Morgan & Stuart

Happy

2012-01-20T23:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a cuter smile?

I didn't think so.

Birthdays

2012-01-20T23:31:00.000-08:00

The first week of January is birthday-packed for us. This is the only one that I have from Stuart's (New Year's Eve-his birthday is the 1st.).

And then here are a few from mine. Shopping-Benihana-Movie. I love relaxing birthdays with yummy food.

15 Months

2012-01-04T00:24:00.000-08:00

I die with his little tongue sticking out. He does it ALL THE TIME.

If I could make him stop growing, I would. No doubt about it. I found myself looking through the last year of pictures (as I was loading them onto my external drive to clear up some space on my computer) and I got a little emotional. I cannot believe how big he is getting and what a little boy he is becoming. I need him to stay little... Sigh. I took these pictures this week on a random perfect sunny day and then realized I could do a little update on him at 15 months. Here it is:

*Latest things that he is saying: Mine. Bite (really he means drink). Nooooo. Momo (Elmo). Bzz (Buzz Lightyear). Uh-huh. Ousigh (outside). Shoes. Up. Down. All done. Amen. Woof (puppy). Banana. Vroom (his cars).
*Loves being outside more than anything. If only I could accomplish things out there, I would live out there too for the both of us.
*Loves the zoo.
*Starting to like movies (but really only the Toy Story Series), and only a few minutes at a time.
*Still loves oatmeal for breakfast. Loves PB&J. Has recently discovered his love for oranges because our parents' trees are full of them. Finally decided he likes milk-but only with PB&J. Loves Chocolate Chip Cookies and ICE CREAM (or gelato... or frozen yogurt...).
*Loves his cars and to make them go fast.
*Sick for 2 weeks at Christmas and is re-learning that it is ok not to be held and to play on his own with his toys. I am hearing all sorts of new whines the past few days. But I will take the whining because the asthma that came with the croup went away!! So relieved that the asthma is respiratory-ailment-induced and not just asthma asthma.
*Can throw the ball really well and is pretty accurate (for the most part).
*Still loves airplanes.
*Is a reincarnation of Linus and carries his blanket EVERYWHERE!
*Still loves to read books.
*Still sleeps 8-8(sometimes 9!) and takes a 3 hour nap at 12:30.
*Loves his "mama" and "dada".
*Most days only loves for mama to put him down for nap and bedtime.
*Most days only loves for dada to feed him his breakfast (yes I realize we are probably creating a monster).

We can't get enough of him.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T01:27:00.000-08:00

So grateful for my little family. I am so happy that Stuart has been out of school and that we were able to spend so much time together this Christmas. That's all I ever want from Stuart anyway, more time for him to be with us. It's all Jack wants too, Stuart is his favorite person (besides maybe his grandpas).

Christmas Eve at my parents' for the annual Christmas Party with my dad's extended family.

Pretty tree on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning. He was a little unsure of where all the new stuff came from but got into the puzzles pretty quick.

Christmas Morning.

Christmas morning at my parents for breakfast after church.

You would think that he got nothing else for Christmas other than Elmo and the Jingle puppy. I'm serious. He thinks the puppy is real and refers to Elmo as "momo".


Christmas afternoon at the Petersons. This is such a poor showing of pictures. I need to steal from Abby! These are the only ones I had.

Setting up the new surround sound til 11:30 or so Christmas night... it was important people.

There are no words for how excited I am for this... Stuart surprised me so good this year!

Zoo Day 2

2011-12-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

We went to the zoo for my SIL's birthday and it was the second time in a week for us but it was so fun anyway. I love the zoo. Random pics from the day.

I'm framing this one. I just love it.

What Stephanie will look like when she has 3 kids.

Prior to Christmas

2011-12-30T23:14:00.000-08:00

Between croup and asthma we spent lots of time at the doctor and this is how the little urchin looked most days. When Stuart is off school he dresses Jack and always ALWAYS he ends up in sweats.

He's recently taken a liking to my Muscle Milk. I actually don't remember the last time that I drank one all on my own.

Temple lights are a must every year.

He's recently discovered that he likes "driving". Makes the car noises and bounces up and down while trying to move the wheel standing in front of it. It's so funny. I love the little things that he is doing lately and want to remember all of them.

Friend/Neighbor gifts this year. Homemade Cinnamon Honey Butter. I had to make one for us too because the husband LOVES the stuff.

The Proposal

2011-12-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

I'm playing catch up and since this happened before Christmas, it comes first! My little brother asked me to help with his engagement last Friday night and it really was a lot of fun to plan. I love doing things like this. It was only candles and firelight so getting the pictures was quite the experience without using a flash, but I think it turned out cute. He had me hide to get pictures of her reaction and it was a really sweet moment.

Pathway for her to follow from the street to the backyard.


Just some details.

Good thing her answer was "yes!"

Jackson was there to help me set up. He was very VERY intrigued by the fire. Lots of "ooooohs" and "aaaaahs". (Is anyone else sick of his GAP jacket yet? I might be... it's in almost every photo recently but those classic fleeces are just SO WARM and I have a very real fear of my baby being cold.)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

Zoo Day

2011-12-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

We went to the Phoenix Zoo with the Fuller's today (and got Season Passes, woohoo!) and Jack really REALLY enjoyed himself. Like would throw-fits-when-he needed-to-go-back-in-the-stroller enjoyed himself. I am so happy that I brought my camera. You know, the good one that isn't my iPhone? I've been really dependent on the iPhone lately. For pretty much all picture taking and it. has. to. stop. I mean it's ok for the candid moments but when I actually use my DSLR I get so much more excited to look at them afterward. Plus it was a perfect cloudy day. I kinda can't wait til Christmas.

They are just too cute.

The one picture I am in WAS taken with an iPhone. Stuart's. Blast.

Wes was so excited about every animal it was so darling. And he knew most of the sounds they make. Impressive.

Letter to Santa Claus

2011-12-18T23:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I just want things that I can find in the recycle bin. Maybe... a new toy car. But I'll like the wrapping paper better, so no hard feelings, ok?

Love,
Jackson

December So Far

2011-12-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Nothing super significant has happened lately but if you looked at the plethora of pictures on my phone, you would think otherwise. Here are some recent happenings:

Texting while driving.

Eating the entire Costco hot dog on our recent shopping trip.

We now have common cold induced asthma. At least we're hoping it's only when he has a respiratory ailment.

The next generation lawyer.

I finished the canvas for Jackson's room. Now I just have to hang it.

Deming, New Mexico/Thanksgiving Catch Up

2011-12-11T21:57:00.001-08:00

Stories are best told with pictures and videos-here are the highlights of our most recent visit to New Mexico for Stuart's side of the family-Keeler Family Reunion.

Heading out. Naptime in the car. Emily's cute outfit. Pretty New Mexico sunset. Football-of course! Sarah and Grant. Fishing in the pond.

Hay field. Shooting guns-I know. Driving with Papa. Sweatshirt twins. He loved walking the hall of the hotel back and forth between our room and Papa/Nana's room. On the tractor. He LOVES Tractors.

Playground at the Farm. With his "nanny" (Britt I will still hire you.) So tired after family olympics. Riding a horse for the first time. HE LOVED IT. Yummy drinks at Tacos Mirasol. Watching Sesame Street/Backyardigans on the iPad on the drive home.

The top video is a family olympics event. Each family had to wrestle a calf down and "brand" it (marker). Stuart and Ryan were laughing so hard as they tried to get it down. The other video is Jackson on the bumpy farm road. Every time we hit the driveway leading up to the farm he would start to do this and it was so funny.

It was a fast and furious trip but it was worth it all the same. So much fun and we can't wait to go back for the next reunion :)

Thankful

2011-11-21T01:07:00.001-08:00

You know when you're so busy you can't even think straight? That is what November has been like for me. But I am just loving all of my friends' "Thankful" posts and so here is a portion of my list (in no particular order-putting these in order seems ridiculous/stressful) it's amazing how once you get going listing what you are thankful for, you could just go on and on.

