Looking back on 2017

I apparently blog once a year now. Sorry about that. I have yet to establish any 2018 resolutions, so maybe that should be one? Maybe. Anyhoo...here's the highlights of our 2017 adventure!

1. California Cruise: Mr. Chase and I embarked on a long weekend with Princess Cruises in the spring. We sailed up the California coast, and bounced down to Mexico before returning back to LA. We ate a lot, watched movies a lot, and I read 3 books. It was divine and relaxing. I love cruising.

2. First family camp: In August, we joined my family for a night of camping in the Uintah Mountains. The rest of the family spent a few days but we were only brave enough for one night. And that was really really really wise on our part since sleeping did not go too well. But we survived and the kids loved being in the great outdoors. We'll probably try it again. Probably.

3. Disneyland with The Bug: For at least a year, The Bug had been asking about flying on an airplane. In September we went one better and flew on an airplane to California and spent two days at Disneyland. It was magical and wonderful and exhausting. (My kid never ever ever stops talking except when he is solidly asleep.) I look forward to more Disney trips together in the future!

4. Garden success: Our garden exploded this year with goodness! Our squash plants went crazy and we still are eating the bounty. Lots of tomatoes, a reasonable number of zucchini and a complete bust on our peppers but oh well. I'm definitely enjoying the winter respite from yard work, but I thoroughly enjoy the garden aspect of it.

5. Swim Lessons: The Bug started swim lessons in July. It has been a start-and-stop process with schedules and finding teachers and such, but its been great. He is slowly but surely getting more comfortable and I have confidence that by the end of 2018 we'll actually have a swimmer on our hands.

6. Church-y Things: The Ladybug started into Nursery this year and absolutely loves it. She gets pretty upset if we ever have to miss it. The Bug moved into Primary and though its had its rough spots, he enjoys it and has loved his Sunbeam teachers. He was the star of the Primary Program with his improv at the microphone, and both kids love singing their Primary songs. I was released as a teacher and am now coordinating Visiting Teaching. Its a calling I absolutely love! Go figure :)

7. Hotel time: We spent our first night in a hotel as a whole family in September. We drove up north for my nephew's baby blessing and went a day early since the meeting would be at 9am Sunday morning. It was definitely an adventure but also pretty fun. Bonus was the donut shop right across the parking lot from the hotel. DELICIOUS!

8. ABA Therapy: This was probably on our 2016 recap, too, but we continue to work with in-home therapy for The Bug. It is wonderful and we have such great people to work with! He is doing really well, and I'm so grateful for these amazing people who help us help our Bug. I certainly don't want him to change, but its great to help him learn the skills he needs to navigate this world.

9. Disney World with Jen: At the end of September, I got to go visit Disney World with my older sister who had never been. It was quite an adventure and we had a lot of fun! SUPER tiring to fly in on a red-eye and then do a full day at a Disney park, but we did it! And the Halloween party we went to was ridiculously wet and soppy, but still fun. I love WDW!

10. Piano: At the end of the year we stumbled into the opportunity to procure a piano for our home. (Props go to Jon & Megan for helping us move it from Saratoga Springs to our home on a cold and wet winter night!) Both Mr. Chase and myself play the piano and our kids are also fairly musical, so its been a great fit. We look forward to many more days of happy music in our house!

Honorable mentions go to my continued love of Team Body Project, my baby turning into a toddler and walking/climbing/destroying anything she can, a weekend in Cali with Greg, Dough Co., Mariah spending the summer in Utah, hitting our insurance deductible early in the year, The Bug's Christmas drums, and just overall surviving the insanity that was America in 2017.

2016 ReCap

Hi all!

So...yeah. I just didn't do the Blog thing in 2015, I guess. There was no 2015 recap for anyone and I hope you weren't too broke up about it. That Recap would have been this:

1. Moved into a new house

2. Went to Alaska on a cruise ship

3. Almost died of morning sickness and every other pregnancy related symptom

4. Had a baby girl. 

Ta-Da!

