Sarah's Blog

4, 5, 6 months and everything in between

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 04:20:00 +0000

Where to start…? I have been out of blog-land for quite some time, so we have a lot of catching up to do!

Christmas happened for us here in California. This was our first year not going home. My family came out and stayed for a week during this time. We spent one of the days at the San Diego Zoo and another at Disneyland. As much as I’d love to say this trip was the best ever, it wasn’t. My mom was recovering from lung surgery, my dad got the flu, and my niece Ella was sick the whole time and made a trip to the ER. However, with all the stress and illnesses we still managed to have a good time. Christmas morning was especially exciting because Elliot was finally able to understand what was happening. We spent the weeks leading up to Christmas doing a Christmas countdown. He was very excited for Santa to come. He asked Santa for a baseball bat and ball and dictated a letter to him that we mailed at Macy’s. On Christmas morning we waited for my family to arrive and didn’t let Elliot and Marissa out of his room until we could capture their excitement on film :) The day was spent relaxing and enjoying the new toys. Thank you Mom and Dad for bringing the fam out!

Oliver turned 4 months way back on January 8th. He weighed 15lbs 10oz. and was 25.25 inches long. At 4 months Oliver was sleeping through the night so we decided to move him out of our bathroom and into Elliot’s room. Elliot was/is thrilled that he gets to share his room (which is funny because he doesn’t normally like to share). The move to Elliot’s room did not go as well as planned. Elliot needed to work on being quiet when going to bed, Oliver needed to stay asleep (which wasn’t happening), and mom and dad (us) needed to work on patience. We are still all working on those things (yes, 2 months later), but it’s much better! So, routinely Oliver wakes one to two times a night and fusses for a few minutes before going back to sleep. In the beginning we were stressed with him waking up Elliot, so we would rush in and plug him with his pacifier. We are at the point of letting Oliver fuss and self sooth….basically Elliot has to deal. Elliot has been doing a good job with this! Shortly after turning 4 months we started putting Oliver in his jumper. This has been nice since he loves watching Elliot and has a great vantage point from this angle. At this age Oliver still wasn’t rolling, but had good neck and back control.

Elliot being naughty while going potty :)

Swimming in January.

February! The majority of February was spent at Disneyland. Since our passes would be expiring soon we spent nearly every Sunday as a family going to Disneyland. The boys and I went on our own several times too! For Christmas, Elliot received an autograph book that he and I have worked on filling with character autographs. Along with autographs comes a TON of pictures! We were able to go to a character breakfast on one of our last Disney days. It was fun to have the characters walk right up to our table as we ate mickey shaped waffles :) For a while Elliot was on a big “Alice in Wonderland” kick and met Alice, Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, and The Queen. He later moved on to loving “Peter Pan”. After a visit to meet Tinkerbell, we got the scoop on how to find Peter Pan (because he never grew up, Peter doesn’t work, he just runs around and can occasionally be spotted). So, we sat down on a bench and waited to see if Peter would walk by. And he did! I was very proud of Elliot because during our Peter Pan chase Elliot yelled his name. Peter stopped and signed his autograph book! We then got to meet Captain Hook at breakfast. We are missing Disneyland now that our passes have expired.

Jared was in a wedding this month, so we turned it into a weekend getaway. We went to Lake Arrowhead (near Big Bear) as a family. Elliot got to go sledding for the first time. The faces he made were priceless!

Other happenings this month include Oliver turning 5 months! This month we have seen the most changes with Oliver. He started sitting up and continues to sit longer by himself everyday. Oliver also started eating solids. He started with sweet potatoes, but didn’t love them. He has since had avocados with bananas, carrots, peas, and apple sauce. I have decided to make his food since these are all things I buy anyway. It’s been a challenge to remember I have another mouth to feed, but the process of making and freezing food has been simple. Also, this month Oliver and Elliot are showing they like each other. Elliot can make Oliver laugh like none of us can, and Elliot regularly hugs and kisses him. He is also quick to share his most precious toys and blankets to make Oliver happy. Oliver is always watching Elliot and if Elliot gets close enough, Oliver grabs on to him!

Prepare for a Disney picture overload.

Elliot was obsessed with the movie Alice In Wonderland at the time of meeting the White Rabbit, Alice, and Mad Hatter.