1. Stuart. There are not enough words for how much I am thankful for Stuart.
2. Jackson. Ditto number 1.
3. Dry Shampoo and Flower Bomb
4. Jack's little clothes-they are so cute and perfect
5. Reading time
6. Girls Nights
7. Date Nights
8. Netflix
9. Good Friends
10. Online Bill Pay
11. My Camera(s)-iPhone, Canon Point & Shoot, DSLR
12. Scarves. Infinity scarves.
13. Baby Laughs
14. When Jackson falls asleep in the car-rare occurrence-so precious!
15. Jackson telling me stories and babbling, the whole time thinking that I understand every word.
16. Music
17. My MacBookPro
18. AMAZING Family
19. Weekends
20. Shopping
21. Homemade bread
22. The Gym
23. Pinterest. And the time it sucks out of me.
24. My Faith
25. OPI Drying drops. Try them. Thank me later.
26. Essential Oils. (Thank you Jenna.)
27. My freezer
28. Browned Butter Hawaiian Cookies. (if you want this recipe tell me and I will send it to you, for some reason I can't find my link)
29. TV: Modern Family. Pan Am. Once Upon A Time. Desperate Housewives. Happy Endings. Grey's Anatomy.
30. J.Crew Perfect Fit T's and Hanes White V-Necks
31. My Family's health. So grateful for this one this year.
32. Baggu Grocery Shopping Bags. The best ever.
33. Clarisonic Mia.
34. Sitting on the couch with Stuart at the end of a long day.
35. Traveling
36. Willing grandparents to babysit
37. My job
38. Stuart almost being done with Law School
39. Cooking
40. Prayer

Also, I am thankful that every time my baby wakes up in the morning or from a nap-these are the sweet sounds I hear. I'm just so thankful he wakes up happy.

Quick Update

2011-11-21T01:01:00.001-08:00

I posted several videos of Jack below but here are some picture updates for us as well!

We are off to Deming, NM for Thanksgiving and of course Jackson needed boots for the occasion.

We have recently discovered our tongue. We stick it out a lot.

We've also recently discovered that we are funny.

In a word? Love.

We love our shoes.

We love our books.

Scratch that, we REALLY love our books. And get REALLY mad if mommy is making dinner and does not read them to us immediately!!!

In another word? Love. Again.

Chick-Fil-A milkshakes. Where have you been all my life? For real.

We really REALLY love the swings.

Just one of several projects I have going. This little gem is going in Jack's room as soon as everything else I want to hang is here/ready. I don't want to go in there with the hammer more than once. No thank you.

Videos of Jack

2011-11-21T00:26:00.001-08:00

Well this last week I received 2 requests from my sisters (not to mention the friends who hound me about this as well who shall remain nameless...) to update my blog so that they could get their fix of Jackson. I guess it HAS been 20 days since my last post and their requests are very justified.

My sister's text message read like this, "Dear Morgan, Please update your blog with the everyday occurrences in your life. Sincerely, Your Sister". And my SIL's email said "ok hello, where is that video you said you were going to put on your blog. I check it daily and nothing is changing. no bueno!!! i need my jack fix!"

Soooo these are very "everyday" and if you are not as obsessed with Jackson as I am (or as obsessed with him as his aunts)... you might get bored. You've been fairly warned. But seriously, how adorable is he? Yeah. Pretty Adorable.

These are videos that have been taken over the last several weeks. And he really does just crack me up all the time. Oh, and can you tell I like those pants on him? I wash them like twice a week. A million pairs of pants and these are the ones I just love on him. Can't help it.

Love him.

It's a bird. It's a plane. No it's SUPERMAN!

2011-10-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

Be still my heart. Cutest Superman ever. Goes for both of my boys-since I had two Superman's this year. We'll call Jack Superboy. I went as "Lois Lane". Really I just wore my dress and called it a damsel in distress. Works for me!

Don't you just want to squish him?

PLANE!!!! This kid is obsessed with airplanes. Obsessed I tell you. Speaking of which, are you watching "Pan Am"? Because I am and I love it. I had to replace "Brothers & Sisters" (seriously shed a tear-I loved that show) with something and this is great because it is right after "Desperate Housewives" just like "Brothers & Sisters" was. Love.

Oh, I look tired? 12 o'clock church=no nap on Sundays for Mr. Jack (because he will not fall asleep anywhere but his bed). Yes. I am tired.

Not even in focus. But the joy on his face is PRICELESS.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

It's still 90 degrees+ here in Arizona but I just don't care anymore. I am going to wear jeans and 3/4 length shirts and go to a pumpkin patch if I feel like it (because in all honesty if I have to wear another shirt again that I have worn approximately 1 million times this last summer already, I might die. Next summer is going to come around and I may still be iffy about whether or not I want to wear those clothes again-if ever). I wanted a picture of Jack with his first pumpkin in a pumpkin patch. Call me crazy, but we all have our things, and this is one of mine. I really miss Fall in Utah right now. I miss seasons in general. All I want is to be able to wear a scarf and boots-is that so much to ask for? Anyway, here are my much sought after pictures from the patch.

He really didn't understand. His faces and voice were priceless "huh?"

I've been trying to be better about being in pictures with him. We'll see how long this goal of mine lasts.

Does your husband get in your face with the camera every time he gets his hands on it? Mine does. This is the look I usually give and is generally accompanied by a sigh of exasperation-you can't see my eyes, but notice the eyebrows? Raised. Very Raised.

Vegas Weekend

2011-10-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

Well my baby turned ONE and I was in great need of a weekend alone with my husband. It was fantastic. I did not want to worry about schedules.naptime.deciding what to feed him.being the entertainment director.getting drenched at bathtime-just for 2 days so that I could get some sanity back. In case you didn't know: one year olds get into everything. You already knew that? First time mom here. Now I know. I am still working full time while Stuart finishes up Law School at ASU and I was just kinda pulling my hair out-and getting into NOTHING arguments and imposing lots of silent treatments on Stuart over NOTHING. It was definitely time for a vacation. You may think that I am talking big being able to leave my baby alone for the FIRST time overnight for 2 nights in a row... but it came right down to dropping him off at my in-laws and as soon as we got in the car to leave I started bawling because he was waving bye-bye to me so so cute. But I powered through-allowed myself 2 phone calls a day to check on him-and went to Vegas to visit friends, shop, sleep in, see a show, sift through vintage, eat YUMMY food, and sleep some more. It was good. And I am positive that I am more pleasant to be around and definitely have all my mommy batteries charged full. We are still in debates about whether or not BINGO is gambling... I felt like we were paying to play a game like you pay to go bowling but I suppose bowling doesn't necessarily have a cash prize handed to you if you get a strike. Either way, I don't care. I just liked hanging out with Brian and Ashton (how did we not get a picture? Seriously?). It was a good weekend and the most ironic part is how for the last 2 hours of our drive back I was beside myself with excitement just wanting to hold Jack and kiss his cheeks. He is my world after all.

On the way we stopped in Kingman, AZ where there are so many Antique stores. Like my no make-up look? Yeah, me too.

We went to "The Capital Grill" with our friends Billy and Carolyn. So so yummy.

Of course we watched a Bellagio fountain show. It was to " God Bless the USA". I got goosebumps.

So AMAZING!! I would see it again and recommend it to anyone.

My Spoils. The other bowls in the yellow set are on their way to my house... the dot bowl set is too. What can I say. I just loved them.

Vintage Blue Mason Jars. I already had a smaller jar (no lid) and I am so excited to make them my spring centerpiece for my table. Really though I can wait-I want Fall/Winter to last a good long while.

Yes. I finally bought the REVA flats I have been wanting for years. I love them.


Like I said, the best part was coming home to this munchkin. This was Sunday morning the day after we got home and it was like all his toys were new again. LOVE THAT.

While we were gone he learned to open doors. That's a really fun development. My phone is being kept out of reach for fear that it will suffer death-by-drowning in my toilet. Also, he has re-discovered the toilet paper roll because of this new trick. For a while there that problem lay dormant because I would just close the door. I (read Stuart) need to do some child proofing.

Fall Decor

2011-10-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Since it happens to FINALLY be an acceptable temperature (75F) for Fall weather in Arizona I put up my decorations today during nap time.

I bought some burlap for a table runner and orange berries at Hobby Lobby this morning {Fall Sale is going on now, if you want something there I suggest you go!} and I think it came together nicely. Good thing I don't care about eating candy corn-it serves as a nice decoration!

