Bellies to Babies
They are bellies no more, and these three sisters couldn’t be happier about it. Baby girls are way more fun than big mamas. How cool to have all three cousins born within a month of each other! I can’t imagine they’ll be anything but great buds. I foresee some good times ahead.
Eve Marie, Claire Lorene, and Maryn Jenny
Dum dum da dum…
The real reason for all the excitement in Utah…
The day after Eve’s blessing, Greg’s “not so little” brother married one of the coolest girls I’ve met. Adam and Jazmin were made for each other. We’re so glad that Adam found someone like Jaz, and that we could be a part of their big day.
Brenden and Miles got to be ring bearers in the ceremony. They looked like such little studs, and did a great job. I’m sure it had something to do with the mental preparation Brenden put in. Can’t you see the focus on that boy’s face? Brenden was stoked just to be in a tux. At his fitting, he walked out of the dressing room beaming and said, “I look handsome…and I have a tie!” Thanks for letting them be a part, Adam and Jazmin! They’ve always been crazy about their Uncle Adam.
Greg looked super hot too! Yeah Babe! I’ll see you later. ;)
Miss E was a show stealer as usual. Even after she spit-up on her dress, she still looked darling! Who could blame anyone for being completely enamored with her. I know I am!
Brenden has skills…male model skills.
Family pictures don’t always go as planned, but sometimes it’s for the best. Greg and I both love this picture. I love how Brenden is totally cracking up, and Miles is just like “what? I know I’m cute.” It’s a mystery what Eve was so fascinated by. I tried to figure it out, but it was hard to tell. The wedding location was awesome. So much to see. And Greg…well lets face it, he just looks good.
Congratulations Adam and Jazmin!!!
Blessing day
It’s pretty darn hard to tear myself away from the Olympics these days, but I figured it’s high time I got my rear in gear and put up some pictures of Eve’s blessing day on here.
It was a really beautiful day. We choose to bless her down in Utah last weekend. Many of Greg’s extended family members were already planning on being there for Greg’s brother’s wedding. It worked out well, and really were really glad to be able to share Eve’s special day with her cousin, Aiden. I’m really bummed that we didn’t get any pictures of the two babies together…in fact I didn’t even get one of Aiden in all the craziness. We did manage to get a few of our little family that I think turned out well. Eve’s dress was DARLING! It was made by the mom of two of my best friends growing up. (Marcia- I loved it, and it fit her perfectly. Thank you, thank you!)
I am the luckiest mom.
Unfortunately Eve isn’t really looking in this picture, but I still like it anyway. My three fellas are studs.
Greg did a really great job with the blessing. I’m so thankful for how he honors his priesthood and uses it to bless our family. Eve was a good little girl, and didn’t make a peep during the prayer. I have a feeling she knew what was going on. She’s such a sweet, thoughtful soul…and super cute to boot.
I love this picture of Eve behind the scenes, changing out of her dress. She and I were enjoying the cool bedroom before descending into the inferno. We had so much family come support us that the house was burning with body heat…or was it love? (Ahhhh…) Thanks to all of you that came, and to Mom and Dad Hough for hosting it all. It was a great weekend.
Do you have the fever?!
Smiles
So I was watching the news last night, and there was a report on babies smiling at their moms. Apparently some scientists did a big study on how seeing how your baby’s smile might affect your brain. They could see on scans that the body releases “feel good” chemicals to the rewards center of the brain as baby smiles at mom. Ummmm…does anyone else out there think this was the biggest waste of research funds ever? It seems like a no brainer to me. What mom’s chest doesn’t threaten to burst with joy when they catch a glimpse of that first real cheeser? Heck, even the gas grins make us giddy. I would venture to say that it doesn’t change all too much as our children get older either. When my boys happily flash their pearly whites, I can’t help but smile too. It doesn’t take a brain scan for me to know my kid’s smiles make me feel good. I can’t get enough of them. Early this morning I came into Eve’s room to feed her. As I laid her across my lap, she looked up at me and her face split into the biggest smile west of the Mississippi. Ahhh! A huge, open mouthed grin with her tongue forward and touching where her top teeth will be. Who could feel bad about being awoken early in the morning with a greeting like that?! She’s getting more and more smiley each day. Love it.
