HHHHALLLLLLOOOWWWWWEEEEEEEEENN '12

 Bryce was a Monkey just like Kelsi the yr before and Spence the yr before that! He sort of fit into it even though he hated it and it's a size 24 months(he's 7months)! I'd say it was worth the $20+ we spent on it. His Halloween night was spent sleeping on my shoulder (or Kyle's) as we walked around the neighborhood. He had a rough time going to sleep after we arrived home at 8pm. This is his smile after being awake for a few minutes.

 Kyle had Saturday off so we got some free culture passes to the zoo and went. It was a LONG HOT adventure, but the kids loved it. Spencer hates his picture taken still and refused to look at the camera every time. Spencer's favorite animals are the monkeys!

 close up Kelsi!

 Every yr at Midwestern there's a halloween party with tons of kid things to do. The fav for both kids is the fishing booth. They got some fun prizes.

 bath time fun! They insisted on having a picture taken with these potato head glasses. (not Halloween related)

 The kids were so antsy to get on with the halloween fun they didn't want to ever have a picture taken! these are the best ones we got.

 Spence wanted to be Santa and Kelsi didn't really seem to have a preference so she was an elf and loved it! Maybe even too much since she pulled off all the jingle bells Kyle had sown on. Kyle made the hat and shoes. I did the vest wtih the help of one my friend, Cim! Thanks Cim!!!! I love how it turned out. I also made Spence the Santa beard from spiderweb stuff and it was a terrible mess.  He was a good sport though and kept it on.

 standing in front of one of the neighbors awesome decor! it was so tastefully done! Spencer's Halloween experience was pretty much the same 5 phrases again and again...people would always say, "Who are you?" "Christmas is here early this year!" "What are you going to bring me for Christmas?" "There's Santa!" and "I've been good this year!" He wouldn't ever say a word expect an occasional thank you. He also stayed at the door extra long until Kelsi got her candy and she was leaving. He didn't care to run from house to house and after about an hr he wanted to get in the stroller. We had walked a long way and his bucket was getting heavy!

 the Loot! I helped the kids sort their candy. Then Kelsi and I counted it. 79 pieces here! I thought, "Oh, man why did I count it...I don't want her eating that much or me...That's way too much!" I lost interest with counting Spencer's. Help us! Kelsi is smelling her candy. That's what she does if we tell her not to eat it.

 Kelsi had a great time trick or treating. When she said trick or treat it sounded more like, "ik er eat" Her elf shoes were a little too big so it was hard for her to walk fast. I felt like we were taking centimeter steps most of the night unless we put her in the stroller, but that was tricky because she couldn't get in with her bucket by herself...There was one super scary house that i took Kelsi to. Spencer refused to go. When we walked past the creepy people outside and decorations and loud music to the disguised person with the candy Kelsi couldn't take it anymore and with all the courage she could muster she buried her face into my leg and wanted nothing to do with the candy from that house. I helped her raise up her bucket and then felt terrible that maybe that place was just WAY too scary for her 2 yr old self...I hope she's not scared for life!

Spencer and Kyle created this face and Spence looks just like it! He's a big fan of carving pumpkins! I think Spence would have carved pumpkins each night if he had his way.

Kelsi told me the picture she wanted and i drew it on there, but she really didn't care much for carving or cleaning the guts out. She just wanted to see it done and lit and then to blow out the candle:)

Happy Halloween! Some of you already saw this... This was just after getting home on Halloween! I love having kids to do Holidays with, but I also see how exhausting it can become:) Can't wait till next yr!

Here Mom....

 

 I don't have many pics to put on here, but here's a couple. We woke up early before the heat and went to the park for a picnic breakfast. The only problem was after about 12 minutes ants were everywhere coming to attack (and they bite here)! We quickly finished our egg sandwiches and headed for safer ground...the toys. Luckily no one was bit, but we found an ant on spencer's hat and on kelsi's plate mostly they were on the blanket.

At Toysrus. Spence was looking for cool toys to spend his b-day money on. He and Kelsi loved these little elephants, but he ended up getting some other toys...imagine what could have been more fun than this?

More events...

 Bryce got blessed! Finally! He was a good sport during the blessing and I was glad because he was very hungry:) These pics are a little weird because he really needed a diaper change and I just didn't want to wait to take pictures.  Thanks Uncle Roy for coming to participate in the blessing! And Dave on moments notice:)

 How do you rotate pictures again?

 Here's an attempt at a family photo.  Nice try guys!

SPENCER'S 4!!!



Here's some of the set up before the guests arrived.  Of course there was no way I could talk Spencer out of having a ball party. He was almost persuaded by a pirate theme, but not for more than a couple seconds. That makes a ball party 3 yrs in a row! At least all the pinatas have been different balls:)

 My really good friend, Kiya, made this for Spencer's birthday. I wish it would rotate, it does in my file...my computer skills are weakening! Thanks so SO much, Kiya!! It was fabulous and Spencer was super excited about it!

 We had a pinata as usual! Spence got the first swing, but after everyone had one turn Kyle took a whack and broke it partially then Ella ended up busting it open! Go Ella!

