More Christmas Fun

We have defiantly been busy with Holiday activities here! Every year I bake goodies for friends and family here in Utah. This year I had a very eager helper! We made chocolate covered pretzels with yummy toppings,white chocolate peppermint bark, and awesome brownie delights. It took me a little longer than usual trying to juggle feedings and holding the baby, but we still got it done!

It has also become a Christmas tradition around here to make a gingerbread house. Usually Daddy gets very creative and starts in on some architectural binge...but this year I got my way and stayed very basic so it actually looked like a traditional gingerbread house! Trenton had fun decorating it, and as soon as I took the pictures he wanted to dig in and eat it!Trenton had his Christmas program at school this week. It was so fun to go to the classroom and watch them sing the songs they have been practicing. Daddy even made it with the video camera! To start with they grabbed their big voices and shoved them in their mouth! They then proceeded to sing song like Jingle Bells, We wish you a Merry Christmas, and other fun poems they had memorized. They even danced with some...of course I loved watching that! I was so proud of him. Afterwards the kids were surprised with a visit from Santa. Trenton just stared at him as he walked into the classroom...he was so excited to see him and get a candy cane from him.

Afterwards they presented the parents with a craft they had been working on. A poem with his hand print, and an ornament of his hand print. Of course...being the baby I am, I shed a tear as I opened it.

Braxton has just been sitting around observing all the holiday bustle. He loves to be held...especially at bed time (time to get rid of that habit!). He has started to smile a lot more, but I still have yet to catch that one with the camera. Trenton still loves to give him lots of kisses and is a great big brother!

Christmas Activities

I love this time of the year....although, I hate the snow!!!! This has always been my favorite time of year, but it is so much better when you have kids! Trenton has been so excited this year and it has been a blast to watch. He was so excited to decorate and hand ornaments all by himself. Every morning as soon as we wake up he runs into the living room to plug in the tree. He will randomly start singing Christmas songs that they are learning at school (I love private school and the fact that they teach Christmas songs!). He is getting ready for his Christmas Sing that he will perform next week.We are so excited that we are going to have my entire family here for Christmas this year! I remember when we used to come to Grandma's house for Christmas as a kid...it was always so much fun...now we get to do it again...only as parents this time (except for Paul and Karla...they are still waiting on the whole parent thing!!). Because everyone is traveling here for the holiday, Trenton wanted to make sure everyone had a stocking for Santa to fill...so we worked on a "project"to make that happen!And of course, I had to add some cute pictures just for fun. Trenton got a new vest suite. It is still a little big for him, but with some duct tape, anything can work!

My Little Love had a hard day with his acid reflux last week. He had spent most of the day crying, it didn't matter what I did. Evidently, Daddy knew just how to calm him down. A nice warm bath! He was out as soon as he hit the water!

Tis the season for shopping stories!

So...I'm at Target yesterday doing some Christmas shopping and on my way to checkout I notice I hear a child screaming. No big deal...it happens. So, I was fortunate enough to pick the checkout lane right next to her...again, no big deal. Well, an older gentelman that decided to get in line behind me did not think it was no big deal and let everyone know about it. Here is the conversation between him and mom of the crying child.
Gentelman: Will someone give that child a love.....someone love that child....where is the mom? Someone needs to love that child and make her stop crying, or I'm calling 911.
Mom: She is crying because she is spoiled.
G: So, give her a love so she will stop crying
M: I told her she could not have a toy so she is crying
G: Make her stop crying, I dont want to listen to it.
M: So just ignore her, she is throwing a fit.
G: I could hear her clear across the store, if you can't keep her quiet, don't bring her to the store.
M: Why don't you mind your own business
G: (pulls out his phone) That's it...I'm calling 911
M: Go ahead
He then pretends like he is going to call and then closes the phone and starts talking to the cashier asking her if she would allow a child to cry in the store, saying the mom should not have brought the kid...etc. The cashier did not respond to him. I think she was in shock!
So this whole time my back is to the mom and I am just watching the cashier. She is trying to not to look at the Gentleman, and I am trying to just get out of there feeling really bad for the mom.
So...was I a chicken not saying anything and sticking up for the mom? I would not have given my kid loves if he was throwing a fit because I told him no. I felt so bad for her, I'm sure it just added to the stress she was already feeling with a screaming kid.
So...what would you have done if you were me, or the mom?

Thanksgiving Festivities

What a wonderful week we had! It started last Wednesday when my mom, dad and Heather flew in from California. We were so excited to have them with us this year! As soon as we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house, where they stay, Dad got right to work on his six pumpkin pies. The whole family was excited to have Dad's pies this year! Of course, Trenton saw Grandpa busy in the kitchen and wanted to help. He actually knew Grandpa would be making them and asked to help as soon as Grandpa got in the car at the airport. It was so fun to watch the two of them busy in the kitchen mixing, adding and even smelling the ingredients!

