe it was love at first sight for me. There was just something about him. He led me to his sweet Acura with leather seats (yes, I was impressed--call me materialistic, but it was all part of the amazing package and first impression).
We went to dinner at the Bluebird Cafe in Logan. We both ordered the steak and sweet and sour chicken. It's a random combination, but oh so good! We talked and talked and talked. I found out that he loved fishing and being outdoors. He also played the saxophone, loved music, and liked the symphony. Wow! Talk about my perfect man--manly, yet sensitive. Stars in my eyes....
After dinner, we talked about what we wanted to do. We had originally planned to see a movie but had talked so long that we missed all the first showings. He didn't want to go to a late show because he was executive secretary and had early meetings Sunday morning. This impressed me to no end. In the past I had dated guys who weren't that "into" the gospel. They had testimonies, but it just didn't seem important to them. Here was a guy that not only was it important to, but who was worthy of his priesthood and trusted in such a calling. Another "perfect man" moment. The only movie we could go see was Jungle Book 2 because it had an 8:00 start time. So, that's what we went to.
As we are sitting in the theater I remember a preview for some movie coming out on March 23. Aaron said. "Oh, that's my birthday." During the rest of the previews, I started planning what I would do for him. Crazy, I know, but part of me knew that I would be dating him in a month. As we watched the movie, I had to try REALLY hard not to hold his hand or sit too closely to him. I am a very affectionate person, but I was "warned" by his friend Joe that he was a slow mover. I didn't want to do anything to scare him off.
He dropped me off at my apartment and we shared a long hug before he left. I remember talking to my mom the next day and telling her that this was it. I found the man I was going to marry. She just laughed. But it was true! We were engaged 2 months later (April 21) and married 2 months after that (June 20).
I am so grateful for Joe and Michelle for bringing Aaron and I together. What an amazing eight years this has been.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Flint
There is a little boy in our ward named Flint. Flint is 3 weeks older than Miles. We sit next to Flint in church sometimes. Lately we do it a lot because Miles and Flint are so cute together. Sometimes Flint tries to suck Miles's thumb. Miles likes to play with Flint's hair. They like to steal toys from each other. They like to grab each others faces, ears, hands, etc. They like to jabber and squeal and talk to each other all during Sacrament meeting. There are some Sundays that Flint's mom, Brenna, and I have to try really hard not to laugh because of their cute antics. I think they will be good friends (at least I hope so since his mom and I are good friends). It is so fun to see Miles interacting with other babies. There is another little boy, Brian, who is 6 weeks younger than Miles. I have a feeling they will be the three musketeers when they get older. Their poor teachers and cub scout leaders!
Kisses, Waves, So Big, & Prayertime
Miles loves to give kisses. He went through a phase 4 months ago where he gave kisses to everyone, but then abruptly stopped a couple of weeks later. He has recently started giving kisses again--big open-mouthed slobbery baby kisses. Only now he follows them up with clapping for himself. "Yeah! Look how smart I am!"
Miles now waves hello and goodbye to almost everyone. He will wave at the phone when you tell him to say "hi" or "bye" to whomever is on the line. It's times like those that make me wish we all had video phones so everyone could see him "talking" to them.
SInce Miles was born, Aaron and I have played a game with Miles. "How big is Miles? SO BIG (said while stretching his hands above his head). Miles now can do it by himself! You'll ask him "How big is Miles?" and he squeals and raises his hands above his head. How cute is that!
We try really hard to say prayers before every meal. That is something we were raised with and we have always done. We always remember to pray before we feed ourselves, but we sometimes forget to pray before we start feeding Miles--which is usually before we start eating. We are making an effort to say our mealtime prayers before he eats and it's paying off. He can be squealing and/or whining for food but as soon as we fold our arms and say "Prayer time", he gets quiet and sometimes folds his arms while we pray. As soon as we say "Amen" he's back to squealing and/or whining. It feels good to know that he's learning already.
Miles now waves hello and goodbye to almost everyone. He will wave at the phone when you tell him to say "hi" or "bye" to whomever is on the line. It's times like those that make me wish we all had video phones so everyone could see him "talking" to them.
SInce Miles was born, Aaron and I have played a game with Miles. "How big is Miles? SO BIG (said while stretching his hands above his head). Miles now can do it by himself! You'll ask him "How big is Miles?" and he squeals and raises his hands above his head. How cute is that!
We try really hard to say prayers before every meal. That is something we were raised with and we have always done. We always remember to pray before we feed ourselves, but we sometimes forget to pray before we start feeding Miles--which is usually before we start eating. We are making an effort to say our mealtime prayers before he eats and it's paying off. He can be squealing and/or whining for food but as soon as we fold our arms and say "Prayer time", he gets quiet and sometimes folds his arms while we pray. As soon as we say "Amen" he's back to squealing and/or whining. It feels good to know that he's learning already.
Stair Climber
Miles is a little stair climber. About a month ago I was working in "my office" which is downstairs. He was playing in the family room outside my door. He's just talking to himself and laughing. All of a sudden, his voice seemed a little farther away. I go take a look and he is halfway up the stairs. Now we can't keep him off them. In the morning while I am working, he's trying to go up to wake daddy. When we are playing in the family room, he decides he wants to go exploring (i.e. climb the stairs).