 Kelsi taking her turn. She still hits very dainty and lady like even after having practiced in April.

 The friends about to enjoy cupcakes. Spencer, refusing to look for a picture.

 Everyone gathered watching the gift openings. He got some squirt guns from Kelsi.

 This is Spencer's favorite nerd picture. He was cracking himself up with these old wood shop glasses my dad had in high school.  Spencer's favorite birthday activities included: opening presents then eating cake and ice cream and playing, "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?" Thanks for coming everyone! Things about Spencer: favorite color: blue
favorite foods: lasagne and cupcakes
favorite book: The 3 Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
favorite blaket: the lizard blanket Aunt Tami made
favorite song: "I Love to see the Temple"
side note: on the phrase "...this is my sacred duty" he sings it "this is my secret beauty"
favorite activities: anything ball related, baseball, basketball, golf, and playing with duplos
I can't believe he's 4



Enjoying 3rd yr (of med school) having the occasional Saturdays off!!!! Things around here have been pretty good. Kyle has been doing rotations which means he's done with the classroom stuff. That makes his day a lot more interesting! I'm glad he doesn't have to study so much of the time too. The kids love having him home more often. It has been great! Spencer has been learning new things so quickly and remembering them. He does well with the kindergarten workbook and has recently learned how to hold a pen the right way.  Kelsi is talking up a storm these days and it's fun, but sometimes difficult. Whenever she doesn't feel like explaining why she's frustrated or upset she'll just come tell me that Spencer just hit her, which i know isn't true! Bryce is so active. He loves laying on his back grabbing his toes and talking that baby talk. He also smiles at anyone who looks at him. He's quite a happy kid!

I'm still trying to get to hang of 3 kids even though i've had nearly 5 months practice. It seems like they are all happy at the same time or all crazy/crying at once! Those times are very tricky:) I've heard from everyone with 3 or more kids that the 1st yr is the hardest...thanks guys! I feel like I've had a huge change in routine from going out and running errands with the kids or grocery shopping. That just doesn't happen much anymore. I'm so grateful for friends and Kyle who can be around more often.

 This is Lake Pleasant. It's not too far away. Although it was super windy the kids had a blast. Thank goodness it was a very cool day for phoenix! We also went to a splash pad. Getting wet is the only outdoor activity to do in the summer!



At the Jackman's

BRYCE: 4 months old!

Bryce is very loved by his siblings. In fact, Spencer almost always refuses to have his picture taken, but when I explained how Bryce will want to see what he looked like later...he agreed to participate for Bryce:)

Bryce has been great! He is usually happy, easy going and a marvelous sleeper! I really can't complain. He's a perfect little guy for our family! I love his smiles and little voice as he tries to talk back. Bryce loves being social and will smile very easily. He wants to sit up at all times. He hates tummy time, but can easily lift up on his arms and raise his head up. He scoots a little, but usually ends up doing 180's on the floor. He rolls over now I have to watch out!

I have yet to figure out why Kelsi thinks Bryce's chin is so cool. She seems to do this in many pictures of them together. Kelsi still acts like it's the first time she's ever seen him each day she's around him. It's downright scary to leave them in the same room together unattended, or even to take my eye off of the 2 of them. Bryce has already recieved way too many love bursts from Kelsi!

The 4th of July

 Family photo's from the phone are usually about like this...we went to watch the fireworks from a Costco parking lot and it turned out really sweet!! It was a great view and not ghetto at all like it sounded when I first heard about it:)

Bryce loved the show and watched like this the whole time!

Kelsi 2

Kelsi is really 2 and I can't believe it! Even though I have a newborn she still feels like my baby. She's talking much more these days. I love hearing her speak and trying to figure out her code language:) Here's some of her favs:

Favortie Activities:

-swinging

-watching movies

-playing in the toy kitchen and preparing meals for the family then bringing them to us

-filling up her own cup with water (to the brim and spilling it everywhere)

-playing make believe with Spencer ( running from a big giant monster in the toy room) and attacking Bryce with squeezes and kisses (the kisses are really lip/head smashes usually on the knee or face which scares me and Bryce)

-twirling in a dress

-watching the "I am a Child of God" video (sometimes trying to sing along)

She got this dress up Minnie outfit for her birthday and really enjoys wearing it, except the headband hurts her head. We had a small party for her inviting one family over and she was thrilled seeing the house decorated with balloons and streamers. We also had a pinata that she was very hesitant to hit. Spencer eventually broke it open. I only took videos of the pinata and birthday song and they won't upload to Blogger...She was scared to blow out her candle and when asked if Spence could help she quickly nodded yes. I should have explained beforehand how to blow out the candle:)

Favorites continued...

Words:

-weeeee (swing)

-meeewr (come here as she pulls your finger)

-uh oh baby (whenever Bryce cries)

-mooie (movie)

-nanny (candy)

-de (this)

-nobody

-money

-WOW!!!

Foods:

-quesadillas

-gummy bear vitamins

-oatmeal packets

-broccoli

-juice

-pasta

We love you Kelsi!

we are a happy family...