Elliot’s current favorite ride…Peter Pan

He is now in love with Tinkerbell and watches Peter Pan often!

Wedding weekend fun.

6 months! I can’t believe Oliver is now 6 months old. He is sitting up and will straighten himself when he starts to fall. He can’t sit back up once he does fall. He still doesn’t roll (Elliot didn’t either). Oliver is playing more with toys and grabs at anything within his grasp (my hair, phone, our faces…anything). His form of talking is screaming. He is starting to blow bubbles and spit (oh joy), and drools like crazy. Still not sign of a tooth, but it can’t be long. Besides the solids Oliver is exclusively nursing and only recently took a bottle (this has been a battle for a month).

Elliot is doing well. He is about 3 months away from his 3rd birthday (which is mind blowing!!). He talks ALL the time. He has a lot to say and a lot on his mind so his sentences aren’t always understandable, but for the most part he gets the point across. His favorite foods remain hummus and crackers, avocados, and apples. He LOVES any fruit. He has started being more picky with the dinners I serve, but will try most things. Elliot is into imaginative play and plays all the time. He just started part-time preschool. I went back and forth on this decision with Jared and we decided it was best for Elliot. It was hard for me to put him in preschool because I can easily stay home with him, but we did it for two reasons. 1) To socialize him. I have done my part taking him to classes, play groups, the park, etc but he only ever plays alone or with me. 2) Educational purposes. He knows his letters, colors, and shapes. He loves learning new things, but has shot down all my attempts to help further his education, so I am leaving it to someone else :) To say Elliot was excited for preschool was an understatement. He had a lot of fun and his teacher said he was very polite (wonder if that'll change as he gets more comfortable?!)

First day of preschool! This is his “big smile”.

Got my first pair of glasses and they happen to be the same as Jared’s! matchy matchy :)

3 months, Grandparent visit, and Santa

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 05:11:00 +0000

My baby boy is growing too fast! He is now 3 months old. Oliver has changed a lot in the last month. He has better control of his head, but still wobbles a lot. He is talking more, smiles whenever he gets attention, and sleeps pretty well (no complaints here). He goes down by 7 every night and wakes around 5:30 or 6 in the morning…I plug him with his pacifier and he sleeps until about 7 when we all get up! He is wearing 3-6 month clothes and is a happy very content little man. Oliver is still unsure about Elliot and all the noise that comes out of him, but he is very patient with him :)

Oliver’s echocardiogram (done in October) came back normal. The ultrasound (also done in October) of his kidneys and bladder came back dilated (still). We were referred to a urologist and saw him in November. Oliver has been diagnosed with bilateral hydronephrosis. This means urine is collecting in his kidneys, and is one of the most commonly identified issues in male infants, with most problems resolving on their own. However, Oliver’s is slightly more concerning because it’s bilateral. The doctor ordered another ultrasound, which will be done soon, to determine whether Oliver’s condition has gotten better, worse, or stayed the same. If his numbers show improvement, then we will just have an ultrasound every 3 months and one yearly until he is 5, just to make certain all is well. If the numbers have gotten worse or stayed the same, then Oliver will have a procedure done to determine whether his urine is traveling back to the kidneys from his bladder…we are uncertain about steps taken after this. Either way we are to watch Oliver for a fever and if this occurs he needs to be seen by the doctor within 24 hours to get his urine tested for an infection (this is crucial until he is one). Will keep you updated!

This is what happens when you ask your husband to edit a picture for you…

Elliot and Oliver were spoiled this Thanksgiving with a visit from his grandparents! There was a lot of playing that happened that week. Grandma brought a suitcase full of goodies for the boys and Elliot was in heaven! Along with the playing, there was a lot of cuddling with Oliver. We enjoyed our visit, thanks for coming Brent and Liz!

Elliot update: HE. IS. CRAZY! This little boy is full of energy. He is funny and creative and sweet. He is starting to do imaginative play and wants to play all day long. He loves Elsie and wishes she would play with him. He says “I love Christmas” on a daily basis. He is excited for Santa to come and has loved reading a new Christmas story every evening. He reminds us to turn the Christmas tree right when he gets up. :)

Elliot got a needed haircut. I wished for long curls, but got a rats nest everyday, so we cut it off. He now looks so much older, but is so stinking cute!