The other day we were jammying up all the kids in the front room. Miles thought it was pretty fun to lay with Eve on her blanket. Before long Brenden started noticing all the attention they were getting and had to join in on the fun. The boys are so cute with their little sister. They’re surprisingly sweet with her, and Brenden is already fairly protective. I love that she has big bros to watch out for her.
Well, I guess we’re finally back in the full swing of things. It’s been a pretty big adjustment getting used to doing things with three kids. Last Sunday was my first Sunday back at church since Miles went into the hospital. Church is a bit of a logistical challenge now. We’ve been totally late both Sundays. Getting all our bags and children where they need to go after Sacrament meeting is a spectacle. (Heaven forbid Greg or I need to stop and make copies.) Miles has actually been doing pretty well with his Sunday meals, snacks, and shots. Few of you out there will understand the stress that this has caused. The nursery leaders have been great though. Last Sunday I stayed in nursery for the first half so I could manage snack time. I was thinking that that might work fairly well. I nursed Eve and counted up the carbs Miles was eating. However when I went to give him his insulin for what I thought he ate, one of the leaders happened to mention two kids had eaten some of his crackers when I wasn’t looking. Grrr…so I almost shot up my kid with too much. Thanks. Little punks! I joke..they’re just kids after all. How were they to know the trouble that would cause me. This week went better. We took a little different approach and I didn’t leave before I was sure both leaders knew exactly what I wanted to happen. (Shoot…I’m kinda a Nazi now.) Anyways, I feel like I have two callings now: Young women’s president and nursery leader. Note to the big man: Any time you want to release me would be great. :) Again…I joke. Go Young Womens! On a more positive note, I love dressing up little Eve in her Sunday best. It’s really way too fun. She’s such a good little doll.
This is the two of us ready to go last Sunday. Let the oooo’s and aahh’s ensue.
“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”
Ok ok…last post about our trip. I swear. So on our way out of town we made a pit stop at the Craters of the Moon. If you’ve ever been there, you know it’s like stepping onto another planet. Every time we’ve driven passed this lava land, Greg has mentioned that he’d like to check it out. I’ve told him tons of stories about crawling through the awesome caves. I actually really liked going there as a kid, despite the blistering heat that usually comes with it. We both agreed that our boys would probably love it, so we decided that it was high time to actually stop there.
The kids and I in Indian Cave. We didn’t have a flashlight with us so this was the only cave we ventured into. It has a few “sky lights” so it wasn’t too bad to navigate. Plus it was the easiest for the boys to get in and out of.
My little spelunkers. Brenden felt super cool carrying around Miles’ diabetic go-bag for him. (For those of you not familiar with what might be in a go-bag, it holds: his insulin, a carb count book, some low carb snacks, a few sugary items and an emergency shot. The sugar and shot are to treat a low blood sugar level, and the rest is for if we stop to eat. I still can’t believe he hasn’t had a low yet, but we have to always be prepared in case he does. I carry around way too many bags.)
Brenden was the maser rock crawler. He was surprisingly nimble despite my constant worry that he’d fall. He’s growing up way too fast.
This is Miles right after dropping a huge load in his diaper, subsequently making the whole cave smell like a toilet. My apologies to our fellow tourists.
Eve enjoying the cool calm of the cave. It was pretty toasty and windy up top.
B and Mileage. Absolute studs.
Walking on the moon with Dad.
The great outdoors
As part of our Eastern Idaho trip we were able to spend a few days in Island Park with Morgan and Bethany. I LOVE spending time at the cabin there. It’s so relaxing and peaceful…all the fun of the outdoors with the perks of a warm bed, a kitchen, and the ability to shower. It’s also great to be able to let the boys loose in the dirt with no worries. At home they’re dirt deprived with our lack of yard, and it’s something I think all boys need. They’re always so much happier when Mom will let them explore the great outdoors with little supervision. Here are some fun shots of our good times.
