The Grimm's Fairy Tales

Monday, May 21, 2012

Once TR finished with school, and before starting school again for the summer, we made a quick trip down to Arizona to see the Martineaus. There were a lot of firsts for Molly on this trip. She got to ride on her very first airplane.

She did amazing! She slept the whole way, even though the take-off and landing was a little rough. I love her face in this picture because she looked out the window and gave me this look. She couldn't believe we were in Arizona either!

We got to Jen's house about 2 hours earlier than she was expecting us too cause she got the times mixed up. It was so fun to see all the kids! Jacob showed me all his legos, Sam wouldn't come downstairs, and everyone talked a mile a minute. BrookLynn just couldn't get enough of Molly. I'm pretty sure Molly didn't get put down the whole trip!

We went swimming with some of the "braver" kids later in the evening. It was too cold for Molly, so Jen took care of her so we could play with the kids and just enjoy ourselves. Jen said she gauges her pool by "Utah People Warm" and "Arizona People Warm" because they are very different temperatures. Sam wouldn't even get in with us. He got his swimming suit on and jumped around the pool like a pro on the rocks, on the table, on the basketball hoop, but he was VERY unhappy when TR caught his leg and pulled him in. He wouldn't play with us anymore after that.

BrookLynn has the most beautiful, long, THICK hair. She was a good sport and let me play with it. I put it in what is affectionately known as the "Katniss braid" around here. It felt like we were having a girls sleep over that first night. It was fun to just hang out.

Chef TR was asked to make dinner on Saturday, so he and his sous chef BrookLynn made dinner. They made a spinach and feta stuffed chicken and a squash and mushroom risotto. It was SO yummy! I'm sad I didn't take a picture of it cause it looked pretty too. After dinner was all cleaned up, we got a show as well! Jen's stovetop got a little water in one of gas starters and it caught on fire! Twice! No one got hurt and luckily the second time Glen was under the sink trying to figure out what the issue was and was able to quickly stop the flames.

On Sunday we got to go to a wonderful meeting with Jen, and then visit with our good friends Dan and McKenzie! We've missed them so much! It was great to see all the work they put into their house, and to just sit and visit with them for a while. We also got to see the amazing Sasha at work. She jumped, swam, and generally showed off for us. I didn't get any pictures though! I'm so sad.

On Monday we all took a trip into Phoenix to the science museum. This was a totally interactive museum and was so fun! It was great to see the kids running around and learning all the fun things about the brain and about pulleys and bones and the heart. It was a really neat experience. We also go to see Jenny and little Jakob. It was so great to see them while we were down there!

TR has a huge brain.

Samuel decided we were actually okay people and started to warm up to us. He really connected with TR and was his little buddy through the rest of the trip.

TR "cheered Sam on" AKA: pushed the wheels in the wheelchair races. Sam was SUPER excited when he "Won that huge boy!"

Part of the reason we went to the science center was because they were having a Van Gogh exhibit. It was really cool. There wasn't a whole lot to it, but it was dark, cool, and had floor to ceiling projector screens that rotated through the pictures. It was really need to sit and listen to the music and watch the paintings rotate through. It was especially fun with Jacob. He LOVES Van Gogh. He came with us and was happy to sit on the floor and watch the paintings. He did stand next to one of the screens so TR could take a picture (it's kind of shakey, the stabilizer doesn't come on if the flash is turned off) and all of a sudden all the screens turned to Stary Stary Night, Jacob's absolute favorite. He was so excited "Guys! I'm surrounded by Stary Stary Night!"

After the museum, we decided to walk down to Pizzaria Bianco on the off chance that they were open on Monday. They just recently opened for lunch, but were still closed on Mondays. This was the one stop on the trip that TR was most excited about. TR really loves pizza. He has a passion for it. Chris Bianco, the owner of Pizzaria Bianco, is a really really famous pizzaiolo (pizza maker). He's the only one to ever win a James Beard award (Click here to learn more about that. It's apparently really prestigious). He studied in Italy for years, Chicago born, long story short- he's a really cool guy. (Find out more about him here there's language, be aware) Luck was on our side! It was open and it was completely empty. This was very lucky since people stand in line for HOURS to get into this place.

Johnny and Lindsey met us for lunch and it was great to see them and their kidos. The weather was perfect and aside from one nasty cheese burn (Poor Jakey!) it was a perfect day. After we got home, TR instructed Jeffrey, Alexa, and BrookLynn in the making of Magleby's famous chocolate cake and it was DIVINE! The next morning we all ate chocolate cake while taking a little dip in the pool. Molly liked the pool this time, and she had a good time splashing around in it like it was a big tub. She's so much like me in that way.

Jeffrey was about Molly's age when Jen and Glen moved into the little blue house that currently houses our little family. He was so busy for most of our trip that we didn't get to see much of him, but when we did it was so great! I can't believe he's going on a mission soon! He's getting so big. He's such a great guy and a great example. He rode with us to lunch on Tuesday before going to the airport, and it was so interesting to me to listen to him and TR talk. They had gone "Herping" the night before and had apparently had some very deep conversations. He's so intelligent and so in tune with the spirit and everything else around him.

