The Sweetness of Summer...

My masterpiece with the help of Lev and Mel

Hyrum comes to visit!

The Brown's sweet pool

The sweetness of summer…
It appears summer has come and almost gone—yet we have not posted any of our summer adventures. Well it is time to recap. Summer is truly divine-sunshine and swimming, walks in the morning and hanging at the park, cookouts up the canyon, and don’t forget snow cones. A few of the highlights were… the girls trip to Vegas to visit Nat and the female version of Cohen, Paullie pocket the great (aka my older brother) marrying sweet Kerrie, the twinners Corty and Avery having the coolest birthday extravaganza I have ever witnessed, the little man cousin Hyrum coming to town... And the list continues- sweet Levi throwing me a surprise party, our 2nd wedding anniversary, the H-monster turning one (by the way don’t even try to do the math- yes we had been married for 3 sweet months when I became pregnant).
Okay let’s talk Halle—what a delight. It’s hard to believe she was not a part of our life a little over a year ago. She is spunky, sweet, energetic, and truly the joy of our lives. From the moment I go get her out of her crib every morning she brightens my day. Halle is walking now- making it a good 20 feet on her best attempt. Our little baby garbage disposal sure has grown. She is off the chart for her height and head circumference. We are relieved to know that her large head is of no concern- given the genetic predisposition her father passed along. Let’s all cross our fingers Halle does not inherit my dancing and rhythm (everyone please recall my skills in our creative dance class our freshmen year of college). She does seem to enjoy some of my favorite songs and is starting to mimic my dance skills. She will wave her arms in the air as fast as she can and shake those little legs every time “Poker face”, “Waking up in Vegas”, or “Flo rider” comes on in the car or on our i-pod. Pretty please someone tell Ashley to give me a grammar lesson. Since I am sure it was not already obvious my new favorite button on the keyboard happens to be - - - - - Yep, and I am not even sure what it means (perhaps pause or hold that thought??)

Mother's Day

Halle and Grandma Bills- Blessing Day

Trying to break out of jail at Grandma Olsen's

Tulip festival with Grandma Olsen

Halle's typical mysterious look...

Easter Sunday

Okay so since it was Mother's Day last week I feel compelled to pay a little tribute to the wonderful mothers in my life and to this wonderful thing I have recently joined called "motherhood". What an interesting concept. It never made much sense until now, after only having experienced it for lets see about 8 1/2 months, I am no professional, but it is no longer a foggy abstract thought I couldn't ever picture happening. Here I am 25 years old, married, and a MOM?! How did such a thing happen? Well besides the obvious physiologic phenomenon behind becoming a mother, the actual "being a mother" is something that is becoming a little more comfortable and familiar with each day that goes by. How does one become a quote on quote "mother"? Sure there are books, but I am coming to the conclusion that it is actually experience- the lovely trial and error that helps me fulfil my role as "being a mother" Sorry Halle, I promise I don't like the thought of you as my own little science project. But what it comes down to is really like "playing house" only this time the baby is an actual person whom we have great influence on. Lesson of the week... don't fall asleep on the floor playing--consequence Halle having scattered bruises on her forehead with an unknown origin. Lesson number two of the week...always put pants or shorts over Halle's diaper when she goes down for a nap--consequence Halle asleep bum straight up in the air, diaper in the corner and urine galore. I have watched grand mothers, mothers, friends, and even strangers be "mothers" and I am so grateful for all of these examples.

Speaking of good examples my mom is amazing, my mother-inlaw amazing, sister in-laws amazing, friends with babies amazing. I am learning that we all do things a little differently but the common denominator is patience and love. Sure I want to cry when Halle has pulled out thirty strands of hair in one tug, but I can't help but laugh. I never ever could have dreamed of how much joy could be brought into my life everyday by being a mom. Little Halle really makes me so happy, the love I have for her is indescribable. Having a bad day, all I have to do is look at Halle. Her mischeivious little look, occasional laugh and constant wiggles makes me smile all day long. Sure the tears aren't easy, but everything else makes up for it easily.

Certainly there are days where I feel like a robot going through the motions making sure everything on my to do list is complete. At times I hesitate to break our little routine (nap time at this time, play time at this time, eat at this time... and so on). However, I recently read a little saying that I quite liked. "I wish I would have treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less" Sure there are days where the house looks like a bomb struck, but I have come to realize those are the days Halle and I have the most fun.

There are just so many little things Halle does that bring me so much joy. From making me laugh to melting my heart, each day we learn something new about little Halle. Who knew that such a little body could be bursting with such personality?!

We had a wonderful mother's day. First with the Bills and Nielsen's and then with the Olsen's and Amundsen's. It was a great day to reflect on all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and mother-like women we have or have had in our lives. This never ending roller coaster seems to be getting better and better by the day. Wish me luck this next year we'll focus more on the "doing and less on the getting it done". Pay attention this means I have an excuse for the piles of laundry and messy kitchen... yah!

Ok so I had to blog about one of my best friends business ventures. Her husband has started a company that is selling designer jeans at EXTREME DISCOUNTED PRICES!!! Their website will offer one deal everyday on a particular brand of designer jeans or other similar designer clothing until it either sells or is replaced by another product on the next day. The clothes will be discounted anywhere between 50%-80% off retail price and will be the cheapest available. The site will offer such brands as Diesel, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, 7 for All Mankind, William Rast, Penguin, G-Star and much more. Keep in mind it is all 100% authentic. You have to check it out...Go to http://www.citizenblues.com/!

03/2009

Rice cereal is not one of Halle's favorites. These pictures are all fairly recent- within the past month. It is crazy to see how quickly she is growing and changing. Her personality is so entertaining and distinct(despite her inability to communicate using words-- Halle has no problem expressing her feelings and enthusiasm). It is easy to tell that she is going to be very independent, very curious and quite funny. She already loves spring and the sunshine. She loves her bear outfit from her sweet Aunt kerrie. Time is flying,it feels like she just arrived and yet she is already 6 1/2 months old. Some of Halle's most recent feats and favorites include: rolling over(and over and over and over) sitting up by herself (for a maximum of 5 seconds), picking up large objects, pulling out mom's hair(I have so much of it- I am sure it won't be a problem-- rogaine is always an option), playing with plastic sacks(I am pretty sure that is one of the most dangerous objects I could give to her besides knives, but she loves the noise and of course I supervise), jogging rides in the sun, watching baby einstein, playing with remote controllers and of course cell phones(luckily she has not dialed 911- (unlike her cousin, whom also is quite intrigued with electronics), seeing her cousins and friends(she has a crush on baby "j" and baby "c"), demonstrating her love of showing off her tongue, eating peaches and sweet potatoes, and of course having unwavering energy--recently a friend from work informed me that perhaps my drinking 64 ounces of diet coke a day could have a little something to do with that. Everyone please encourage and assist me while I embark on my journey to decrease my diet coke consumption.