This picture makes me laugh. Every time I woke up with Eve the first night at the cabin, I noticed Miles scooting closer and closer Brenden. Their bed was huge, and yet they were sharing a pillow and sleeping on the very edge. Right before I took this picture they were literally nose to nose. Not long after this shot Brenden woke up and greeted Miles by saying, “Miles! I told you to get off of me!!” (This reminds me of you Reese. :) Good times sharing a bed.)
One of my favorite parts of the cabin is this porch swing. It’s a perfect spot to just chill and take it all in.
Brenden and Miles are best buds. Honestly, it’s amazing how well they play with each other. It’s so nice that they can entertain themselves. It makes having a third child a little easier on me.
Ahh….Brenden wizzin in the woods. His Uncle Morgan was so proud. Seriously, Brenden freaks out any time I give him permission to pee outside. He loves it. Boys will be boys, I guess. Anyways, there’s something I love about old school yellow Tonka Trucks. B and Miles put a lot of miles of this one. Boys + trucks + dirt = magic. I totally need to get one of these. That and a yard.
Bethany has the cutest baby belly. We tried our darnedest to put her into labor while we were there, but to no avail. That would have been so sweet, but it’s all good. Any day now I’ll have a new adorable niece. I can’t wait to meet her! Bethany is going to be a great mom. I’m so excited that she and Morgan are moving to Boise. Yee Haw! Our girls are going to have way too much fun. Having cousins in close proximity is the best.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILES!!
Can you believe our little Miles is two years old?! As he blew out his candles, it blew my mind to think that just over a year ago he was taking his first steps in that very room. Time flies so fast! His birthday was great. Uncle Morgan made him an awesome cobbler for his birthday cake. YUM.
Of course this post wouldn’t be complete without a token Eve picture. I promised her Aunt Jazmin that I’d take a picture of Eve in the outfit she gave her. I need more outfits with black in them. She’s cute!
A must do in Island Park is a trip to Big Springs to feed the giant trout under the bridge. I think someone must have poached most the big guys before this trip though. There weren’t very many fish this time, but at least this guy was there to jump for the boys’ leftover pancakes. There’s also a greedy little muskrat that’ll swim out for a morsel from time to time. It’s pretty fun.
Go America!
As sort of a last minute thing Greg and I decided to pack up the fam-dam and head to Eastern Idaho for the Fourth of July. I love Independence Day! It was so nice to actually spend it with Gregger…and hanging out with Morgan, Bethany and the Gundersons made it even better.
Happy fourth of July feet! I love baby toes.
Eve finally got to meet her Aunt Gwenny while we waited for the big firework show.
She thought Aunt Gwen was pretty great. I think Gwen was fairly smitten too.
Little Linds has been so anxious to meet her new cousin. We need her family to move closer so she can be our go-to babysitter. She’s awesome with the little ones.
This is Diana and Eve. Diana is a hoot! She and Gwen are so much fun to hang around. It was really nice of Gwen’s in-laws to let us crash their party for the night.
The boys were so excited for the fireworks to start. Miles got a little nervous at the beginning, but they both loved them. They were wide eyed the whole time.
Tanking up Eve so she’d be happy for the chaos. She didn’t make a peep during the show. Good Girl! I love my new faux Hooter Hider. It matches Eve’s quilt from Grandma Q.
Greg figured out how to take some amazing pictures of the fireworks. They say the firework show here is the biggest west of the Mississippi. It definitely didn’t disappoint. There’s nothing quite like celebrating our nations birthday by nearly blowing up a piece of it. :)
This picture of a purple and blue one is for Lindsey. She and I both thought they were so pretty.
The next day we decided to take the boys to the zoo. Aunt Bethany had to work so Mork came along with us. He didn’t want to overdo it on his leg so Brenden was kind enough to push him around the park. :)
Check out the lazy bones moochin’ a ride. It was a lotta waking for the boys, and poor Morgan’s hands needed a break. Good thing Greg was around to lug them up the final hill.