After a few moves my poor Fall wreath was looking a little weathered and lopsided but I think I fixed it for the most part-oh well!

I scattered all of my pumpkins (it seems to be a growing collection) on our bookshelf-I'm still trying to find the perfect piece to re-do or the perfect piece to buy for a "runner/sofa" table to sit under our family picture and actually house my decorations. I definitely need one by Christmas. Otherwise I have no idea where I will put my nativity!

I whipped this up today too. I wanted something simple since it's up high. I like it.

Also, I think it is in a high enough resolution that if you click on it you will be able to save it and print one for yourself. :)

Miracle Worker

2011-10-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Clinique is seriously a miracle worker. My skin had a minor freak out last month that left a bunch of red spots on my jawline and thanks to this stuff they are almost gone. So faded. Thought I'd share the good news and tell everyone who cares to go out and get some for yourself!

One Year Pictures

2011-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Took some one year pictures of Jack today. Even captured one as proof that he does occasionally stand on his own (he really has no interest in walking yet-he'll take a few steps between us and then decide he'd rather crawl to get where he's going-oh well) and one that shows that it takes real concentration to do so. That tongue sticking out just kills me.

I've been thinking a lot about when he was born and about how tiny and helpless he was. It's amazing to me how this year has just flown by so fast. I can remember those first few days and weeks SO clearly. I remember how scared I was: is he breathing? is his bath water too hot? is he eating enough? is he still jaundiced? ah!! I'm amazed we both came out alive sometimes. This little boy has taught me so much about love and patience and I am so grateful he is ours.

Back in time. 8 days old.

Some stuff about Jack at one year:

-Loves Goodnight Moon-it's his favorite book of all time

-Breakfast is now his least favorite meal of the day. I cannot for the life of me figure out what he wants to eat!

-about to wean from the bottle (formula is expensive! I have to finish it on principle.)

-stands on his own but doesn't like to really (we're working on it)

-says: mama, dada, baboo (peak-a-boo), ba (ball), yeh (yes), no nai (no no), buh (books)

-can point to his belly button and nose and toes (only when he's in the mood)

-favorite foods: homemade mac & cheese, peaches, watermelon, peas, turkey, cottage cheese on toast

-favorite snacks: fruit snacks, goldfish, popsicles, key lime pie yogurt

-favorite time of the day: bath time

-still hates his carseat (ahhhhhh!)

-no longer fears the vacuum or blender but I have to be right next to him or holding him while they are on

-favorite toy: his trucks and shape toys, mardi gras bead necklace, mom's lipgloss (dad is deadly serious about getting rid of the last 2-like throw them in the trash serious)

-loves sticking out his tongue and making noises

-doesn't care for watered down juice, just wants the water

-doesn't like sweets unless it's ICE CREAM (or gelato)

-is really great at being mom's grocery store helper

-OBSESSED with airplanes. As soon as he hears one he points and oohs and ahhs and watches it until he can't see it anymore

-sucks from a straw (which in turn has made me quit Diet Coke<--insert sad face-->because he throws a fit if he can't have a sip of my drink. Water for me it is.)

*Like how I'm using his name on here again? I guess if any creepers comment I'll really have to go private this time.

Make Me Happy

2011-09-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

"It's the little things" they say. Well these are little and they are making me happy today.

Honeysuckle scented soap. Seriously so yummy! It's good when a soap makes you WANT to wash your hands for the 100th time that day.

My basil plant.

How could this not make me happy?

On a little bit of a sad note... why did Missoni sell out so fast at Target? This throw seriously belongs on my couch.

Ugh. I better go wash my hands with my yummy soap. That'll make it better.

Kate is Leaving on a Jet Plane

2011-09-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Stuart's sister, Kate, left today on a mission to New Hampshire-Manchester for the next 18 months. We are so so so SO proud of her (and excited to write to her every week). But so so sad to see her go. This morning was pretty emotional but as I went through pictures on my camera all I can see is how excited and happy she is. That is what I am going to choose to think about because the tear-fest of this morning was just so hard!

First Party

2011-09-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

My baby turns 1 tomorrow. I'm currently a huge mixture of emotions. More on that in a future post.

Threw a party for J last night and had our family over. He didn't quite understand that it was all about him but he got lots of fun presents and had fun playing with his cousins.

Picture banner is from the day he was born up until last week and I used this tutorial to make the balloon banner.

Oh, the band-aid on my arm? Burned it making the cake. Rotating it in the middle of the bake-time was just too difficult I guess.

Made these sandwiches, fruit salad, my MIL's pesto pasta salad, and this amazing Snickerdoodle cake found via Pinterest. It was so so good!

His very own cell phone from his cousins.

Riding Truck and Popper Vacuum: Grandma & Grandpa; Dump Truck with Legos: Nana & Papa; Cell Phone: Aunt Sarah, Uncle Ryan, Lucy, Jane, Grant; Great Grandma: TBD $50 Target Gift card; Great Aunt Wendy: Piggy Bank; Old Papa: Money and Card; Mom & Dad: Quiet Book for Church, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Oh the Places You'll Go, New Rubber Football, Basketball, Soccer Ball (because your nerf ones are ruined and chewed up by you!), Alphabet Flash Cards (Anthropologie's-I had to!), and your winter wardrobe.

I had to.

He got two different trucks and he was so excited about them.

He wanted nothing to do with the cake. This is all that happened for 5 or 10 minutes. I should have known, though, unless it's ice cream he never wants any type of junk.

Future partners in crime. They were laughing hysterically trying to push the buttons on the dishwasher.

Until next year...

First Haircut

2011-09-08T17:31:00.001-07:00

Well, I cried, but the mullet-esque curls really just had to go. Here are the pictures from little man's first haircut. I really cry at every milestone. I'm such a cliche.

Before:

After:

Isn't he dreamy? Seriously, though. Those eyes. AH! I know it wasn't like he had much hair to begin with, but he looks SO different to me now. Like suddenly he morphed into a little toddler. I want him to stay my baby forever. Too bad I will never get my wish.

Church Picture Book

2011-09-04T00:43:00.000-07:00

Eventually I will make an amazing felt quiet book for the little munchkin but in the meantime (since he is so OBSESSED with picture books-mainly Goodnight Moon).... a friend sent me this link and I whipped it up tonight. I tweaked it a little to my liking but for the most part it is the same. I'm going to print it at Costco on Monday and then put it into a little 8x8 scrapbook for next week. I may even wrap it up for little man's birthday just so that he has some wrapping paper to play with :) I cannot believe he is turning one... seriously where did the time go?

I Still Love These

2011-09-01T00:44:00.001-07:00

Soooo Stuart doesn't really know how to focus the camera and when he picked it up to take a picture the other day I didn't check them afterward... oh well! STILL love them. And this is (blurry) proof that I am still alive. BUSY! But alive.

Strawberry Popsicles

2011-08-31T23:54:00.001-07:00

Well we've had a "heat warning" here in AZ for what seems like FOREVER!! So the last few days the little munchkin has had an afternoon treat after we go swimming. It's hilarious how at first he doesn't want to touch it and then within 30 seconds he is fully invested in devouring the (all fruit!) entire thing-including licking his fingers.

My Mom's 50th Bday Party

2011-08-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

So last weekend I helped my dad to throw my Mom her 50th birthday party and it ended up being so perfect for her. I sometimes struggle with my birthday and she is such a great example of loving the day. I should be more like that.

Menu: Hoisin Chicken Skewers, Cilantro Lime Rice, Egg Rolls, Fruit Salad, Green Salad, Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cake/Cupcakes, Browned Butter Island Cookies

*My mouth is watering just typing all of that out. I wish there had been more leftovers!

I wish I had taken pictures when all of their friends were there but I was too busy so these are just some pre-party with my immediate family and then with my mom's brother and his wife. As you can see, my baby is just ignored all the time :)

I wish I had know that this was going to happen so that I could warn her but I had no idea! I was taking pictures of her blowing out the candles and all of a sudden my brothers and Stuart decided to silly string my mom. They got her so good-I felt really bad. Stuart was super happy the plan worked as you can see in the picture. I'm so happy she is a good sport-I probably would have been mad and not laughing!