I put a baby gate about 4 stairs up so that he can be safe while still climbing and in close proximity while I work. Wow! He was not happy! He stood holding on to that gate screaming at his mommy to let him out. He made it sound like I was torturing him! He's gotten a little better with the gate, but more often than not, I just let him crawl up them. We are working on going down. He's starting to get the hang of it and will do a couple of stairs by himself until he sees something the catches his eye...up the stairs!
I put a baby gate about 4 stairs up so that he can be safe while still climbing and in close proximity while I work. Wow! He was not happy! He stood holding on to that gate screaming at his mommy to let him out. He made it sound like I was torturing him! He's gotten a little better with the gate, but more often than not, I just let him crawl up them. We are working on going down. He's starting to get the hang of it and will do a couple of stairs by himself until he sees something the catches his eye...up the stairs!
Recordable Storybook
For Christmas, Papa Wally and Grammy Kim (my parents) gave our family a recordable storybook from Hallmark called "All The Ways I Love You." When we opened it at my brother Jeremy's house, I think we adults were more touched and enthralled with this special gift than the kids were. However, it has fast become Miles's favorite play thing. Wherever it is, he will find it, open it, and turn pages. He doesn't get the pages in order and more often than not I hear Grammy Kim reading the phrase "I love you too, when raindrops fall, one, by one, by one" over and over again (since that's right in the middle of the book where he tends to open it the most). The story is super sweet, but I think Miles just loves hearing his grandparents' voices. I know I do. What a treasure!
Piano Man
Miles has a new favorite pastime. He stands at the piano, reaches up and plays notes. If the lid is covering the keys, he lets us know so we can open it for him. He moves up and down the keyboard playing and singing as he goes. Yes, he sings while he plays. Sometimes he actually sings the right note! He's our little music man. Anytime I sit down and start to play, he just stops what he is doing and listens. He smiles when I start singing to him. Sometimes, he'll come over to the piano and play a duet with mommy. It doesn't always sound pretty, but I sure do love it!
Friday, January 21, 2011
2010 4th Quarter Summary
Wow! Time has flown by and I have once again been negligent in updating this blog. Too much time has passed to go into specifics that have happened since September, but here is a quick overview: saying "dada" when looking at Aaron; crawling; pulling himself up; climbing the stairs (still trying to teach him how to go down); the only food we have found that he doesn't like is bananas (he will eat the banana baby food and banana bread, just not raw bananas.); flirting with pretty girls; learning to play with other babies;...the list could go on and on! He is such a happy boy and we love him SO much. Here are a slew of pictures from the past little while in no particular order. Enjoy!!
FIRST TIME IN A SHOPPING CART
FIRST TIME IN A SHOPPING CART
ALL TANGLED UP IN MOMMY'S PURSE
ALL HE NEEDS IS A FLEECE BLANKET AND
ALL HE NEEDS IS A FLEECE BLANKET AND
HIS THUMB AND HE'LL GO TO SLEEP
SHOWING OFF HIS TEETH
7 MONTHS OLD
8 MONTHS OLD
HALLOWEEN--ketchup, mustard, & a hot dog!
SPLISH SPLASH, I WAS TAKING A BATH!
WORN OUT--HE FELL ASLEEP WHILE PLAYING ONE MORNING
9 MONTHS OLD--STILL OFF THE CHARTS FOR HEIGHT AT 32 INCHES TALL AND WEIGHS 21 POUNDS
SHOWING OFF HIS TEETH
7 MONTHS OLD
8 MONTHS OLD
HALLOWEEN--ketchup, mustard, & a hot dog!
SPLISH SPLASH, I WAS TAKING A BATH!
WORN OUT--HE FELL ASLEEP WHILE PLAYING ONE MORNING
9 MONTHS OLD--STILL OFF THE CHARTS FOR HEIGHT AT 32 INCHES TALL AND WEIGHS 21 POUNDS
HAPPY BOY!
FAMILY PICTURE--THANKSGIVING 2010
I LOVE TO EAT
FAMILY PICTURE--THANKSGIVING 2010
I LOVE TO EAT
CHRISTMAS 2010--MILES' FIRST CHRISTMAS AS WELL AS 10-MONTH OLD BIRTHDAY
HELPING HOLD UP MOMMY'S DESK WHILE SHE WORKS
READING THE ENSIGN
What a year 2010 was! We were so blessed and we are so happy to start a new year of adventures!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Daddy's Helper
Aaron loves to do yardwork and he loves to be with is son. He's found a way to do both!
More food please!!
Miles love to eat! He also loves to put his hands in his mouth. I have perfected the "hold Miles's hands down while feeding him" move; Aaron has not. Here is what Miles often looks like after Daddy gets done feeding him.
We love to feed him because he has yet to not eat something we give him. He is a good little eater and really enjoys his food.
We love to feed him because he has yet to not eat something we give him. He is a good little eater and really enjoys his food.
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