Family photo session…

Elliot was excited about our annual visit to see Santa. He seemed a little hesitant at first, but warmed up quickly. Santa forgot to ask Elliot what he wanted for Christmas, but Elliot made sure this wasn’t missed and told him twice that he was asking for a baseball bat. Oliver snoozed through the whole event.

2 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:10:00 +0000

My little man is chunkin’ up. His 2 month stats:

weight: 11lb 6oz

height: 22.5 in

He was 10th percentile at his two week appointment and is now in the 50th percentile. Doctor says at this rate we may have a 95th percentile baby at the next visit! He is following in his brother’s chunky footsteps:)

Oliver is doing well. He is sleeping an average of 12 hours a night, waking once about 5:30/6 in the morning for a feeding. I do sleep feed him before I go to bed, so the longest he goes between feedings is about 7 hours! Oliver is overall a happy baby. He loves to hang out in my arms and makes me work for smiles. He is just starting to “talk” a little. Oliver’s big complaint in life is going down to bed. He goes down for naps pretty well and will sleep for an hour or two each time, but night is a different story. This child HATES going to bed. He fights it.

I love this little man. He is quiet and observant. He is very tolerable of Elliot’s noise and touches. He loves to cuddle. I can’t get enough of him!

Pumpkin Patch, Halloween, Sister’s Visit, My Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:17:00 +0000

Very picture saturated

Trick-Or-Treating at Daddy’s work

Friends and Trick-Or-Treating Group

Amy and Ella came for a weekend visit!

The Boys

He “Loves” everything :) I can’t believe Elsie let him do this!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:38:00 +0000

The Shutterfly giveaway winner is Jenni!

JenniOctober 9, 2012 3:49 PM

What a great giveaway! I personally liked the "Everything Is Merry Holiday Card." Mostly because of the bright colors but also because we have friends that don't celebrate Christmas, but I still want to send a card to them. Hard to pick just one!

-Jenni

Congrats Jenni! You will be emailed your promo code soon!

Shutterfly $50 giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Don't forget to check out my $50 Shutterfly giveaway!! Go here and click on the link in the post to view Shutterfly's holiday cards. Then come back to my blog and leave me a comment telling me which card style you like the most. This giveaway ends October 28th so enter soon! If I don't have a contact email for you please leave it in your comment.

Elliot

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 22:37:00 +0000

A week or two before Oliver’s arrival I took Elliot’s two year pictures with the intention of sending them to everyone. That did not happen so I am sharing them with you here! We took close to 400 pictures and I captured the true Elliot :)

1 month

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 04:03:00 +0000

Oliver is 5 weeks old! I can’t believe how fast this past month has gone. We haven’t done much, but cuddle on the couch and watch Elliot play. Oliver still sleeps a lot and has to be woken up during the day to be fed, but he dutifully maintains an every 2 hour feeding schedule at night. Oliver loves to be held and is very content being carried via wrap when I have to chase Elliot around :) In addition to some pics of my ever growing little man #2, here are a few pics of Elliot and of our trip to the Santa Monica Pier when we took my mom to the airport.

“Dude”, and dude with “his” ipad!

Shutterfly Christmas Cards and Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 04:03:00 +0000

This year I am more excited than ever to send out Christmas cards! We have a new little one and a toddler I want to show off to you, my friends and family. We will be taking our family photo in the next few weeks, so I have been browsing Shutterfly's Christmas Cards and have found several I want to use!

I love this one! I like how I can use several photos because I'm sure, like always, I am going to have a hard time picking just one. I also really like the colors used...they aren't overly red and green, but are still holiday themed.

I like the simplicity of this card. And love how the colors pop when a black and white photo is used.

I also love this one! Again, simple and with a beautiful color scheme. It also gives me ideas for a beach photo session :)

Check out Shutterfly's Christmas Cards selection and begin planning your family photo shoot! Also check out their special offers page for great deals! One project I have been wanting to make (and hope to order soon) is a hard covered book, featuring each family member on their own page. Since we live so far away, Elliot and Oliver can see their cousins, grandparents and other family members. I'll post pictures once I get it created!

GIVEAWAY!!!
This is my first giveaway and I am happy to say it's a great one! Click on the Christmas Card link on this page, browse Shutterfly's wonderful selection, come back here and leave me a comment telling me which card is your favorite and why. You will be entered to win a promo code for $50 off your total order. The giveaway will end at midnight on the 28th, so enter soon! A winner will be selected at random.