Four Generations

2011-08-07T22:17:00.001-07:00

After nearly a year of trying to get this picture, failing to only get 2 or 3 of them at a time, it FINALLY happened! Taken at Papa's 82nd birthday bash last Sunday. Success feels good.

Turkey Meatballs

2011-08-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

I think he liked them. And I just love when he crinkles his nose as he smiles.

San Diego Beach Trip 2011

2011-07-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

So for the first four beach days this little boy would not touch the sand! He was a man on an island. This made me very happy and I never had to clean him up... just wait until the last picture.

Pool Day at Aviara. Dinner at Phils BBQ. Jane being the best babysitter and reading books to the two munchkins. Bathtime, these little boys are going to be best friends.

Dinner at Aunt Janette's, he loved the swing and he was super giggly.

Little man took a nap on Dad every morning. He hasn't been able to sleep on our shoulders in months... must have been the lull of the ocean waves. Heaven.

Building sand castles with Jane and burying Uncle Stuart.

Stuart dug a large hole for Jane's "house" and he built her a secret passageway. She was thrilled!

Like I said, wait until the end! The last day at the beach he suddenly decided that sand was alright and he started eating it! I was devastated, but of course pictures had to be taken. Thanks Abby!

This was pretty cute, he ate all the sand and then decided to hang out with Nana. She fed him oranges and let him mess up her Real Simple Magazine and he was in heaven.

Bruno's Pizza and S'mores by the pool for our last night. It was so yummy.

I love this vacation. It is so relaxing. Can't wait to go back next year!

10 Months

2011-07-28T00:30:00.001-07:00

How do I have a 10 month old? I swear I was just freaking out about him figuring out how to roll over. Everyone always says that once you have kids time just flies and I really didn't want them to be right... I miss the newborn stage sometimes, but then he will do something that just makes me laugh hysterically (he is starting to figure out that he is funny) and I forget all about that. Currently he is:

-OBSESSED with climbing up everything (ie stairs, chairs, toys, shelves) but has not quite mastered the art of getting down. Gates are by both sets of stairs and he hollers for me to come help him sit down when he has decided he has had enough standing by the couch or by the shelves.
-says mama, dada, nighnigh (this actually means "no no"-odd), baboo (peak-a-boo), baba (bottle, water, ball-really sometimes I have to test out which one it might be), uh uh uh (uhoh-this one is hilarious)
-still doesn't care for his car-seat but we made it through a San Diego trip last week
-LOVES all fruits and veggies
-starting to give up his afternoon bottle
-loves swimming
-loves his blankies
-REALLY loves when daddy comes home
-wants our phones and computers-all the time
-new trick is that he throws his binkie at his bedroom door and jabbers for 20 minutes in his crib until you go up to cuddle him and give it back. I need to break him of this habit-like yesterday-but that would mean breaking him of the binkie which I am not ready to do. Until that point, we'll be going up at bedtime to give it back. Sorry Stu.

You sure do keep us on our toes!

Catch Up: Scott is Home!

2011-07-28T00:25:00.001-07:00

My little brother got back from his mission (in Brazil) at the beginning of July and we are SO happy to have him back. It has been so great being able to introduce him to his nephew and hang out with him again. Those two years seriously FLEW. I was pretty pre-occupied with my own life being pregnant and then getting used to being a mom... I'm sure he thought my weekly emails were pretty strange sometimes. We just love him and are so happy to have him back!

Catch Up: Quilt from Nana

2011-07-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

My amazing MIL made this perfect quilt for J. She makes one for each grandchild and this is his ocean themed DARLING quilt. He's had it for a long time but I wanted it on the ol' blog. It is my favorite favorite thing to lay down on the floor for him to play on.

Catch Up: Easter

2011-07-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

It's my blog. I'll go back 4 months if I want to. Little boy's first Easter was so great. He got all of his beach toys from Nana and Papa and really enjoyed watching the Easter Egg Hunt! Also, Stuart and I were able to go to the Easter Pageant. I hadn't been in so long and we really enjoyed it.

The First Father's Day of Many

2011-06-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Just love these two. And clearly they love each other! Happy First Father's Day Stuart!

Baby Laugh

2011-06-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

INFECTIOUS!

We got home from church (he did not have a morning nap and he was SO tired) and for some reason Stuart started making this funny noise at him and he thought it was HILARIOUS! I am so glad I thought to grab my camera. This goes on for 3 minutes, actually, but because I grabbed the HD camera I had to trim it so that it would actually upload. I could listen to this giggle for hours.

Our Little Man Lately

2011-06-08T15:50:00.001-07:00

I seem to always have an excuse as to why I am not blogging, but I have a really good one this time.

Really though. It. Is. A. Problem. I have to make sure that I have at least a half hour before I go on there because I just get swallowed up in looking at all the amazing images and ideas.

The real reason though is that we have been packing up to move... then we moved... then we had to unpack. Ugh. Did you know that I have moved every summer for the last four years. I'm done.

How cute is he? He loves the swings...and his hat. I love his smile...and his cheeks...and his giggle... and, well this could go on for days.

My baby is almost 9 months old. Wow. Time really does fly when you're having fun. Here are some more pictures!

Reading with Dad. I promise this is not staged, he grabbed his book and took a seat next to Stuart. It was so cute!

He may have been slightly ignored while we were packing. Don't judge me.

Just checkin out the new place. He doesn't seem too thrilled.

He could play with his reflection for hours. It's hilarious.

Love him.

Remember When

2011-06-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

So in San Diego I painted my table and chairs and they looked like this.

I LOVED them because I wasn't allowed to do anything to our apartment and it was stark white but in the San Diego humidity the paint never fully dried. I knew when we moved to AZ that I would have to re-do them and stripping the red paint off of this table was a full on nightmare but thanks (in large part) to my parents I figured it out and got it re-painted. Here is the finished product.

Love. Love. LOVE. If you can't really tell, the legs are a grey-blue. I'm so glad it is dry, I don't think I would have the energy to do it all over again!

Eyebrow Raise

2011-05-09T23:34:00.001-07:00

I just love him.

6 Month Picture

2011-05-05T15:59:00.001-07:00

I took maybe a million, but this is my favorite. Remember how he is almost 8 months old and I'm just barely posting this? Lame.

*blogger is changing the color a little bit and making me mad, but oh well.

Return of the Summertime Favorites

2011-05-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

I love Summer. Have I ever mentioned that? I love that I wear skirts or dresses pretty much everyday and that my (long) bangs are braided all the time. I love that my exercise routine usually consists of swimming laps or pilates... but most of all I love that my "getting-ready-regiment" during the summer gets cut in half. Because you're allowed to look like you just stepped away from the pool (or beach-San Diego I miss you). Oh, Summer, welcome back. You were missed.

Mini bobby pins. You've never tried them? You're missing out. Best hair tool ever. They don't show. Also, Ban.do Hair clips.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. I cannot say enough about this stuff. love Love LOVE!

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.

OPI Polishes in "Bubble Bath" or "Pink-ing of You". Last for weeks!

P.S. Have you seen Lauren Conrad's new website? It's so fun. Don't judge me, I love her.

And because it wouldn't be a post without a picture of our favorite person, here he is playing. I can't believe he is almost 8 months old.

Also, this is proof that I am still alive. I am never in pictures with him. I'm always behind the camera. Blast. I'm in pajamas in this one but I don't care.

Diamondback Game

2011-04-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

We managed to score some tickets from Stuart's dad for last night and I'd say we had some pretty good seats. It was nice to get away just the two of us and leave our little boy with my parents for the night. We were sad that they lost (and that it was freezing!!) but it really was so much fun! I'm thinking we'll have to do that several more times this summer.

(the girl that we had take the picture must have shaken the camera-it's blurry-but oh well!)

Six Months Today!

2011-03-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

I took these this morning right when he woke up and he was just so happy. Happy 1/2 birthday!

Your laugh is hilarious. You smile at everything. You are a rolling machine. Your favorite toy is your monkey. You do not like "green" baby food. You love Squash and Sweet Potatoes. You sleep 12 hours at night (we love you SO much for this!). Our lives are better because of you and we love you so much! Thanks for being such a good boy.