We were trying for a family picture, but the kids just wouldn't have it so we ended up with this...
Here's the little man about 12 days old.
My kids, plus Uncle Tyler in the blue shirt! Having fun with little Bryce. Spence calls him Brycey, and Kelsi says, baby Byce or By.
"Chin!"
"Baby Chin!"


The kids are adjusting slowly to Bryce. This means that Kelsi throws multiple fits a day and almost nothing can stop her. Spencer loves to be around him and hold him and help him be happy. I've heard him comfort Bryce by saying, "It's ok Bryce, you can suck your fingers..." or "Bryce can you say baseball?" or "can you say sports?" The hard part is that our normals rountine has changed so much. Spence doesn't want to do the things we used to do before Bryce came.

As for me, I have loved having my Mother-in-law come and my mom and little brother. They have been a wonderful help! I have been enjoying each day and almost each night with Bryce. I have been lucky enough to take a naps each day. My recovery was better and easier than in the past. I feel so blessed!

Kyle has been able to keep his regular study schedule for the most part, which is nice since boards are just around the corner. Once boards are over he gets Bryce at night every once in a while, but chances are Bryce will be sleeping through the night before then. I sure hope anyway! Life is busy, but good.

Labor Drama #3

I woke up around 2am with pretty painful contractions, but this was about the 4th night that had happened so I didn't think much of it and went back to sleep off and on till 4:30am. At that point I had started to feel more of what the usual back labor consists of so I figured it could be for REAL this time! I woke up Kyle and told him to get ready around 5. The contractions were getting about 4 to 7 minutes apart, but there was so much more pain. I called my mom around 6:00 to ask how to breath again in case the pain got so bad. She told me and it was a good thing I had called or I would have hyperventilated since I had it all wrong. She also suggested that I get to the hospital and not to wait too long. I wish I would have listened a little better to that advice.

By 7:00am the pain was intense! I was a nervous wreck figuring I had waited too long and I wouldn't be able to get the epidural! The kids were dropped off at a friends house so excited to know that the next time they saw me the baby would be there too! Kelsi ran around the house all morning chanting baby, baby, baby it was so cute. Spence was interested in making sure I wasn't in too much pain. He's always looking out for me and helping without being asked! He was also excited to be at his friends' house!

When at the hospital I was at a 7-8 they said and then I asked when I could get the epidural. They informed me that he had just stepped into a c-section and it would be an hr if there were no complications! I couldn't believe it...I didn't want to have to feel all the pain. I'm a super whimp, so I cried a little and prayed that I would be alright with whatever happened. Kyle was a great support and I'm so glad he was there to keep me from overly worrying.

By 9:00am the nurse was asking about the anethesiologist and he said 5 minutes, which I learned in medical terms means like a half an hr. The contractions were super strong then, but somehow magically I stayed at an 8 and the nurses said since I was so controlled I could still get an epidural! I knew everything would be alright by then and soon enough I did get the epidural!!! Phew!

The contractions basically stopped for an hr or more and Bryce was born at 12:07pm! Yea!

Bryce Dean is here!

The fun has arrived! He came March 20th at 12:07 pm weighing 7 lbs 14 ounces 19 inches long! I feel so blessed to have had him 11 days early! Wahoooo! 4 days old hereHanging out at the hospital
meeting their new brother, Bryce
37 wks! i had him at 38 wks,but no photos. I love not being pregnant!

Some highlights of 2011 in random order...

We were able to enjoy a park visit while at my Aunt and Uncle's house for Thanksgiving! The kids could have swung all day. We also played a pretty mean game of Ultimate Frisbee! That was sure a blast! I wish I could have gotten more into it without packing around such a big belly...maybe next year! Thanks for the fun day! I sure love our visits!!!

Just before T-Day Kyle turned 27! He loves rainbow chip cake with rainbow chip frosting! Since I grew up in a family of pie eaters we almost never have cake except his birthday or if Spence wants cupcakes occasionally. Making cake is pretty basic so it's nice to keep it simple. Thanks Kyle!!
Grandma and Grandpa Jackman were able to come visit for almost a week during our school break! I'm so glad you could come!!! We went to a baseball field where spence attempted to practice for his Tball season coming up.
This is spencer's first time on a baseball diamond learning how to run bases with Grandpa!

The Children's Museum is always a hit! The kids just had a blast! I think filling the carts and checking out was the favorite

The museum is full of random things.

While I had been so nauseous I decided to go visit my family in Utah for a few weeks! It was tough leaving Kyle, but so nice to have help with the kids and meals and not having to see my messy house getting more messy and the kids getting more bored each day. This is one of Spencer's favorite people, the famous Uncle Tyler!!! Spence plays make believe that he's going to Uncle Tyler's house all the time! The two are pretty good friends. Thanks family for making things so fun and nice for my kids!
While in Utah we carved pumpkins. After showing spence the book of pictures we could carve he said, "How about a monkey?" I said sure! and had my dad help a bit. This was quite the family night project! It took 2 days till we all got our pumpkins looking great! I believe we carved 8 pumpkins altogether. My dad helped to gut each one! Thanks Dad for all of that hard work!