And the first part of 2016 was pretty rough because of two kids and postpartum depression, but we survived and we made it to 2017 (The ENTIRE world is breathing a sigh of relief that they made it too. BOO on 2016!). Overall, the past year was pretty important to our little family. It wasn't as bad as the rest of the Universe seemed to be having it, but it also wasn't just daffodils and rainbows for 365 days. Here's a little rundown of the important moments and happenings in our 2016 story. 

 1. Disneyland: Mr. Chase and I headed to Disneyland for 3 days in December and had a remarkably wonderful time. The weather was perfection, the holidays were in full swing and it was awesome to have a break just the two of us. LOVED IT!

2. Orlando: In September, I got to fly away to Florida to see one of my besties. We spent half a week together chatting it up and seeing a few of the Disney World highlights while there. I love her! And miss her. All the time. 

3. ASD: In August our little Bug got officially diagnosed with Austim Spectrum Disorder. We were in no way shocked to get the word, but its still not easy to accept the fact that this is real and its not going away. All the same--we love him just the same! 

4. ABA Therapy: As a result of #3, we jumped right into the world of ABA Therapy. We absolutely love the people we work with and it has already done wonders for our little guy. He's improved so so so much over the last four months and I know he'll continue to make strides this year. 

5. Potty Training: Our therapists helped us set the groundwork for getting The Bug on to the potty, but I took the bull by the horns the week before Thanksgiving and we DID IT. The kid is smart and once he caught on--he HAD it. So we're doing great! Only one kid in diapers! WOOHOO!

6. Christmas: Our 2016 Christmas was very nearly perfect. The kids were not spoiled, but still got wonderful gifts. The Bug was thrilled about everything Santa Claus. We saw family around the holiday season, but spent the actual holiday holed up in our happy house all alone. And it was AWESOME. Merry Christmas! I cannot wait for next year's holiday season!

7. Book Club: My Social Studies book club got canceled rather unceremoniously for the 2015-2016 school year. I persevered, however, and found us new funding and sponsorship so we're back at it in 2016-2017! And its been fantastic. In November we discussed an incredible book called Nothing to Envy about North Korea. Have you read it? You should. 

8. Manager: In the spring, Mr. Chase was offered a management position at his company. WHAT?! And he took it. Its been more responsibility and definitely a bit more work, but its been good. I did have to laugh when I met one of the guys he manages at the Christmas party--because the guy was easily 15 years older than Mr. Chase. WEIRD.

9. Therapy: When my postpartum depression got too obvious, too scary, and clearly too much I started visiting with a therapist. It. Was. AMAZING. And exactly what I needed. In fact, I don't know one person who wouldn't benefit from seeing a therapist. Yes...I mean YOU, too. 

10. Jackson Hole: In July we embarked on our very first family trip. We road-tripped to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and stayed with Mr. Chase's great aunt and uncle. It was definitely a learning experience to travel that far in the car with two kids. But the weekend really was great. We look forward to planning future family trips! Because...trips are good memory makers. 

11. Team Body Project: I jumped into losing the baby weight as soon as I hit the 2 month partpartum mark, but I didn't make any truly significant progress until July when I joined up with Team Body Project. I 100% love it. Its based entirely online with loads of great workouts that you can do at home with no expensive or crazy equipment. And I think the trainers---Daniel and Alex--are really awesome. I get absolutely NOTHING for recommending these people (this is no MLM that I sell, or anything) but you should look into it. Seriously. LOVE. And yes--I lost the baby weight!

12. Baby Girl: We had our little baby girl at the end of November 2015 so this year has been all about benchmarks and watching our girl grow up. And she's awesome!! Always smiling, loves to crawl FAST wherever she goes, and she's slowly turning into a good sleeper and eater. We love her soooo much and I really do feel lucky to be her mom. 

Honorable Mentions:

• We bit the bullet and bought Broadway season tickets to Utah's new Eccles Theater. Its been awesome so far!
• I discovered and fell in love with Potbelly Subs. YUM.
• {Almost} every Wednesday, a new West Wing Weekly podcast drops and I look forward to it! Its my favorite podcast and one of the favorite hours of my week. 
• The Bug has really gotten into movies this year. We go through phases and the most notable this year was probably High School Musical. We watched it EVERY DAY for months. Then he moved on to Dumbo. And Peter Pan. And Toy Story. At least its all Disney!!