Fox in Socks

2011-03-12T21:13:00.001-08:00

Lucy read this tongue twister to J, it was hilarious... you see the progression.

Fox in socks, our game is done.

Another Update

2011-03-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

Got to see these girls at Lacy's bridal shower.

We spent a whole week with colds (J had croup, so sad) so there was lots of napping on mom. Ironically we are sick again right now, seriously? Ready for winter to be over.

We are getting much more smiley around here! I really need to get his laugh on video. It's hilarious.

He really loves to take walks, and really likes to ride on his dad's shoulders.

Superman

2011-02-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

Don't mind the fact that there is drool all over his face (or the fact that he is moving so fast he is kinda blurry)-but seriously-the little toothy grin just kills me!

Stuart calls this "Superman"... I think he looks like he is doing a "Mission Impossible" stunt.

Crush

2011-02-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

I LOVE February. I love giving Valentine presents and I love the pink and red everywhere. love Love LOVE it. My sister-in-law found these super cute Crush Bottle Valentine ideas and so we made some and I did a few tags for them. And here is a pic of the cute candy valentines.

Thoughts

2011-02-07T16:31:00.001-08:00

Superbowl: Could not have cared less who won. But we made yummy food. That's all that matters. He sat up (wobbly) by himself on Superbowl Sunday for the first time. You better believe this picture is my desktop image. I just want to kiss his lips.

All I want to do is hang out with my baby and take pictures of him-and those end up on here. Oh well, it's my blog. His expressions are priceless to me sometimes. I just love him.

I think I am going to cave and get some Toms (gasp!). At the beginning I thought they were completely ugly (public apology to Emily), but now they have grown on me and I want the sparkly cream pair. Yep, After those 2 sentences I talked myself into it---getting them this week. Check!

My brother is 24-which makes me... Yeah. I'm pretending mine didn't happen this year. Next year he and I can be the same age, and the following year he can be my older brother. I will just stay this age for the rest of forever-yep. Sounds good. I didn't even take a picture on my birthday this year. That seems really strange to me-I'm going to have to get over this "hating my birthday" hurdle fast.

1:30pm church is really hard for nap-time and it makes Mondays even harder. Oh well. CTR.

My little brother comes home from Brazil in August! How has he already been out for a year and a half?! I miss him.

The new Barefoot Contessa cookbook is unreal. I want to make everything in there and am well on my way. Roasted Vegetable frittata? Steakhouse Steaks? Yep, so amazing. Love it!

Well-those are my thoughts.

We're Rolling People

2011-01-16T11:18:00.001-08:00

My baby has gone mobile. Gone are the days of leaving him in the center of my bed. I just love his face when he flips-so proud of himself.

*also, I am loving that my phone takes video.

Best Thing to Ever Happen to a Manicure

2011-01-07T13:38:00.001-08:00

Gel Nail Polish. No lie, this is 8 day old nail polish. I haven't re-clear-coated it or anything. It's still perfect. They told me this should last 3 weeks... I'm a little skeptical of that time line, but in the meantime, I'm happy it lasted longer than 4 days without chipping!!!

New Year's Birthday

2011-01-05T16:44:00.000-08:00

The New Year will always start with a birthday in our house. Happy Birthday Stuart! Monkey Bread started our day off followed by In-n-Out and then Steak and Potatoes. All of his favorite treats were made as well. We made Coconut Chex Mix, Hot Fudge Sauce over ice cream, and Rice Krispy Treats. All his favorites. Good thing my New Year's Resolutions don't start until the 7th after my birthday :) The night ended with his {tiny} sisters trying to take him down. He was obviously victorious, but had a few battle wounds. He's funny. Love him.

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Christmas Activities

2011-01-05T16:21:00.000-08:00

Apparently I like to play "catch-up" on this blog.

First, Merry Christmas! This was our Christmas card this year. Simple, but I'm pretty proud of it.

This baby is just our favorite and we can't get enough of him. (Neither can anyone else for that matter.) He did a lot of hanging out with his aunts that live in Utah and he really loves his uncle Blake. Also, smiles are finally being caught on camera. They make me melt every time. He really loves to "stand" up and loves to suck on his fist. Seriously, the entire thing.

Christmas time is not complete unless we 1. See the Scurrs. 2. Make the annual Christmas plate at "As You Wish" 3. Compete in the Annual Peterson Iron Chef Competition. (This year the secret ingredient was ginger and everyone made really yummy things. We all went into it thinking it would be so hard, but no one left hungry!) Good game, Kate and Adam. 4. Stuart playing video games on his break from school. Halo Reach is now a favorite of Mister's. Heaven help me.

J made his debut in theater as Baby Jesus twice this Christmas season. Once with me as Mary at the Relief Society Christmas Activity (the picture is blurry and I'm sad, but I forgot to take my camera off manual focus. Whoops.), and once in the Christmas Eve family Nativity play. He's quite the little actor. Stuart was a wise man.

He is very loved by his cousins-and I know these two will be best friends. His face looks scared, but I'm sure he loved it!

Most of the time you will find me feeding him. Glad it was caught with a picture. Of course, Christmas Eve Jammies and a picture by the tree. Next year will hopefully be better when I have pictures of him attacking wrapping paper.

Man in the Mirror

2010-12-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

Someone has discovered his reflection. And LOVES it!

Sometimes he will have full on conversations with himself and it makes me laugh so hard.

Cupcakes

2010-12-06T17:12:00.001-08:00

I wandered onto this site today and now all I want to do is bake hundreds of cupcakes and use these cute liners! I really do think I am going to buy some and put them in my stocking from SantaStuart. Seriously.

Tonight

2010-12-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Stuart is studying for finals, so Mister and I are hanging out watching "When in Rome", catching up on our favorite websites/blogs and coming up with Christmas wish-lists.

I. Just. Can't. Get. Enough. Of. Him.

November Catch-Up

2010-11-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

You're probably noticing that I have not made this blog private yet... I'm thinking about holding off since I got so many requests and you're only allowed 100 and I feel bad leaving anybody out!! So I am just not going to use J-baby's name and I guess if anything strange happens, I have all of your info :)

J has been so fun. I can't believe he is almost 3 months old! Here is our November catch-up!

Kristen came into town and so we went to lunch with her and Carli (they were best friends with Stuart in high school) and their babies at Tia Rosa's. They're all so cute!

Sadly this is the only picture I have from Thanksgiving. But it is fitting. Stuart had just gotten back from playing football in the morning with his friends and took a morning nap with the baby. Thanksgiving and naps go hand-in-hand, right?

Random of my parents and J. He never gets put down at their house!

Little mister is 95th percentile for height and weight at 2 months (25 inches, 14lbs14oz)... I'm sure you're seeing that here in all of his "Michelin Man" glory.

Most importantly, baby boy had his blessing this past Sunday. It was so sweet and special. I, of course, cried and was so grateful that so much of our family could be there.

In other news, we are now starting to take daily walks. It's a little chilly outside (not like Utah or anything-but still) so he is dressed accordingly. I'm considering getting him gloves :)

Had to Happen

2010-11-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well folks, you can google search our baby now and he appears. No thanks. Looks like we're going private. (I know I don't post a lot but I will try harder I promise!) You know the drill. Leave me your email if you want to keep reading about us and our SUPER EXCITING lives :) If you don't want to leave your email in a comment, email me at morganjeanpeterson (at) gmail (dot) com and I will add you!!!

Lately

2010-11-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

So I guess it really does happen... you have a baby and your blog is then dominated by them! (sorry) Jackson is 7 weeks old!! What? How did that happen? Here are some pictures from the last few weeks. For those of you who have been asking, I'm sorry it has taken so long to post new ones. I have been busy-I decided this week to implement "Babywise" into our lives and I have a hard time listening to the little mister cry it out at nap time... I just sit there and close my eyes waiting for it to stop. It kills me! Especially since it's my fault for rocking him to sleep since he was born. I'm going to try not to feel too guilty though because I loved every minute of doing that. Anyway, the next few weeks are going to be rough I'm sure, but he's still so much fun.

5 1/2 weeks. Playing with Grandpa.