We had so much fun in Arizona! It was really hard to leave and come back home to the real world. Our trip was entirely too short and we look forward to when we can go back again!

Walk to the Park

It was an absolutely B-E-A-UTIFUL day outside yesterday! Since it was such a lovely day out and TR had the day off of work and school we decided to take a walk to the park. I pushed Molly and TR walked the dogs. They loved it!

TR and Linus are best buddies.

He really loves Mimi too.

As you can see, Molly enjoyed her first walk to the park immensely. She slept from the time we left the house to the time we got back. It was a lovely day in the park.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Who does she look like?

What do you think? Does Molly look more like Me:

Or TR?

First taste of Rice

Since the Easter Bunny brought Molly rice cereal she's started eating it in the morning and at night before bed. The first time was trial and error for Mommy. I made it too thin and made it with water, so she wasn't really into it much. She made a big huge mess, but it was fun to see her roll it around in her mouth, trying to figure out what to do with it.

On Sunday, Aunt Sarah showed us how to do it. She knows all the tricks. She mixed it with formula, made it really thick, and Molly gobbled it down. She loved it! She ate a lot more than I was expecting her to which was great! Made for a good nights sleep for both Molly and Mommy.

Last night I made her cereal with Apple Juice and she gobbled it all up! It was wonderful! Aunt Sarah taught her to blow raspberries when she was done though, so in the end she and I both got all messy. She thought it was pretty funny when she'd blow that raspberry and I'd squeal and wipe off my pants. Daddy found it pretty funny too.

Easter

I love Easter, and this year was the best yet! The day was beautiful, the baby was happy, we got to see family, it was an all around wonderful day.

The Easter Bunny didn't hide our baskets this year. I'm sure he knew just how tired this Mommy was after the week I had. Molly got Rice Cereal, some new socks that actually fit, spoons, a pretty new dress, and fruit! Don't worry grandparents, we were left vegetables too. Daddy got a new shirt, cheese balls, orange slices, and some Star Wars stuff. Mommy got a new dress, and some candy. The Easter Bunny also left us a basket for our dear friend Stephanie. What a nice guy!

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for church since Grandma was speaking in Sacrament meeting. It was fun to just kind of hang out for the morning.

After church and naps, we went to Aunt Sarah's house for dinner. Molly and Hannah had matching Easter Bonnets that Grammy made for them. They were just so darling!

I love the sense of renewal that comes with Easter. It's a time to reflect on the sacrifices our Savior made for us so that we may be able to live with him again. I'm so excited that because of the love of our Father in Heaven, and Jesus that we may live with him again, and that we can be an eternal family. I can't imagine my life or any existence where I don't get to be with my wonderful husband and our beautiful daughter. I am so grateful for the atonement and for the power of it I have felt in my life.

Sister's Reunion!

Molly and I got to have a little weekend get-away for the sister's reunion! SO. MUCH. FUN!

The day started right after work. I drove to Salt Lake to meet my wonderful sisters and step-mom at the Kimball for our evening. We talked and I got to play with Molly until it was time for dinner.

As is out tradition for sister's weekend we ate dinner at PF Changs. This time we didn't have to wait almost 2 hours to get a table though.

After dinner we chatted until the early hours of the morning. Jessica and I then retreated to our room and went straight to bed. Molly slept well, Jessica hardly even knew she was there. In the morning she was happy as could be and we went to play on the floor

My favorite moment is towards the end where she stops moving and making noise for a second and then she squeals with delight.

The morning was Beautiful! The day was filled with Waffles and Frites, Hunger Games, Shopping, eating and chatting.

We got to see all the pretty girls in their prom dresses (and some not so pretty dresses too!) while we were waiting for Dad and and kids to join us for dinner. What a fun weekend! I loved it!

St. Patrick's Day!

Molly and I spent St. Patrick's day with the Tanner kids and Grammy. It was so fun! That naughty leprechaun left us a mess to clean up. He got in the lucky charms, he tipped over a glass, spread chocolate coins all over the counter, and turned the milk green so we had to have green pancakes for breakfast! He even forgot to flush when he used the potty!

Molly sure did look cute though. My little Lucky Charm indeed!

Molly's Blessing

I have a lot of catch-up to do! Lets start with the blessing!

Molly was blessed by her Daddy on February 19th. The

day was lovely, it had snowed the night before, but it was a sunny day. The blessing was fantastic.

Grammy made her pretty dress. It was made out of the same material that she made my wedding dress out of. It was so beautiful. Everything was perfect.

Right before I got in the shower I got a message from friend Tasha saying that she and Jon wouldn't be able to make it. Her sister was in the hospital and she needed to be there. I wished them well and started to get ready.

As soon as I got out of the shower TR told me that most of his family wouldn't be at the blessing either. Grandma Janice had been in a car accident and was in the hospital. I didn't know all the details at this time, so I tried not to worry too much and finished getting ready.