And suddenly he's not a baby anymore!

My baby turned 2. He's most definitely a toddler now and I probably shouldn't refer to him as a baby but then...he's *my* Baby and we can all just deal with that fact. 

I love and adore him. The love a parent has for a child is sort of impossible to describe in words--its just there. Everywhere. You love them and its a truth as pure as "the sun rises in the East" or "Hamburgers need french fries." It just IS. Don't argue with it. 

As a big rambunctious 2-year old, he is definitely more fun than he ever was before. He's a great sleeper (night and day), he has routine, and life is a whole lot easier than it was before. I am absolutely positive life will still have sucky days and yucky seasons to throw at me, but right now things are okay. 

And this Little Bug is amazing. I decided to compose a list of all the things I love and adore about this crazy kid of mine in honor of his debut into Toddler-hood. 

What I Love and Adore About the Little Bug

The way he says all of his words like he's yelling them. "Can you say 'dad'?" "DAAAAD!" Can you say 'box'?" "BAAAAHX!"

The way he sleeps with his arms above his head.

The way he gets so excited when he sees a balloon--anywhere. (Yes this is kind of annoying at any store with a balloon, but its also adorable)

The way he bites the nose of his favorite Moose toy and runs around with it in his mouth.

How he uses the sign for "more" to mean "more" as well as for "yes" and "help."

How he cuddles into me and sucks his thumb when we read a book he likes. 

 

The way he runs around like a crazy monster once we turn the light off for bed time.

The smile on his face as he pulls open the bathroom door on me!

The absolute fascination he has with the washer and dryer.  

 

The big smile he gives me when he hands me the dustpan. He loves helping.

The way he talks and talks and talks--with all kinds of inflection!--but only he understands what he's saying.

How he picks up any phone, holds it over his shoulder and says, "lo!"

The way he daily runs to the cupboard with the frying pans, opens the door and signs "More" because he wants scrambled eggs.

How he makes two fists and shakes his arms ("dancing") whenever any sort of music plays.

The way he puts every thing imaginable down his ball popper to see if it will come back out like the balls. (So far, only animal crackers have worked)

How he laughs out loud like a crazy person while playing Ring Around the Rosey.

The passion he has for veggie straws, goldfish crackers, and animal crackers (Just like his mom!) 

 

The way he waves bye-bye when I put him down for naptime or bedtime. 

 

The pure joy on his face when "Row Row Row Your Boat" comes on. 

 

How he throws his arm up in the air and wants you to say "Hooray!" And once you do, he does it over and over.

What can I say? He's my favorite! Happy birthday, Little Bug!

Vacuuming Was Not My Idea

My toddler spent months and months being terrified of the vacuum. I believe it was the noise more than anything but there it is. We would have to plan our vacuuming times carefully to make sure there were two adults at home--one who could keep the kid calm in another room with the door closed while the other vacuumed as fast as humanly possible. This was our normal.

But times change and children mature and the vacuum moved from being a terror to a fascination. He still will not touch it--even when its off and unplugged--but he loves to look at it. And perhaps like a teenager who loves the thrill of a haunted house, he loves when I actually turn it on.

This afternoon I suggested we play with his big green ball, run around the basement, or have a snack. He opted for me to turn on the vacuum and give it a turn around the family room.

Kids are weird, but at least the room is clean.

A Positive Spin on 2014 Highlights

As it is New Years Day 2015, it is tradition that I post my annual Top Ten List, highlighting the best of the past year. The truth of the matter is I did not enjoy much of 2014. This is due in large part to personal issues, but combine it with some happenings that even the worst human being would agree were pretty bad...and it hasn't been too pleasant. That being said we're living with an eternal optimist right now and her 2015 resolution is to be happy in the moment, so I've decided to Pollyanna the hell out of our 2014. (To be fair, some things don't need the Pollyanna treatment. Some events of 2014 were truly exciting and great.)