This is a sponsored post by Shutterfly, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oliver David

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:08:00 +0000

That’s right! Oliver made his debut 4 weeks early! He was born September 8th at 11:07 pm and weighed 6lb. 8oz. I’m not sure when the contractions started, but Friday the 6th I was achy and had developed a fever. This continued through the night and into Saturday morning. Starting Saturday, it was also painful to walk. I noticed I could feel (what I thought were) my Braxton hicks contractions more, but thought it was just because I was sick. At the insistence of my sister, I contacted the on-call doctor at my OBs office. The fever through him off, so he suggested I go to labor and delivery to get checked out. I waited for Jared to get home from work, we shuffled Elliot over to a friends house, and made our way to the hospital. I don’t think either Jared or I thought I was in labor, so when the nurse said I was contracting every 2-3 minutes and was 5-6 cm dilated we were in shock. Jared quickly left to pack a bag (the hospital bag I kept putting off because I still had 4 weeks to go!) and to check on Elliot.

This labor was completely different than what I experienced with Elliot. After getting the epidural I could still feel the contractions on my right side. The Labor delivery nurse gave me another pump of the epidural. 15-30 minutes later I was still experiencing pretty intense contractions, but again only on my right side. I received another pump of the epidural, but still felt pain. Let me clarify that I think I could have handled the contraction pains, it was the actual delivery pain I feared. The nurse called the anesthesiologist and he gave me a bolus, which is medicine shot directly through the epidural in my back. This did the trick! But only after the shot was administered did the LD nurse decide to check how far along I was dilated. When she checked I was at a 10 and ready to go. Because I had just received this extra dosage of med the nurse was worried I couldn’t push. She gave me a trial push, with the other solution being to wait until the meds started wearing off…heck no! I pushed! It was enough to convince the nurse to call the doctor. And at 11:07 pm Oliver made an appearance!

Little man wasted no time in worrying his mom and dad. His glucose tested too low, so after nursing and testing it again, we had to give Oliver formula. It continued to test low. On the nurse’s last step before sending him to the neonatal nursery, his glucose levels rose. We didn’t get settled into our new room until about 3 in the morning. They served me a turkey sandwich (no thanks.) and continually came in to take my blood pressure and pump me full of antibiotics. Because I had a fever (and my white blood count was so high at the time of delivery) little man was also checked on hourly :( We got no sleep! The next day was better. Elliot came and met his brother. He wasn’t too interested in seeing Oliver and seemed nervous about being in the hospital. It was hard to see him leave knowing I couldn’t help him make the transition into being a big brother easier. That evening Oliver’s Jaundice test indicated he was in low risk range. Our pediatrician apparently didn’t want to take any chances and Oliver was taken to the nursery where he spent the next 20 hours under the bilirubin lights.

I was discharged the second evening and had to wait to see if Oliver would be coming home with me. The doctor checked his bilirubin and said he could be discharged. We weren’t in the clear though. Because Oliver’s Jaundice levels were borderline we had to go in each day (all week long) to get blood work done. All ended up being well, and the Jaundice is gone!

Oliver is now 3 weeks old. He had his 2 week check up last week. He is weighing 7lb 4oz and is 20 in. The doctor thought he looked good. He did hear a heart murmur, so we will be getting an echo to check that out, but the doctor wasn’t concerned because of the location he heard the murmur. We are also setting up an appointment to get Oliver’s kidney’s checked out because of what was seen in the ultrasounds while I was pregnant. There is hope that whatever the problem was has cleared its self up (he is peeing just fine).

Oliver is a sweet little man who hardly cries (heard him 3 times?). He does squawk when he isn’t happy about something, particularly baths, but it doesn’t last more than one little sound! He sleeps ALL the time! Nights aren’t horrible, but we are up regularly every 2-3 hours. And right now, thanks to Elliot, he has a cold, so lying on his back causes problems. Overall, we are all doing well! A huge thank you to my mother-in-law and my mom for each flying out and staying a week to take care of us! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! And thank you to the girls who helped watch Elliot when I had to go to the hospital! A big thank you to everyone who brought us dinners that first week!