The blessing was beautiful. TR promised Molly some very special things in her blessing and I felt the spirit so strongly. I know our Heavenly Father was with us that day and that he loves us so much.

After the blessing we found out that Grandma Janice was hurt much worse than we originally thought. We got updates through the luncheon, but she was in bad shape. We were so sad that she wasn't there with us, but over the next couple of weeks she made amazing improvements. We know that all the prayers and blessings that were said on her behalf helped her in that time. She still has a long road ahead of her, but she is doing pretty well. Grandma Janice and Molly have a special connection. Molly's special blanket is the one that Grandma Janice made for her. When we went to see her, Molly had been fussy all day and hadn't had much of a nap, but as soon as Grandma touched her little foot she calmed right down and slept almost the rest of the day.

We're so happy to have this little angel in our lives. We are so blessed by her every day. We also love our Grandma Janice, and we pray for her every day.

A Letter to My Dolly

Molly Dolly-

You're three months old already?! How did that happen? I guess I just didn't notice the time flying by.

My time was swallowed with your smiles. I love those smiles baby girl. They're my favorite thing. You have such a beautiful face and it all lights up when you smile. I love the way your eyes squint up when you smile. Your legs and arms go crazy when you find something especially entertaining. You smile so much. I love coming into your room after your nap to see your big smiling face

My time was spent kissing those lips of yours. They're so deliciously kissable. I love that you recognize my voice when I talk to you and you know I'm going to kiss you. You look at me with your smiling mouth wide open, anticipating my kisses. You give the best slobbery kisses of anyone I know.

My time was spent getting to know you. You are so sweet. You've been such an easy baby, even when you've been sick. You love those around you. Even at this young age it's easy to see that you LOVE your Daddy. You'll follow him around the room with your eyes. You look at him intently and will smile, coo, and wiggle to get his attention. You get so excited when you hear his voice. I am so glad you get to spend Mondays uninterrupted with him. That's such a special time for you both. You love Savannah. I've never seen anyone able to calm you down as quickly as she does just by talking to you. You smile at her and are so interested in what she has to say, even if she's only saying your name.

My time was spent snuggling you. You love to cuddle. You won't fall asleep at night without a warm bottle, your special grandma blanket, and cuddles from your Mama. I treasure those times. I love to watch you drift off to sleep, happy and content. I love to cuddle you. I love how you wiggle your little arm under mine and you tickle me as you fall asleep. I hate to put you down.

My time was spent watching you grow. Even though it was a sad day for me when I finally put your newborn clothes in a box, it was exciting to see how big you had gotten. I love to see you notice things. It has been so fun to watch you go from a baby that could just lay and enjoy the novelty of laying down to a baby to is so interested in her toys. You watch the mobile in your crib so intensely. You love the pink giraffe and will follow it until it gets close to you. You squeal at it as it gets closer to you. You love the red monkey at Aunt Sarah's house. You can stare at him for a long time, much longer than your other toys. You love the bath now. You kick those chubby little legs and splash all over. You get so excited when I put you in your little bath. You hate to get out. You're sleeping longer at night now which is a blessing to me. You're getting so strong! You always try so hard to sit up in your carseat when I buckle you in. You have always had a strong neck and have been able to hold your head up pretty well.

My time was spent listening to you find your voice. I especially love to hear you in the early morning. You have to tell me about your dreams. I can't wait until you can form your words and sentences and really tell me stories. I love Saturday mornings when it is just you and me and there is no rush to get up. You talk my ear off and smile ear to ear. Your little voice is so sweet. I love to hear the squeaks and coos and sounds you make on the way to Aunt Sarah's house in the morning. You are so vocal. Mostly happy sounds, but sometimes your voice is used to let us know how utterly displeased you are.

My time was spent watching your influence on others. At the tender age of 3 months old, you have such a hold on those around you. It's been so fun to watch your daddy gush over you, even though he insists he doesn't gush. You make people around you so happy. Andrea loves your pouty little lip when you're really sad. Grammy just can't get enough of you. I've seen such a softer side of Grandpa when he's with you.

I am sorry that I have to work and am not able to spend all day long with you. I am grateful for my job though. It helps us so much. It's so nice to know that you're being well taken care of with Aunt Sarah. We're so lucky to have so much family around us. Your family really loves you. You would not believe how excited everyone was for your arrival. We love babies in our family, but I have never seen so much excitement. We waited a long time for you, and it was worth every moment. You're such a special spirit. I'm so lucky to be your mom.

I can't wait to spend my time watching you get bigger! I will forever tell you to stop growing, that you're getting to big. I will love watching you grow, develop, and learn. I can't wait to talk to you, to understand you. I can't wait to walk with your hand in mine. I can't wait to show you how much I love books and I hope you will love them too. I'm so excited to see that light of learning in your eyes. I'm excited to see what your niche will be. I can't wait to be your Mom forever and ever, into eternity.

Love-

Mom