Family reunion for my dad's side. This WAS Jackson's Halloween costume but over the next week he grew out of it and I didn't buy him a new one. I'm considering these his Halloween pictures.

First time to church for Jackson at 6 weeks. Napping with Dad. Watching football with Dad on Sunday morning.

"Nana's Halloween Party" Jackson is "too cool" to dress up for Halloween apparently. Such a mean mom not buying him a new costume. Oh well. I can't keep up. My child is already out of 0-3 month clothes and he's only 7 weeks! Next year we'll really amp it up. The "donut-on-a-string" game was hilarious as I'm sure you can imagine. Such a fun tradition :)

Other "lately" items: Stuart studies like a maniac and we are loving being close to family with our new addition. We can't wait for Thanksgiving so that Jackson can meet his other 3 aunts :)

Jackson's Newborns

2010-10-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

I had this nice girl do J's newborn pictures when he was 10 days old and they turned out really cute. I just got them back from her so I wanted to post a few. My ABSOLUTE favorites aren't on here because I want to send them out as his baby announcement but all of them are so darling. Thanks Amanda!!

Back in Time

2010-10-06T19:45:00.001-07:00

Before J came and took over our lives, I had some really great baby showers. The one in San Diego was thrown by my friend, Kassidi, and the one here in Mesa was thrown by my sister-in-law, Sarah. Before I completely forget I wanted to post the pictures.

I miss our San Diego friends so much!

Both of the showers had mini cupcakes... I loved it!

Both of the showers were so cute. Thank you so much!

Our Baby is 2 Weeks Old!

2010-09-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the last 2 weeks... Be warned that I am learning how to use my camera still, so the image quality is not always the best.

I just love his chubby cheeks!

He had his 2 week appt today and he has already grown an inch. The phrase "they grow up so fast" really does apply and I don't want it to!

5 Days Old

10 Days Old

11 Days Old

This is how he sleeps (I put him in pajamas do not worry. This was just too cute.). He refuses to be swaddled.

2 Weeks Old

Jackson Scott Peterson

2010-09-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

Born: Sunday, September 12, 2010, 3:17pm, 9lbs 13oz 22in
*Short & Sweet Details: My water broke at 3am on Sunday morning... we went to the hospital... and he came 12 hours later :)

3 days old

He was born on the first Sunday of football season (which apparently means something) and the entire time I was in labor we had pre-game shows and football games and half-time shows to watch. I pretty much slept through all of my labor though, thanks to the epidural, so I don't really remember all of that. Just evidence of the games on my camera that I just looked at today! I have no idea what I am doing and nothing I've done in my life could have possibly prepared me for this I don't think. But we just love him to pieces!

Update

2010-09-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

There are no pictures. Sorry, but that's just not happening right now. Here is an update on us.

I am 38 weeks, 3 days pregnant. Not sleeping. My body is not progressing and our little boy wants nothing to do with dropping down. He remains in my ribs and seems to be as happy as a clam. He gets bigger everyday, has NO room to move around and is constantly trying to stretch. Poor kid! I keep telling him that he will be much more comfortable out in the open-that seems to be doing no good.

Stuart is in his 2nd year of Law School at ASU, recently got an iPad-the word "love" does not begin to cover his feelings for it, tries very hard to make me comfortable, and cannot wait to hold this baby boy. It's really cute.

Due date=19th. I have a feeling we're going to get all the way there people.

36 Weeks

2010-08-20T22:45:00.001-07:00

I really have no words. The boy no longer has any room and is constantly pushing on all sides of my stomach. On the 12th I had my first appointment here in AZ and his estimated weight was 6lbs 11oz after all the ultrasound measurements... with 5 weeks left. We're hoping fat, happy, healthy :)

P.S. I am happy I promise... just tired... and I did not want to go out and take another picture.

Also, thoughts on whether or not I will regret not doing maternity pictures? Please give me honest answers since I'm getting down to the wire and should probably book someone NOW...

So Long San Diego, We Will Miss You

2010-08-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Warning: No pictures because I am a scatterbrain and I completely forgot to take them. I am annoyed with myself.

On July 1st Stuart found out that he was accepted to transfer to ASU Law School and so we had 30 days to get our lives in boxes and figure out a plan for our move to home-sweet-home Arizona. Our lease in San Diego was up on the 31st and everything felt like really perfect timing... (except for the fact that I'm 8 months pregnant)

We had so much help from family and friends during this whole experience and I really could not be more grateful. They loaded our U-Haul in a matter of one hour and then when we got to AZ it was unloaded in the same crazy-fast manner. Being {essentially} useless and not able/allowed to do anything I felt more like a traffic director or something. I just felt so lucky that we have all these amazing people in our lives that were willing to help Stuart muscle all of our heavy furniture and other belongings down 3 flights of stairs. I owe a lot of people some big favors :)

So our new home base is Mesa, AZ. We both haven't lived at "home" in so long and we're pretty excited. It's nice to move and know right where you are and how to get around. Plus it's so fun to be close to both of our families.

That is our update. Just in case you were interested... :)

Pictures next time, I promise.

30 Weeks... For Good Measure

2010-07-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

You can see me in the previous post in the family shot, but here is one of Stuart and I at my 30 week mark. Ah! That's really weird to say. 3/4 of the way through and then we have a little man!

Escaping the Heat

2010-07-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

Petersons and Larsens came to visit San Diego for the last few weeks and escape the heat of Arizona. We had a lot of fun going to taco shops and hamburger joints that are not exactly "child-friendly", going to Scripps Aquarium and of course, going to the beach. I have a million pictures of our nieces so I just chose a select few from the whole visit.

Sorta blurry, but this place is called "Hodad's". It was featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" and it is seriously so good! We had to wait in line for a while but it was worth it!

This is outside Scripps Aquarium. I hadn't been since I went with my family in High School so it was a lot of fun to go.

Stuart and I took a day off to go to the beach and while we were there, Lucy and Jane (with the help of Papa Scott) buried Stuart....

...and then proceeded to beat him up when he broke out and became the "sand monster". They were VERY resourceful using the shovel they dug the hole with. I have never seen anything like it. It was HILARIOUS!

4th of July and 29 Weeks... A Little Late

2010-07-14T12:31:00.001-07:00

My parents and brother came to SD for the 4th of July... but unfortunately I did not get a lot of pictures (and my mom still has a bunch that I need to steal)! We had fun playing "tourist" and going to the beach and having bbq's. It was so relaxing and I loved having them all here.

The bottom picture is of Stuart and Blake attempting to catch a squirrel that they had lured close to them with a trail of Chex Mix. I cannot make these things up. They almost had him too, although I'm not sure what they would have done with it...

This is my dad's best friend from FOREVER. They wouldn't look at me but I made sure to capture a picture of them at the grill. Stuart and Blake don't like to take normal pictures. Annoying.

And here I am at 29 weeks. My brother thought he could stick his stomach out farther than mine but he was very much mistaken. I'm showing this to his children.

I promise that my mom was here. We have so many good ones of all of us in Old Town and at Mormon Batallion... just on her camera :)

Week 27

2010-06-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

I've never measured my life in weeks before... but now reality is starting to hit. I only have 13 (possibly a few less) more weeks of this. Then I'm a mom. With major responsibilities. Whoa. Note to self: Maybe I better start purchasing baby gear. I think it's time.

It really hit me in the last few days because when I am sitting on the couch and I feel baby boy move... I also SEE him move. (Yes yes I knew this was going to happen, but I'm a first timer, it was crazy!) It's like my stomach is a water bed or something. Really freaked me out the first time it happened, and now I look forward to it. Even though it is making me stay up late because he likes to be most active at about 11pm... and that's usually the time I like to go to bed. Figures. I have had zero appetite for the last week and a half, which I find a little weird, but oh well.

Stuart likes to talk really loud directly at my tummy and baby responds to this every time. He thinks it is because the baby knows his voice now. I think that baby has a heart attack every time this happens. Poor child!