Thursday went off with much success. I think our total number ended up being 45 people, and this was not even everybody! It was so much fun seeing different people every time you turned around. Everyone brought something to share and it was all fantastic. I made myself sick on the yummy food! Grandpa is always the designated carver, and mashed potato maker!

Auntie Hoho and Braxton got to meet for the first time this weekend! It was so nice to have her around...doesn't she look hot!!!???Sadie Lady was so cute with her curly hair.

And afterwards, Grandpa had to have some cuddle time with his boys. It was so much fun to have my family here...and to think, Paul, Karla, and Nickolas will be back with them for Christmas...it can't get much better!

A trip to the Hospital

Last week my sweet little boy wound up taking a trip to Primary Children's Hospital. Trenton had brought home a cold and as hard as we tried to keep baby and Mommy from getting it...we failed. The fun of the week started Monday night as I ended up sleeping on the couch in the recliner with baby on my chest. This seemed to be the only way to keep him from crying and comfortable enough to breath. Tuesday he continued to just cry all day. He cried no matter what I did for him...needless to say I was very tired from the night before, so by the time Josh got home he found both Baby and Mommy in tears!

So again...on Tuesday night we did what we could to make baby comfortable and we all tried to sleep...however we could. On Wed. I was feeding him and he felt a little warm to me. So, I decided to take a rectal temp and it came to 100.7. Like the good little mommy that I am, I followed the doctor's discharge orders from when he was born and called since the temp was over 100.4. I thought we would be told to come in to the office to maybe get checked for RSV, but no...I did not get to pass GO...we got sent directly to jail!

We were told to go directly to the ER of the hospital. Once we got there because of his age they ran every test possible. The poor baby had every bodily fluid drawn from him including blood, urine, mucus, and even a spinal tap. They also took xrays of his lungs. We were told that all the tests were standard for any baby under 30 days. All the preliminary results came back negative as far as a bacterial infection, so again, because of his age, he was admitted to the hospital where they would monitor him and keep him on antibiotics.

So...Mommy and Baby stayed at the hospital for the next 48 hours as they grew cultures. Everything came back negative, and as I anticipated, it was all due to his cold. They kept telling us it is better to be safe than sorry, they don't like to take any chances on babes this little for any type of bacterial infection they might have, including meningitis.

Trenton and Daddy came when they could during the day to visit us. Thanks to Hollie for taking my big boy and getting him to and from school at such a short notice. Trenton loved to come and see his baby because there was a life sized spiderman on the way to Baby's room! He thought the toys were fun too that the nurses would bring him.

We are now home and everyone is well. I am grateful for the medical knowledge that people have and the time they have put in to obtain it. The nurses that took care of him were wonderful. He is starting to do better thru the nights, but is a little piggy and up every 3 hours. I threatened that I was going to put him on formula so Daddy could deal with him at night...but I can't seem to follow thru! I enjoy our time together, and besides it is much cheaper to nurse!!!

Life as a Mom

Yesterday morning I was reminded how great it is to be a Mom. Within the first 5 minutes of being awake and sitting in my bed nursing the babe I enjoyed the following:
- Wiping the poopy bum of a 3 year old
- Cleaning poop from a 3 year old's underwear
- Cleaning poop off the carpet
- Getting peed on by a 3 week old (yes, in my bed)
- Getting spit up on by a 3 week old
- Having milk drip on me because Braxton decided he needed to take a break
Oh...the joys of being a Mom! But, I will admit it is all worth it. How I love my boys!

Awesome Dads

Every weekend we usually end up doing about the same thing...we go over to Hollie and Dustin's house and just hang. We usually figure out what to do for dinner together, and then do one or a combination of activities; watch a movie, play games, rock out on guitar hero, or just sit around and chat.

This weekend was no different, except that we now have our cute Little Love. I knew the baby needed to be changed, and when Daddy is with us I take full advantage of the break. So Hollie and I were surfing the net in the other room when I hear the following:

Dustin: Jensen (their older son), will you get me another wipe

Josh: Here is one right here

So I decide to go see what was happening in the living room and find both Daddy's changing their baby's and sharing supplies! It was too cute to pass up.

Thanks for being such hands on Daddy's guys. You are awesome!

Trenton's Big Boy Bed

On my first night home from the hospital Trenton wanted to get in bed and cuddle with me before he went to bed. After watching some TV, we turned it off and he said "Mom let's talk about something". This is something we often do and we take turns coming up with what we are going to talk about. I told him that sounded like a good idea and that it was his turn to pick something to talk about. Here is how the conversation went...by the way...at this time Trenton was still sleeping in a crib with the rail down so he could get in and out.