Lovely husband caught me mid contraction :)

First K-State game! (Yes, Elsie is in a jersey!)

The beach and Happenings around here

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:02:00 +0000

It has been 4 weeks since we started the potty training process. I am happy to say in the last two weeks Elliot has only had 2 accidents and is slowly building confidence and wanting to go “Potty” on the big toilet. It was a rough first week and, stressful, but relatively good second week. Overall, I think Elliot is doing a great job! He hasn’t had an accident at nap or bedtime, so I am feeling lucky! Elliot has also transitioned to his “big boy” bed. He still stakes claim to the crib, but I’m slowly explaining that his baby brother will use it soon.

Taking pics of ourselves

Busy sewing

Babysitting for the weekend…we had 2 toddlers and 3 dogs from Friday-Sunday….pure craziness! I also spent the weekend getting ready for baby. The diapers have been resized to fit a little one :)

Our Travels part 2- KC

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:22:00 +0000

Sadly I didn’t take my camera out once for the second half of our trip…but thank goodness for my phone :) After our family vacation in Colorado Elliot and I flew to Kansas to enjoy some more family time. Elliot got to hang out with both sets of grandparents and his cousins, while I spent some time with friends! My friend Erin is due with her first little one a day before me. She is also having a boy….they will be great friends! I am so glad I was able to be in town for Erin’s shower and to help her celebrate!

Becky, Erin, Kelly, and Megan…the shower was beautifully done ladies!

Backyard pool fun.. Always a good time! Miss Ella

Our travels part 1- Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:17:00 +0000

Grand Lake, Colorado is where my family and extended family would go for family reunions when I was growing up. It holds a special place in my heart, so I was excited to be introducing Elliot to this wonderful place! Elliot and I flew to Denver where my parents picked us up and we headed to Grand Lake. We met my sister, her family, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma. My parents, sister’s family, and Elliot and I stayed in one condo…close quarters, but fun. We had a river running right behind the condo that Elliot and Marissa LOVED throwing rocks into. A special thanks to my brother-in-law Paul who adopted Elliot while Jared wasn’t with us. Paul was a huge help to me (especially when it came to that river)! Jared was able to join us for two days in between two different contact lens conferences he attended.

Cousins

We stayed in condos…this was our view This is the view from Grand Lake Lodge where we

used to stay when I was growing up.

Duck races! This was the brainchild of a few of the guys. Everyone placed bets on the duck(s) they thought would win. Pictured below you see “lunch lady” aka “mee-ma”. We did have a few people casualties (falling in the river). This was a lot of fun and entertained us for a while :)

Family photo. Shirts are a throw back to an old family reunion shirt we once worn. My cousin David designed them!

forgotten 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 03:42:00 +0000

I forgot to post about the 4th of July! Normally I wouldn’t back post this, but this year was Elliot’s first time seeing fireworks! Last year we were in a state that was so dry they cancelled all displays. And the year before Elliot had just been born. We had a good time celebrating with friends at the pool, with good food and swimming. Then we joined everyone as we watched the Fullerton display. He seemed to really enjoy them and talked about fireworks for several days after.

(The video quality is AWFUL, but it gives you an idea of Elliot's joy:) )

Shutterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:50:00 +0000

Shutterfly is doing a sweepstakes where the Grand prize is a trip to the Bahamas. I don’t normally post about contests, but I use Shutterfly regularly and wanted to help promote them :) All you have to do is post a picture with a caption on their facebook page. Each week is a different theme. Click the link to see the full explanation of the contest http://bit.ly/SFLYSummer !

Baby update

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:27:00 +0000

I am 30 weeks along in this pregnancy and aside from suffering from a cold/sinus infection I have felt good. This little boy is not the mover and shaker Elliot was. He is living on my left side and tries with all his might to get a foot under my ribs (but I don’t allow it). Little man is head down, so when he isn’t kicking my ribs he is using his head to push on my bladder….oh the joy :) As with Elliot my platelet count is dropping, so I will continue to get blood work done to monitor my numbers…click here to read my post describing this when I was pregnant with Elliot. We are also experiencing a few different things this pregnancy. I have developed a heart palpitation. I have seen a cardiologist and he thinks it is PVC (Premature ventricular contractions are heartbeats that occur earlier than they should. These early beats briefly interrupt the heart's rhythm). He says it is commonly brought on my stress, pregnancy, caffeine, etc. I will have an echocardiogram in a month just to make sure, but the doctor predicts it will go away once little man is born.