So in no particular order, our 2014 "Highlights":

1. We got RID of the bed bugs that invaded our home in August/September. Yay!

2. We moved out of our condo and away from our interesting neighbors.

3. We learned what Disneyland is like in 104 degree temperatures during allergy season. (Hot. Sneezy. And weepy.)

4. I had something to do every Tuesday night with the ward young women!

5. We have become immune to even the worst diaper disaster one could present to us. We know poop at our house. Its like a super power.

6. The Little Bug has his very own general surgeon at Primary Children's! We're hopeful we won't be seeing much of her anymore. But STILL!

7. We got to go to Park City and relax over Memorial Day weekend rather than spend 24 Tired Hours at Disneyland. Totes.

8. I can see without glasses now! Yay Lasik!

9. Veronica Mars & Gilmore Girls. Good times with the Binge Watch. 

10. Mr C got all As and A-'s this year and only sacrificed a few years of his life in sleep to do so!

11. A most magical Disney Family 10 Year Vacation Extravaganza at the Happiest Place on Earth. (This one was even better than it might sound. It was perfection.)

12.  We will pay off our new mortgage by 2045! (Seriously though--we bought a house!!)

13. Cookies.

 

14. We survived 2014 with our sanity, love, and physical health fairly intact.

I am truly, madly, deeply excited about 2015. We have much to be grateful for, much to look forward to, and sooooo much from 2014 to compare it to and find life BETTER in every respect. Yay Life!

A Season of Crazy

The worst six weeks of my life (up to this point) were definitely the six weeks directly following the birth of our son. It was pretty hellish with the pain and frustration of breastfeeding, the lack of sleep, Mr C still being in school and working 40+ hours a week and...its just not something I want to ever experience again. If we are blessed to have a second child, Mr C won't be in school and that alone should make things a little shinier.

All that being said, the autumn/winter of 2014 has been some of the craziest weeks I've dealt with since. It was probably just as bad as the time post-baby, but in a different way. Mr C did start back to school again so there was that. And we have a toddler who's only consistent mode of communication is screaming. Both of those tend to make life difficult but we need to include here the fact that I was waking up nearly every morning in early September with random itchy bites. And I started getting paranoid about bugs. And then...we FOUND a bug.

A bed bug. In our bed. GAH!!!

Let's start this part of the story by tackling the myths--bed bugs are not a sign of dirty or unkempt living quarters. Rather, they live EVERYWHERE. We're the bait. If you are there, they are attracted to your living space. They are master hitchhikers and usually show up in second-hand furniture or in your luggage after you've traveled (especially to a big city!). And if you live in an apartment building like us, bed bugs tend to travel quickly from other people's units. Our exterminator was positive this was our case. Lucky us. (Stupid neighbors...)

Anyway, in order to combat bed bugs we had to de-clutter our condo, pack up almost everything, wash and dry (on high heat) EVERYTHING fabric/linen in nature, and we did it all in 6 days. 6 harrowing days of little to no sleep (and when you are sleeping, you know you are likely to wake up with new bites because the bed bugs are here!!), never-ending work, waaaay too much money spent (well over $1,000) and a lot a lot a lot of tears. The exterminators came and did a great bed bug treatment and we have been pest-free!!

So that happened. And since our house was looking really quite clean and streamlined (we got a storage unit for all our crap), and because one of our neighbors clearly harbored vermin, we put our condo up for sale. Let me tell you that keeping a condo "show-ready" with a toddler around is no easy thing. But we kept at it.

And then we discovered mold in the office. (And the hits just keep on coming!) The good news is we finally got some real use out of our HOA dues with another insane week while the disaster cleanup dudes cleaned up the mold disaster.

All the while we were looking for houses. Anywhere and everywhere. We finally settled on the right house for us. We really liked it, good area, good schools...and our offer was rejected. I went into a solid 24 hour period of mourning because I was certain we would never be getting out of this hell hole we had found ourselves in (Hormones are a bitch). But we did.