T: I want a big boy bed

M: You have a big boy bed

T: No mom, I have a baby bed

M: No, that is a baby bed (pointing to the pack and play that Braxton was in)

T: Obviously it's a crib Mom, and I don't want to climb in and out of it anymore, I want a big boy bed.

M: Speechless!

So there....I was told by my baby that he no longer was a baby and required a big boy bed. It was actually pretty funny. So I told Grandma about the conversation the next day, and when Grandpa got up here he was told. So...of course, Grandma sent Grandpa and Daddy to take care of the situation! Grandma took Trenton to Wal-Mart to pick out his bedding, and it was done!

Thanks Mom and Dad for taking such good care of us! Trenton loves his bed and loves that Mommy can now cuddle with him in his bed, it's even fun to have Baby Brother come cuddle in between us while we talk about everything

The Birth Story of Braxton David Crawford

Braxton David Crawford arrived on October 27, 2008 at 2:38 in the morning weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 0z. and 20 inches long. Here is our story...

Before going to church on Sunday, the 26th, we decided we would have a family activity and carve our pumpkins. As I was searching for tea lights in a low drawer, I got up to find my leg wet with something. Knowing we were only a week away from my due date, we did not take any chances, and got ourselves ready to go to the hospital to have things checked out. When we got there they decided that my water had not broken, but I had made progress since my last doctors appointment and was dilated to a 3 1/2 and 70% effaced. The nurse had me walk around for about an hour to see if I would progress any further. Of course, no such luck for me, but she was pretty sure things were going to start happening soon. She said I could stay and walk around some more, but if I did she could not feed me lunch, and once I got checked in I could not have anything to eat either. So seeing it was 2 pm...Josh and I decided to go have some lunch and continue our walking adventure. With it being a little cold outside we decided to go make some laps at the nearest mall. (the looks I got as I huffed and puffed around the mall were pretty funny!) After walking for about 2 hours and some stronger contractions only being 1 minute apart we decided to go back to the hospital.

This time I got put in a labor room, but to my disappointment, again, nothing had changed. I was determined not to be sent home, so Josh and I started in on laps around the hospital. After another hour I had gone to a 4. The doctor on call said she did not want to admit me quite yet, which made no sense to me since my contractions were so close, but to watch me for another hour. So....off we were again...walking. We met the nurse back in my room around 8:30 and finally had made some progress. I was now at a 5 1/2 and 80% effaced. They finally decided to admit me.

Of course...again with my luck I stalled out at about a 6, contractions slowed down, so Doc decided to break my water. Things started happening again, phone calls were made, plane tickets reserved, and more waiting. Doc came in again around 1:45am to check my progress and when doing so informed me that she had just stuck her finger up my kids bum. WHAT???? The nurses even second guessed the doc as they were sure they had been feeling his head all day. She said she had felt the head too when she broke my water, but sure enough, the little bugger had gone breech on me and I was now at an 8.

Things kicked into high gear from there. I was given a shot to stop the contractions, the OR was prepped, the anesthesiologist called, and Josh was dressed like a space man. Of course my emotions kicked in with fear of the procedure, but also, how am I going to handle a six week recovery with a 3 year old at home?

Anyways, all went well, Josh watched Braxton arrive butt first and said it was actually pretty cool to see. The whole team of docs and nurses laughed when he came out because the feet were tucked and all they saw was his little bum.

We came home on Thursday and things have been good. Trenton loves his little brother and always makes sure that he is OK. Braxton sleeps a lot and loves to sleep on Mommy's chest. I have to remind myself to put him down sometimes so he does not get used to it and will sleep thru the night without me. My world has defiantly changed, but I am so grateful for all three of my boys and the joys that they bring to me. I am thankful for my family and all their love, support and help. I look forward to the memories we continue to create from here and can't wait to share more stories and pictures with you all.

Halloween Fun

I guess I have lots to catch up on...so we are going to do all Halloween activities with one post. I really did not get to participate in much of them seeing we had our little Braxton, but I think that deserves its own post!
We had fun together carving pumpkins. We started this activity together on Sunday morning waiting for church to start...but again, we had a slight interruption and didn't get to finish our pumpkins. We had some pretty good ones going too...Daddy was doing Iron Man, and Trenton and I were carving Iron Man's face. Of course..Trenton had to play dress up while doing so, so he wore his Spiderman costume from last year. I thought I was going to get away with not buying a costume this year..but I didn't get so lucky. Oh well, now he has two super heroes that he can run around in!