Little man is also experiencing his own issue. His kidneys are dilated (filled with fluids). They are only mildly dilated, but need to continue to be monitored. This could mean several things, but the dilation could just be there naturally. We won't know until he's born. I will have another ultrasound in 4 weeks just to keep monitoring it. The doc isn't really too concerned. Jared and I are also feeling ok with everything. There's a good chance it'll clear up on its own before birth.

Week 27 ultrasound…cute little man Week 29 Belly bump

We went to the Angels game when they played the Royals. Elliot is sporting his daddy’s old Royals shirt (Grandma sent it to him in the mail)!

We have officially started potty training. I read a book about a 3 day method. The author’s philosophy was consistent to a book I read when Elliot was first born about needing only three days to teach a child something. We are on day three….I am having my doubts. I fully planned on it taking us 4 days because Elliot is stubborn and HATES to stop playing. I’m not sure if Elliot is learning or if Jared and I are just learning to read his potty signs better, but he hasn’t had an accident today. He has successfully stayed dry at naps and bedtime. BUT he still won’t tell me when he has to go! I have to tell him he looks like he has to potty and then hurry him into the bathroom (all the while Elliot is telling me no). He then usually does a good job and pees (or poos) a decent amount. Keep your fingers crossed he starts telling me!!! We have a trip coming up in a week and I need him potty trained.

Doesn’t his bottom look cute in undies :)

Palm Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 20:53:00 +0000

In celebration of our 8th anniversary Jared and I went to Palm Springs! We left Elliot with another couple who has a daughter his age and we spent the weekend relaxing. Forgot the camera, so enjoy iphone pics of our weekend!

8 Years ago these two cuties were wed!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 02:08:00 +0000

8 years ago July 16th, Jared and I were married. I feel so blessed to have found the person I was meant to be with at such an early age. We met, dated, and were engaged in college. We married shortly after graduation. Like every relationship we have had our ups and downs, but we have managed to grow and change together rather than apart. The past few years with Elliot has only brought us closer. When I look back on that day I am so happy with everything…. The friends who stood by us on that day I am happy to say are still in my life and my best friends. I knew I chose them for a reason! I look forward to this next year of being a family and everything it has in store for us (baby and a big move!!).

Happy Anniversary Babe! It’s been a wonderful 8 years!

Celebrating Elliot!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Because we did a big party while home in KC, Elliot’s actual birthday was a fun family day. Elliot woke up to balloons and a new train set! He helped himself right up on the table and started playing! We then went to the Long Beach aquarium. We gave Elliot lunch options and he chose…In and Out! After, it was home for presents and a cupcake. Elliot received a balance bike from both sets of grandparents…Thanks guys :), magnetic alphabet from us, and a Pluto doll to keep Mickey company at night! All we wanted for this day was for Elliot to feel special…I think we accomplished that! He had a smile on his face most of the day!

Touching the jelly fish

Not touching the sting rays…he’d have his hand in the water until one got close

Weird looking fish…..and Nemo

Pretty sure he’s smiling at me :)

Went swimming the following day. Elliot LOVES jumping in the pool by himself!

Home to KC

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 05:02:00 +0000

This post is VERY picture dense. Enjoy :)

Jared had the month of June off before he started his residency, so we took a week long trip home to KC! We started the visit at my parents’ house playing in the pool and meeting our new niece. We made a trip to the zoo where Elliot got to see a polar bear up close! It was fun watching Elliot and Marissa play, they are of the age where they are finally interacting with each other. We made our routine trip to one of my favorites…Taco Via….YUM. My sister and I also hosted a birthday party for our 2 year olds (they are only a week apart in age). Elliot was in heaven…Mickey Mouse theme, at a park, with friends, family, and cupcakes! We were also lucky enough to be able to attend Ella’s baptism. I am Marissa and Ella’s God Mother, so it was special to be able to be at the ceremony.