Mexico 2010

2010-06-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Back to Paradise. I just love that we get to go and relax with Stuart's family and have so much fun. We got a little sunburned. We ate yummy Mexican food, drank lots of Coca Lite (Stuart), and ate several pints of Haagen Daas chocolate ice cream. That sounds like all we did was eat... yikes. Hunger Games/Catching Fire took hold of everyone on the trip (Except for me and Scott). I decided that I'm going to wait until July when the third one comes out, then I will decide to go missing for a few days and read them all. Stuart read the first one in 5 hours and the 2nd one in about the same amount of time. Everyone was freaking out the whole time and asking each other "where are you at???" I was afraid to be a zombie so I resisted. Thank you so much for the wonderful trip! There's no way to really describe it :)

I just love that he is sticking his tongue out at me.

Not many photos of me... but that should not be too much of a surprise! :)

25 Weeks

2010-06-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

We went to Mexico this last week with the Peterson clan and I had Stuart take my 25 week picture in front of the blue doors I love so much :)

All in all, feeling great. Baby boy moves a lot and I feel like I am drinking five gallons of water a day!

M.I.A.

2010-06-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

We have been in and out of town over the past few weeks so I am going to try and catch up.

Stuart's little sister, Stephanie, graduated from high school at the end of May so we headed over to AZ to surprise her and Stuart's mom. I don't have any pictures of us with the graduate, I still need to steal those from Abby!

When we head back to our high school stomping grounds we tend to run into people and I ran into my bff from high school. Rachel (and Brett) is due with her first baby just a few weeks after Stuart and I!

The same weekend we went with my parents to the Mesa Temple (and ran into more people we know).

The Week of "23 Weeks"

2010-05-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

This week was a rough one for me. So many things happened that I was hoping would be spaced out (at least by a few days) but instead they came one right after another, day after day...

The scale is truly my nemesis.
*Considering throwing it away.
The first (of many I'm sure) stretch mark appeared on my hip.
*I'm praying that Palmer's cocoa butter helps. Any other remedies/ideas I will greatly appreciate.
My arms (apparently my circulation is awful) fall asleep halfway through drying my hair.
*This is just annoying. It already takes me a full 20 minutes for my mane of hair and now I have to take breaks?? What is that??
My belly button is no longer an "innie".
*Yes yes yes. I knew this would happen. But still.

My one saving grace is how much I love feeling him move around every few hours... Loving the "Butterfly" phase.

PS Also loving maxi dresses. Don't make fun.

1 Week Break in Pictures

2010-05-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

For Stuart's break from school we went to the beach and then headed home to AZ to hang out with family and get away from "real" life for a few days.

They thought Stuart was SO COOL for buying them these squishy toys at Target.

I think he was trying to win points with them because he also took the girls swimming. Their teeth were chattering but they didn't really want to stop.

They had a long chat in the sun. So cute.

There.Are.No.Words.

Nap time. Normal for me nowadays, but I just LOVED cuddling with our new nephew.
*I'm counting this as my 19 week picture since my tummy is HUGE.

I always miss them.

We celebrated my sister's birthday a little early, but I'm glad we all got to be there (minus brother on mission).

Two Years... and Practically Pros

2010-05-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

It feels like a lot longer than 2 years (good thing :) ) that Stuart and I have been married. Crazy to think that next year we will have the little boy with us!

*Love Stuart's face in this picture.

It's a BOY!

2010-04-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

The scales are tipping in the male direction folks. I have a strong feeling that in a few years I will have lost control of the TV remote and the ability to keep dirt out of my house.

We're so excited!

Stuart's face was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G when our ultra-sound tech told us that it was a boy. His eyes got big and his smile-even bigger. With all those sisters, he thought he was pretty much doomed to have all girls. Alas, the time has come for him to have a wrestling buddy and sports-watching companion.

Nervous: The tech kept saying how "big" he was for being only 18 weeks along. She thinks my due date is wrong by a full week or two. I hope she's right, and that it's my due date that is off. Not just that I'm prone to having big babies (all 4 of us in my family were pretty big babies not to mention my sister and youngest brother were 10lbs and 11lbs, respectively). Stuart was pretty big too... alright, I'm just plain nervous.

And for everyone BEGGING to see a picture of me... here you go. I not only grow in the front, but apparently in the back as well. So annoying. Here I am in my "18 week" glory. (Lighting is AWFUL in my house... don't judge the pictures.)

Stuart wanted pictures too.

Oh, and he bought me my favorite flowers. I love when he does that :)

Boy or Girl? and Studying

2010-04-19T11:00:00.001-07:00

We find out what we are having on Wednesday afternoon and I can barely contain my EXCITEMENT! The majority of our family thinks "girl"... I'm really not even sure. My guess changes almost daily.

In other news: Stuart took his first (of four) final on Saturday morning. This means that he is 3 finals away from finishing the hardest (first) year of Law School and I am 3 finals away from getting my husband back... for one week. He only gets a week break and then he is starting his internship AND summer school class. I will take any visitors who want to come to the beach with me this summer.

*Have no fear: tests this week are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. So our Wednesday event will not interfere with his brain during a final. We probably should have scheduled our appointment for a different time. But oh well.

Is It True??

2010-04-14T20:55:00.001-07:00

If you know me... you know I'm an Apple addict and if the iPhone had been available to all carriers I would have been the first customer to hop on board. As it stands I was on T-Mobile for a long time and then when we moved we had to switch to Verizon so that we could actually have coverage. The rumors have been circulating for a while that Verizon will finally get the iPhone this year and I hope this doesn't stay just a rumor... I will be sad.

Walk on the Beach

2010-04-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Stuart goes on a walk with me everyday and I decided to snap this picture of him. I love living here (except for the earthquakes) and I'm very excited for Stuart's finals to be over so that we can go more often... and so that I can get a tan (I just don't want to get in a swimsuit... still need to jump over that hurdle).

An Explosion of Sorts

2010-04-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when finals approach. The entire office becomes Stuart's "cave" and he is in his own world. Here is to the end of his first year of law school and (hoping for) Straight A's!

Week 15

2010-04-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

No. There is not a picture of me in this post. I am currently in an "anti picture phase" of my pregnancy and I will probably remain in this phase for a LONG time. However, I was reading in the required book that every new-parent-to-be must own (What to Expect When You're Expecting) when I discovered that this week our baby is the size of an orange! YES, I understand that the baby is growing (because I certainly feel like I am) but in my head it is still the picture on our fridge from our first ultrasound at week 8. So to think about how big the baby really was got me excited!

*Note: I still have not purchased ONE thing for baby. Until I know what we are having I have decided to remain calm in the shopping department. I am just now starting to get antsy.

Seeing Shades of Red and Turquoise

2010-03-30T10:26:00.001-07:00

Remember how I painted my table-red and my chairs-turquoise? Well that is because I am oBsEsSeD with this color combination.

I always keep folders of different images that I find (on blogs, in magazines, etc.) and love and these colors always seem to turn up... plus there is a top and a pair of shoes I really want in these colors right now too...

Anyway, I obviously LOVE these colors and then Jenna friend made this AZ print and I'm so excited to add it to my wall collage!! Go here to check out her etsy shop.

I Love "Kid" Movies

2010-03-29T13:32:00.001-07:00

I really do love "kid" movies. They are my favorite. Stuart had me pick him up from school on Friday so that we could go grab pizza (I was really craving a slice of thin crust spinach pizza from a local hole-in-the-wall pizza place. I had been thinking about it for 2 days. Weird.) and then go see "How to Train Your Dragon" (Which I have been excited about since I saw the first preview, don't judge!). I seriously loved it! But, I also loved Shrek 1,2,3 and I'm sure I'll love the final installment of that as well... sooo don't go if you don't like those types of movies and then blame me. It was just so witty and creative. I left wanting to see it again. Plus, Stuart loved it too. He was especially happy we went to see that instead of "The Bounty Hunter". I guess because I have loved Jennifer Aniston since F.R.I.E.N.D.S. he thought that I was going to choose ChickFlick over "Kid" Movie but now I've just reinforced my point: I Love "Kid" Movies.

Stuart

2010-03-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

I have been gone for 3 of the last 5 weekends... and poor Stuart has been all alone with his studies in our empty apartment. Well the last few days when he gets home from school around 4 he comes right into my office sits on the floor right next to my chair and proceeds to completely distract me for the next 45 minutes. So for your enjoyment, this is Stuart's idea of "helping" me:

September 19th, 2010

2010-03-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

On posting: Yes, I realize I am not good at this lately. Here is my REASON: All I have wanted to say is...

