Month: July 2014

This big boy hit three months back on the 17th. He’s still keeping us guessing and busy with his non-napping nonsense. Over 3-4 days he’ll have one day when he naps well, one night when he sleeps especially well (even through the night), and one day when daytime is especially difficult.

He has become a big smiler (when rested) and has discovered his hands. They are always a clammy, sticky mess.
These two goofballs still adore him. They crashed the photo session, as you can see.

This kid loves to be held and it’s breaking my back and toning my arms.

It’s interesting how we get so many comments about who he looks like–katelyn or Abby. These were all taken at three months (katelyn, jake, then Abby). What do you think?

The other day, a Facebook friend posted the following talk. It is beautiful and a wonderful reminder (and acknowledgement).

Because she is a mother

I also wanted to share a scripture I read, some time ago, that struck me.

1 Nephi 17:1-3

1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.

3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

In the context of motherhood, to me this means that if we have children (as commanded), we will be given the nourishment, strength, and means to do it. This, of course, can mean many different things (e.g., physical strength to bear a child, knowledge, patience, etc.).

In other words, if we do what we are asked, there will be a way to do it.

So, do it. :)

This stubborn gal has avoided potty training like a pro. She wouldn’t even think twice about it, even with all the bribes.

To add to the fun, she started fighting and refusing diaper changes. On a regular basis I reminded myself not to stress about it. Though diapers are a good chunk of change, they can be pretty dang convenient. But since even diapers were a major struggle, we needed some progress towards potty training.

She used to tell me when she pooped but then she started to fully avoid me. So one day I asked her if she had something to tell me (after doing her business). She said no, but I gently pushed her and she ended up telling me. I immediately gave her a sticker for her sticker chart. (More on that another time).

The next day, like sooo many before, I asked if she wanted to wear undies. We haven’t looked back since. She had two accidents on day one, two on day two, and one on day three. Then she was accident free for five days, only to be interrupted by moving shenanigans on day six.

Aside from the occasional post-business cleanup, she is completely on her own. She knows when she needs to go and goes. She won’t go if I ask her, which can be frustrating. On the other hand, I don’t have to hound her to go. She gets on and off the toilet completely on her own–no stool and no potty seat. Being so hands-off for me has been a huge blessing.

I am so proud of this chick who has now earned her big girl car seat, big girl bed, enough money to finally buy her Anna doll, and the right to be called a big girl.

Welp, it’s official. We are moving. We’ve been looking to rent a duplex or house for some time now. Prices are ca-razy. The small two bedroom we lived in when first moving here is now renting for nearly $1000 more a month than what we paid. $1000 more! People don’t even pay $1000 for their mortgage, nonetheless rent, in other parts of the country.

We found a four bed, two bath house in Fremont that is 90% perfect. Prices are more affordable there. The weather is slightly cooler. It’s in a good school district, has plenty of shopping, and is near a shuttle stop for Devin’s work. We wish the small backyard had grass instead of mulch but our landlord said we could put in grass. It has fruit trees and plenty of space for gardening.

What are we most excited for? The brand new kitchen and the spacious area for our kitchen table. No more eating on the couch. No more shuffling the furniture. We can all sit at the table comfortably together. We can have guests! Oh, the possibilities when you simply have a place to eat.

I am sad, however, to be moving away from the friends we’ve made during our time in Sunnyvale. There just comes a time when you need to move out to move up. Everyone will do it eventually. The bonus is we will only be 20 minutes from a visit.