The second part of the visit we stayed with Jared’s parents and had a mini reunion because Jared’s siblings were in town! Elliot had a playmate in his cousin Solomon. He really looks up to him and it is so cute watching him “be like” his older cousin. We enjoyed our time at Antioch Park playing in “Old Dodge Town” and having a picnic. Because it was Father’s Day we set up a little photo booth session with the dads. We went to Deanna Rose Farmstead and got to see and pet many animals. Elliot loved the goats…he went around touching each one. Elliot even got to feed one with a bottle (Jared took over when they started getting aggressive). Grandma and the boys made ice cream one night. We spent a lot of time relaxing in the backyard with the pool or in the house in the air conditioning!

Awesome trip home! It was really good seeing everyone!

Jared got his long awaited iPad (very happy guy!)

Two!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 05:04:00 +0000

My sweet little man turned two today! I can’t believe how much he has changed in a year. He is talking (or trying to) so much. Elliot is a people person and loves attention. He is always trying to make us laugh and tries getting out of trouble with his humor. There isn’t a day that goes by that he hasn’t put a smile on my face. Elliot loves playing with his friends and cousins. He is currently into cars and trains. He loves balls with a current favorite being one that lights up. Elliot still watches Mickey Mouse and has added to his collection with a Pluto doll. He still loves books and can be found reading quietly in his room. His current favorite are Nursery Rhymes. Elliot is learning his letters and can identify most. He also loves counting everything! Colors are still a struggle….everything is either blue or green :)

Elliot loves swimming and mentions the pool daily (he is currently obsessed with a line in the bottom of the pool dividing the shallow end from the deep end). We have told him the line is fine; it’s ok. Now EVERYDAY he says “line fine pool”. Elliot has started his “terrible twos” off with a bang. He has newly started saying “no” in a very loud and abrasive tone. He hates getting his diaper changed. Elliot Loves Target (not sure why). When we mention going to the store he wants it to be Target and will get upset if that’s not where we are headed. He is singing and likes listen to “his” music. He gives the best hugs and kisses! He is always laughing and can crack himself up.

My little man is such a big boy. He has spent the last two nap times sleeping in his “big boy” bed. As proud as I am, it makes me sad. So far he has done a wonderful job staying in bed and actually sleeping! I’m waiting for the day he decides not to listen to me and wanders out of bed to play with his toys…hopefully it never happens :)

I could not love this little guy anymore than I do!!

Party Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 03:49:00 +0000

Email me for details! Hope to See you there :)

Invites made by my cousin Jenni! Thanks Jenni, we Love it!

Breath of fresh air.

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 21:43:00 +0000

Hey! This is Jared. Your stuck with me for this post…

Back in February, I put my name in a “lottery” to obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. The last 400 feet of the climb consist of cables and 2x4s fastened to the slick granite rock. A permit is needed to access the cables and complete the hike to the summit. The hike definitely tested my stamina, and the final climb surely tested my nerves. After a few adrenaline pumping slips on the way up and down the cable system, I can say that I conquered Half Dome.

A few Half Dome facts:

Rigorous 18 mi round trip.
4,800 feet in elevation climb from trailhead to summit.
As late as the 1870s, the Half Dome summit was declared "perfectly inaccessible".
Making the summit accessible are 400 feet of cables. No harness.
Over 60 deaths have been reported hiking Half Dome or the Mist Trail leading to the summit.
Located in the Yosemite Valley.
Half Dome is the inspiration of The North Face logo.

Here are some pictures from our hike. Our camp site was pretty great too.

Pic #1: View looking into Yosemite Valley. Pic #2: Half Dome as we sneak up behind it at sunrise.

Pic #1: Vernal Falls. Pic #2: “the Cables” to reach the summit

Survived on top (the summit) & survived back down (standing on the sub dome).

View from the “sub-dome” (looks fake!)

View while descending back to camp: Half Dome (left) and North Dome (right)

Lucked out with our camp site.

Life via iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 05:08:00 +0000

Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah and Jared) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 03:59:00 +0000

We played host to Jared’s family while they were here for his graduation. We did so many fun things, had some laughs, ate great food, and enjoyed each other’s company. Jared and I are so glad everyone was able to make the trip! Because we did so much I thought it would be best for all if you saw, rather than read, about our all our outings!

Farmer’s Market

Picnic dinner on the beach…love how only the boys are eating (the adults are playing )

(I know, my child is HUGE! It takes two of us to hold him :)

Huntington Beach

Wine tasting in Temecula…Elliot and I sat this one out.

Lots of reading