Patrick Graduates!!!

After hurdles, set-backs, a degree change, changing schools (twice), moving, shifting back and forth from part-time to full-time student, having two kids, and working his butt off  - Patrick finally graduated! It was no small accomplishment!

Patrick initially came to the U.S. to go to school. He came with limited funds to BYU-Idaho, assuming that it operated the same way as BYU-Hawaii. Most of the international students at BYU-Hawaii have the opportunity to work at the Polynesian Cultural Center (run by the university) in order to help pay for some of their tuition costs. Being young and dumb Patrick assumed that BYU-Idaho would have a similar program. However, funds ran out after two semesters, and he was unable to work for the school or off campus since he was not legally authorized. He had to leave school and find whatever work he could in California to support himself.

We were married shortly after that, and Patrick continued to work hard and help put his younger sister through school. Once he had finished helping his sister through school he hoped he could try to pursue his education again. His Fijian friends and family made fun of him for going back to school (It's just no culturally accepted). They thought he was too old and foolish to pursue it at this point in his life. However, he knew that if he wanted to continue to build a better life for himself and his family he would need to complete his education.

He started small with a few night classes, and eventually decided to take the plunge (via student loans) and started going full-time. He spent a few years at Montana State before transferring to the University of Akron to complete his degree! We are so proud of Patrick for working hard, persevering and achieving his goal! What a great example he is to our children.

Trying on Daddy's Graduation Cap

Excitedly awaiting for the ceremony to start!

A picture of the stage set-up

Waiting for his chance to "walk"

Receiving his diploma. When Patrick walked across the stage
Gabriel yelled "YAY, DADDY!" The whole crowd loved that and
let out an "AWWW!"

Right after coming off stage with his diploma

Patrick with his Surveying colleagues

We are proud of our daddy!

Heber: Month 4

DECEMBER 2012

4MO measurements: 17lb 14oz 25 1/2in long
17wks: loves the word "Dada"...giggles every time you say it.
18wks: LOVES when mommy kisses his cheeks - we make it a game!
18wks: Refuses to sleep anywhere but his bed, and occasionally his carseat. When he is tired he doesn't want to be rocked or held - he wants his bed!
19wks: tried cereal for the first time - ate it without spitting out, but still gets WAY more excited for his bottle

I was trying to get a picture of my three boys and captured a cute moment between brothers.

In front of the Christmas tree!

Such a cutie!

He's kind of serious like Gabriel was

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Brothers in "jammies" ready for bed!

Our little thumb sucker!

Mommy with her handsome boys!

Heber is getting to big for Gabriel's lap!

He loves his baths, but I think he has outgrown his infant tub!

First bite of cereal...

MMMM!

Gabriel's Kindergarten Christmas Program

DECEMBER 2012
Gabriel had his first school performance. His Kindergarten class did a Christmas program, and it was so fun and cute! He was so excited about it, and had been trying so hard to keep his program songs a secret. However, he couldn't resist practicing in the shower, so we often had a preview of the song selection. It is so much fun to watch him grow and thrive! We love our little Kindergartner!

Look at that excited grin!

Finding their seats before the concert starts

Our cute Kindergartner!

Where's Gabriel?

Having all sorts of fun!

Gabriel the Massage Therapist

DECEMBER 2012

I am in constant need of a shoulder/back massage after carrying around about 50lbs of books this semester. I now see the genius in those roller bags. Thankfully, I have my own personal masseur who kept track of his work by counting the number of times he massaged each spot! I love my Gabriel!

Thanksgiving 2012

NOVEMBER 2012

Thanksgiving was quiet for us this year, which was really nice. The last few months have been so crazy-busy that we haven't had a lot of time together as a family. It was a much needed long weekend to unwind and enjoy family time. So, while our Thanksgiving was pretty uneventful it gave us plenty of time to reflect on how thankful and how blessed we are to have our little family. I sure love them, and there isn't a daily prayer that doesn't include my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for blessing my life with a loving and supportive husband and two beautiful, sweet, healthy boys. I've never felt so blessed or known so much joy.

Gabriel learned about the pilgrims in school and
and made this pilgrim costume (cut it out himself)

Gabriel's little hand-print turkey. I LOVE stuff like this.
It went into my keeper bin.

Our modest table setting for Thanksgiving dinner.

Our golden, juicy, delicious turkey - ready to eat!

Even 3 month old Heber decided to have some turkey!!!

Academic Recognition for Gabriel

NOVEMBER 2012
Gabriel has been doing so well in school - just thriving. I know it's only Kindergarten, but it still amazes me how much learning they get into one day with all of those five year olds. Gabriel is kind of the exception to the rule (of a normal 5yr old's attention span), because since he was about three he has always been so eager to learn - to the point that he would actually sit still, and give his full attention for reading or learning letters/numbers from that early age. So, it isn't a surprise that he continues to enjoy and excel in school. Recently, the school did an achievement assembly where they recognized all of their students for excelling in some area of school. It ranged from academics to behavioral, but I really liked that they were recognized for specific growth, and not just a generalized "pat on the back."

3 month old Heber - waiting for the Recognition Assembly to start

Gabriel's Kindergarten class on the stage with their awards
(Gabriel is on the far left in front of the flag)

Gabriel receiving his award from Mrs. Vincinte, the school principal.

Pretty proud of himself.
The award was for outstanding achievement in
reading and math!

Heber: Month 3

NOVEMBER 2012
The time is going too quickly. Our little Heber is already 3 months old and changing every day. Things are so busy with it being Patrick's last semester in school, and I'm in school and we both have demanding church callings and work. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing out, and will find myself looking at our baby wondering how he could have grown/changed just overnight.

This also marks the end of my milk supply (not sure if was ever really a "supply"). I didn't have much to begin with, and could not get my supply up. I feel enormous guilt wondering if I had taken the semester off then maybe I could have nursed rather than pumping a majority of the time, and then maybe my milk supply could have been better. I'm trying to take the gratitude approach as I am thankful that I was able  to produce some milk for my baby this time. I didn't even get milk with Gabriel.

Here are some of his developments:
12wks: Can be held in a sitting position while holding up head steady and independently
14wks: Loves his brother and coos in a special voice just for him.
14wks: Loves to "stand" while holding onto our hands
15wks: smiles at his reflection. Ticklish in armpits, under chin, thighs - giggles!
15wks: Weight: 16lb 15oz
16wks: rolled over for first time
16wks: Officially self-soothes with his thumb and refuses the pacifier.
16wks: Loves the "Huki-Lau", "Bushel-and-a-Peck" songs. Singing them will always bring a smile-even when in the midst of crying.

Here is our Heber at 3 months old:

12wks: LOVES his daddy - look at those eyes just light up!

LOVES bathtime!

Trying out the bumbo...

NOT a fan!

BUT - he doesn't mind being propped up!

checking out the stripes on his jammies

All swaddled in his towel after a bath

He has changed so much - looks like a big boy!

He has discovered his tongue and constantly sticks it out. I think it's the
cutest thing EVER!

Even though this picture is blurry I just love the moment it captures: Playtime with Daddy!

He just loves it when daddy tosses him around or up and down!

Heber has also discovered his thumb! He refuses to take a pacifier, and will
usually only suck his thumb when he is tired and trying to go to sleep. This
works well for us during the night, because when he wakes up he will find his
thumb and soothe himself back to sleep! 

I love how Patrick looks so crazy in this photo and Heber looks so lost. I hate
to tell you Heber, but Daddy often acts crazy and you will often not know
what to do with yourself in all the craziness!

I may not be able to nurse or produce the nourishment
my baby needs, but I can still enjoy snuggling him close
while I feed him.