Trenton had a Halloween Party at school. He got to wear his Iron Man costume, minus the mask, and Daddy got to go spend the day with him. From what I am told he was in a costume parade, played pin the nose on the pumpkin, and played ghost, ghost, boo. They got to sing songs and participated in a story as their principal made Root Beer that they all got to have afterwards. Trenton was a little out of sorts that day since Mommy had been in the hospital since Sunday, so they decided to leave early and come pick Mommy and Baby up from the hospital!This last picture is the only picture we have of Trenton in full costume, he is with his friend Lance from nursery. I did get to go to the Trunk or Treat with him the Friday before Halloween...so that was fun.
All in all I think he had a pretty good Halloween, just a little hectic this year!

Grandma AND Grandpa to the Rescue

About two months ago Trenton came to me and asked me to help him find his light saber that he had gotten from Disneyland last Christmas. After ripping his room apart we were never able to find it...I have no idea how he lost it. Oh well I thought at the time...he will forget about it and that is one less toy to store.

Once again, a couple of weeks ago, Trenton again asked me to help him find his light saber. Again, no luck. So then I started feeling bad for the kid, so I told him to call Grandma and ask her if she could get him a new light saber the next time she and Grandpa went to Disneyland (they have passes).

Of course, Grandma was excited to help her "mister man". She called to warn me earlier this week that the task was accomplished and instead of waiting to bring it with her when she came up to help with the baby, she was putting it in the mail! I did not tell Trenton it was on the way, so when he got to open the box today, it was like Christmas morning!

Of course...this light saber is not as simple or as QUIET as the one I got for him. This one is a cool Buzz Lightyear light saber that not only lights up, but makes three different noises! He immediatly called Grandma to thank her, and those were about the only words he got out before he threw me the phone and was off playing!

Thanks for comming to the rescue Grandma...and of course Grandpa!

Precious Moments

WARNING: This post does not have pictures attached, but is just a sappy mom with very hormone filled feelings runny thru her body!
This week Josh did not have school, so he worked a 3/10 work week so he could be home with us on Thursday and Friday. So...of course I took advantage of the fact he was home and put him to work getting last minute baby things out of storage, fixing up rental houses, and getting the van fixed.
So as we left the house on Friday at 11 to take the car in, I was in the mind set that we were dropping it off and then heading home. Well, of course we had to stop and get some lunch after the drop off and while there, Josh asked what I wanted to do for the day. I told him it was his day off so he could choose. After some discussion we decided to take Trenton to Thanksgiving point where they have a really cool Dinosaur Museum. Trenton was so excited when he saw where we were and even more excited to show Daddy all around since he had never been there before.
After the museum we saw a crowd down by the barn, so we decided to investigate. Turns out they had several halloween activities going on for the kids. So we decided to go to the "Barn Boo" where Trenton got to have his face painted, ride a pony, a wagon ride, play the ring toss and football toss, decorate cookies, bowl...need I go on?
As I stood in line for the clown, Josh and Trenton went to play the football toss together. Of course as I stood from afar and watched my two boys play I could not help the tears that started down my face. Even as I write this post I am looking thru tears. I am so grateful and blessed to have the little family that I have. To have such a good husband that works so hard for our family, and yet takes his time off to play with us and teach Trenton all the knowledge that he has. And as I get ready to bring yet another little boy into the mix, with all my little concerns of how he will fit into our crazy home, I know that it will all just work out. With the love of his parents, and of his big brother, this little one will figure it all out too.
As I reflect on the day's activities I remind myself that not everything has to be a planned out day. Just being with my family and spending time together turned out to be one of the best days we have had for a while. Once we got home at about 10 that night, we then had to finish our day all snuggling together in our bed, where Trenton fell asleep making sure that he was touching both Mommy and Daddy!

More Halloween Fun

So to pass some time today we found yet another Halloween project...we made spider suckers. I thought for sure this one would be much easier than the graveyard...but I learned a valuable lesson, never give a kid candy while doing a project...they get a little distracted!We both still had a good time and now have some fun things to hand out to his friends. It was a good learning project for him as well as he had to count out 4 "legs"and 2 eyes for me everytime!

Although he was more intrigued with his sucker, he said he still had a good time and that he loves to do projects with Mommy. I love this little boy so much!

Halloween Crafts

So...I decided that I spend too much time on the computer while Trenton plays in his room and that we needed to spend more time together doing things. After all...what is the point of being a stay at home mom if we are in seperate rooms all the time? So, knowing that my boy LOVES to do "projects"I found a fun one to do together on the internet. We made a graveyard out of an egg carton!

Trenton loves to paint all by himself...no help from Mommy!I love to see how his little hands work so well!He was so proud of our project. He keeps it on the kitchen table for decoration. I must admit it was fun...a little messy...but very fun! I love you big boy!