A buyer showed up who fell in love with our condo. The offer price was right and things fell so perfectly into place it was meant to be. (It really is a lovely condo, people. Remember that I fell in love with it myself in 2010 and loved it good and hard for a solid 3 years!) But that meant we had to move out of our place only weeks later and we still didn't have a place to go.

But! The day after Thanksgiving we toured a home that had been on the market all of two days. I loved it. Mr C loved it. We made an offer that same day. The stars were aligned and smiling and we are now under contract.

Mid-December we moved into my parent's basement after upgrading to a larger storage unit and packing up the vast majority of our lives (In about 6 days. We like to keep things exciting and stressful especially around the holidays). We are currently sleeping on an airbed. My wardrobe options are tiny indeed. We'll be spending the holidays here which is a nice "button" to the end of this insane period of time that I never ever ever ever want to repeat. Nor would I wish it on anyone. (Even the guy who wrote "Christmas Shoes.")

The moral of the story: We Survived. And we're going to move into our very own "We're real adults now!" home next week. I am thrilled and feeling oh so very blessed. Happy Christmas everyone!

(And my apologies to all who read this and immediately start feeling a little itchy. Bed bugs. GAH!) 

Image from here

An ABC-Style Update

A is for Ants. We've been invaded. (Reason #278 (or thereabouts) that I want to move)

B is for Book Club. I'm really excited the Social Studies book club is starting up again. Less happy that I have to miss our first meeting.

C is for Carpet. Specifically the living room/dining room carpet that gets dirtier and dirtier every meal time. The Little Bug throws food. A lot.

D is for Daniel Tiger. We now own 3 DVDs and I'm so grateful.

E is for Eggs. Specifically, scrambled. Pair it with pancakes and you've got Little Bug's favorite meal.

F is for Fall! My favorite season is nearly here. Can't wait!

G is for [The] Giant Mechanical Man--this month's selection for the Ladies' Movie Night. Its a fantastic movie and if you haven't seen it, you should get that done.

H is for Harry Potter. I'm slowly re-reading the series (again) and just loving it more and more. We're also re-watching the films and I just wish they were all as good as the books.

I is for Idahoan. Its my favorite Idahoan's birthday tomorrow! Happy birthday, Mr. Hansen!

J is for Jillian Michaels. I absolutely love her workouts--Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism and No More Trouble Zones are my favorites.

K is for Kookaburra. "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree! Eatin' all the gumdrops he can see. Laugh! Kookaburra, Laugh! Kookaburra, Save some drops for me!" {Kids Dance Break. You can continue reading now}

L is for Lasik. I'm getting it in September!

M is for Movies that I've missed in the last couple years. I'm compiling a list. What do I need to see?

N is for Nursery. The Little Bug has started attending each Sunday and so far he loves it. Yay!

O is for Occupational Therapy. The Little Bug is going in for an eval this next week.

P is for Pioneer Theater. We got season tickets 2014-2015 and I'm really excited. First up, "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

Q is for Quotidian. Things I never expected would be quotidian--touching poop, being covered in crumbs, and wiping bogies with my bare hand. #lifeofamom

R is for Reorganize. I've been reorganizing the Little Bug's toys this week. Let's hope switching them out each week will result in a more interested boy.

S is for Strawberry cake. I tried this recipe for the first time this summer and could eat it every day.

T is for Taco Bell. We seriously can't get enough--even the Little Bug loves it.

U is for University of Utah. Mr C is back at it. But graduation is in May! So close! {Go Utes!}

V is for Vietnamese food. Every time I eat Pho I immediately want to go back the next day and have it again.

W is for Wicked! Mr C took me to see the show earlier this month. I finally saw it and loved it--just like I knew I would.

X is for eXorcist. This morning Mr C commented that the music in my workout video sounded like the soundtrack to the Exorcist. "Of course! Because we are exorcising the fat!" {We are so weird.}

Y is for Yoplait. Their 100 Calorie Greek Strawberry Shortcake yogurt is Amazing. New favorite.

Z is for Zoo. We visited the Hogle Zoo 2 or 3 times in August. Our more recent trip was the first time since we got a TODDLER that we made it through the entire park. Awesome.