Mark your calendars: PETERSON BABY will be arriving mid-September :)

Stuart is HOPING for a boy (but will love a little girl). Is anyone surprised by this?

Now the secret is out. Expect future posts pertaining to the fact that I am ALWAYS hungry.
Seriously ALWAYS.

I Promise We're Not Dead

2010-02-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

"Day of Love":

St. Valentine was nice and we got to spend with the weekend with Stuart's parents (Scott & Abby) who came into town. We walked and ate and walked and ate... life was good. Let me just say French toast at the US Grant Hotel is AMAZING. We visited the San Diego Zoo, something we haven't done since we moved here, and that was really fun. I discovered that Stuart loves hippos... a lot... and all I cared about was seeing the new baby Panda Bear. We got to see both animals, so both parties were happy. Thanks for coming to visit!

*About us not being dead... I really have just been busy so I don't blog. Also, I'm a big fan of having a picture to talk about and that hasn't happened recently... After the holidays and our birthdays picture taking is a little slow moving. I promise I'll try to be better for those of you that keep up with us!

You Know Those "Just Because" Date Nights?

2010-01-19T22:27:00.003-08:00

I like those.

Yogurtland (Coconut/Pistachio/Peppermint are my favorite-sounds like a weird mix, but so good!)

and a trip to Barnes & Noble. All in all relaxing and so much fun to hang out and talk (away from all Stuart's books).

A Visit North

2010-01-17T20:36:00.001-08:00

In the short time we've lived here in San Diego we have been a courier service back and forth for family members living in both places with Christmas presents and birthday presents and goodies and... well you get the idea. Yesterday we went to visit my great-grandma up in Huntington Beach and deliver some belated Christmas presents. Stuart didn't want to be in the picture, but gladly took it. I just love her.

For LJ

2010-01-09T15:17:00.005-08:00

My good friend Lauren recreated some prints for me a couple months ago and I finally hung them. She told me I had to post a picture of the room when I did, so here it is. (Basically the whole color scheme of my living room is thanks to her.) I love them so much, thank you Lauren!

If You're Anything Like Me

2010-01-09T11:45:00.005-08:00

Then your favorite moisturizer is Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizer. I got this email sent to me. Yes, I am on Sephora's email list, don't judge. But they're selling the big bottles everywhere right now (ie Nordstrom-apparently my definition of everywhere. But most likely everywhere Clinique is sold). SUCH a good deal. Go get it!

Our Birthdays

2010-01-07T10:16:00.012-08:00

Warning: Long post

Stuart's was on New Year's Day and we celebrated in Arizona with a "make your own pizza" party on New Year's Eve. He and his best friend Skyler are only a day apart so we had a joint party. Someone attacked the cake before they could blow out their candles, but I think they still got their wishes. Thanks for taking the picture Jenny!

Then on his actual birthday we all (Stuart's family) went to see Avatar. I want to see it again. LOVED it.

We also had a joint party at my parents' house before we had to head back to San Diego. My mom has always made my birthday cakes and this time she made this gorgeous "Buttermilk Coconut Cherry Cake". Oh my gosh it was so good!

My birthday was yesterday. (I also share a birthday with my Mother-in-Law, so Happy Birthday Abby!) We hadn't really had a lot of time for just us in the last few weeks so we went to dinner just the two of us at Mama Testa's. It was featured on "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" and has the BEST fish tacos!

After that we went to Extraordinary Desserts. I've talked about this place before. It is so yummy! I could not decide between 2 items so we got an amazing Strawberry Shortcake and a Cheesecake Brownie. We could only eat half of each but that's ok.

For those of you who know me well, you know that I have had a hard time with my birthday since I turned 19. I may have stumbled upon a breakthrough. Every birthday since I turned 19 was spent in the FREEZING Utah weather. Yesterday I ENJOYED my birthday. Novel concept I know. But I'm thinking that this picture might be the perfect example of why. Open shoes in winter? I guess liking my birthday depends entirely upon my location and whether or not it is warm. I was not bred for snow.

Then after dinner and dessert we went to see Blind Side. How I have waited this long to see this movie is beyond me. Can you tell that we're movie people? I feel like I am always talking about them.

Happy birthday to us!

Bachelor-Will It Fly?

2010-01-04T22:01:00.002-08:00

Wait, was that a pun about being a pilot? or flying? or both? am I a stewardess?

Oh my gosh. I might not continue to watch this year. It was PAINFUL!

Our Two Week Break in Arizona

2010-01-03T20:39:00.009-08:00

Stuart's finals ended on December 18th and we decided to head home to Arizona for 2 weeks (I've condensed the pictures so there is not a 25 picture post). Before we left though, we had our own little Christmas. Stuart has a brand new wardrobe and I am the proud new owner of a Canon Rebel. Yes!
I have a picture of the whole group making our Christmas plates at "As You Wish" (not pictured: Abby, Sarah, Kate, Emily, Stephanie) but I have been forbidden to post it. So I guess it is just for me. I am allowed to post the picture of me and Ashton though. So here it is. Such a fun Christmas activity! Thank you Abby!

Christmas Eve was spent at my parents' house (minus Scott on his mission-hence the Super Man "S" signs that we're making in the bottom right picture) and it is always fun to see my dad's side of the family.

Christmas Day was spent at the Petersons' and we received our Christmas Eve pajamas courtesy of Emily bringing them back from BYU-Idaho after her semester there and our cute initial shirts from Abby & Scott.
We went to the temple lights with my mom's side of the family the day or so after Christmas. I will do that every year from now on! No crowds. It was fantastic. The lights were just as pretty.

And of course, the annual Iron Chef competition. Secret Ingredients: Pure Maple Syrup and/or peppers. We made Bell Pepper/Jalapeno/Corn stuffed Pork Loin with a Maple Glaze and a Pear/Feta Salad with Maple Vinaigrette. It was so yummy! But we were beat by Sarah and Ryan. I cannot remember the name of their dish, but it was a spicy pork medallions and the butternut squash recipe from Barefoot Contessa's Back to Basics. Really really good.

We also got to go out to dinner with friends that we don't get to see very often (Salus's, Scurrs and Nielsens) and shop and eat at our favorite AZ spots and shop and sleep in and shop... It was really the best 2 weeks. We're so happy that we were able to go home and see our families. Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas!

Happy Birthday Stuart and Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T22:14:00.002-08:00

Stuart is 25! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you best friend. Here's to 25 more!

Also... So long 2009, you were good to us. We are looking forward to 2010!

Letters to Juliet

2009-12-16T10:59:00.001-08:00

I want to see this movie SO bad! It doesn't come out until May 2010. Until then, I will enjoy the trailer.

Law School Finals

2009-12-12T10:33:00.002-08:00

This is the most recent photo I have of Stuart (taken at Thanksgiving at my parents' house...with an injured knee from that morning's football escapades...delirious and drugged because I slipped him Tylenol PM to make him "sleep it off") and the most accurate depiction of his current state.

He has been studying like a maniac. I've barely seen him except to make sure he is eating enough. And right now he is in his first final of Law School. I know, Saturday morning, what??? Then he has one on Monday morning, Wednesday morning, and Friday morning of this coming week. I know he'll do well, but my stomach still has butterflies in it since last night when I went to bed. Ugh.

I Wish...

2009-12-09T21:28:00.003-08:00

... that I had the energy to wrap all of our presents this pretty. I found the pic on one of my favorite blogs.

this is actually what I do.

I got the idea from Real Simple a few years back. I thought it was so classic and pretty to have white paper and red ribbon. Just gets a little boring. I'm loving all the colors in the first picture.

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care

2009-12-04T22:35:00.005-08:00

This year I decided against buying a Christmas tree. We are going home for 2 weeks at Christmas so I didn't feel like it was worth the hassle of hauling it up 3 flights of stairs to enjoy it for such a short time and then have to take it back down again. No thanks! (Even though, technically, I would be doing hardly any of the lifting-Stuart is a pack mule.) Anyway, please enjoy my Christmas "Tree" Wreath hanging on our circa 1995-esque fireplace. I will be putting our presents underneath it this year.