Paxton 11 Months

Shenanigans with Paxey at 11 Months...

1. You like to pretend that you are bashful when people say hello to you.  You will look the other way for a bit and then turn your head back to them and eventually smile .

2. Your top 2 teeth are coming in, but are taking awhile to come all the way down! Looks like you are going to have a gap too.

3. You will growl at people sometimes!

4. You still take awesome 2-3 hour naps. You nap 2x a day still and usually your morning nap is the longest.

5. You like to crawl and explore the house and all the crumbs on the floor.  When you come looking for me you get stuck under the kitchen table and just cry.

6. You are still a Mama's boy and will cry for me to hold you if I'm in the same room.

7. Your new snack of choice lately has been veggie straws.

8. You eat oatmeal on the daily with a little brown sugar and milk.

9. You are able to scoot yourself across the couches.

10. Grammy Schaub bought you new brown shoes for Christmas and they look like little old man shoes with velcro straps.

11. You still enjoy eating sweet potatoes, and poop them out quickly after consuming them!

12. While we were at Grammy Schaub's for Christmas break 2014 you started waving goodbye, it's the cutest thing! Your 2nd word you say now is "buh-bye!"

13. You are drinking out of your sippie better, but need more practice so that Mommy can wean you from nursing.

14. You're still nursing 6-7x a day, I definitely think I'll be breastfeeding you longer than a year.  I never planned on going longer than 1 year bc breastfeeding is always challenging for me but I feel that with you still being so little that you need it.

15. You're very entertained by the piano at Grammy Schaub's house and love to bang your hands on the keys.

16. Aunt Amber and Uncle John got you this navy blue beret hat and you look like a little boy from Newsies in it or a train conductor.

17. Since it's cold you've started wearing more of the free sweaters Amber got for you last year from the army and you look so handsome in them.

18. We were in Mesa for Christmas and Mommy thought that she was going to die from exhaustion. You slept so horrible for the first 5 nights and literally would wake up every 2 hrs crying and would want me to rock you back to sleep. It was rough for the both of us. I still wish that you took a binky to help self sooth yourself. 

19. You like to suck on the strings from Mom's hoodie jackets and pajamas.

20. You smack your lips when you eat, it's so funny! Like you want everyone to know you're enjoying your food, and you always two hand your food into your mouth! 

21. You're my little sock collector. Whenever you are roaming the house I always find you with a sock in hand that Annabelle me or Dad have left laying around.

22. When you get excited you breathe really fast and wave both of your arms up and down, up and down and laugh while doing it!

23. Dad likes to call you "Bud Bud!"

Annabelle--What you've been up to! (Age 3, Dec 2014)

Pictures: 

1. You love your new Ariel doll that Amber got you for Christmas, it can even go in water.  You specifically asked her for one. 

2. One of the many faces you give me throughout the day.

3. You still take naps on your own which is nice. 

4. One day I found you laying under the Christmas tree taking a nap with your Ariel doll right next to you.  I wish I could just lay down and sleep anywhere...the days of being a kid! 

5. One of your many self picked outfits, you love that blue skirt and could wear it everyday! 

6. You love your little brother, most of the time you both play really well together, but you do have your moments of pushing him and taking away his toys. 

7.  You and Daddy had fun playing in all the snow we got that December 2014, it stuck for a good couple of days!  We have empty lots near our house so you and Dad would go throw snow balls and build snowman. 

8. I'm so impressed with how much better you have gotten with writing your name! You are a rock star and don't even have to trace it anymore, you can write it all on your own! Go AnnaB!! :) 

Stuff you've been saying and doing lately...

1. You had your first Christmas program for preschool called "We sing for Christmas!" on Dec 17, 2014 at the Rutherford Chapel in Kingman. Your line in the program was, "The hungry little bunny was looking for his lunch!" When it was your turn to speak you went right up to the microphone and said it loud and clear! Out of all the kids you were the easiest to understand. At some parts Mommy teared up bc she was just so proud of you and the amazing talented little girl you have become. It just made my heart so happy to see you up there performing confidently and not being scared to be on stage in front of people. 

3. During the middle of your Christmas program when you guys were doing a song change and all was quiet you blurted out, "I need to go potty!" I was worried that you really had to, but I had taken you right before. Thankfully I think it was just your nerves and you made it through your program. 

4. You also had a runny nose at your Christmas program and sneezed during one of the songs and let out a huge snot rocket that shot pretty far on the stage! We later watched that part in slow motion on the video Dad took and it was so funny! We scored front row seats bc Dad went early to save them. Your aunt Amber and Jocelyn also came down for the occasion. 

5. You told me you had a dream where you were Mary and were holding baby Jesus. It's so amazing that you love the nativity story so much. It's always been one of your favorite stories, even when it's not Christmas.  (Dec 2014)

6. You had so much fun decorating our Christmas tree and love to put decorations on it, you also helped Grammy Schaub decorate hers.

7. You've loved eating oranges lately, which is good bc you've had a little cold. 

8. You were able to see Santa 2x this year, once at your preschool program and then at our ward Christmas party. You told him that you wanted an Ariel doll and little ponies for Christmas. 

9. I'm always telling you to get your hair out of your face and today you said, "but it looks beautiful in my face!" 

10. We were in the car driving around looking at lights and you said, "Mom, you better be good, Santa's watching you!"

12. We drove past the cemetery in Kingman and Daddy was explaining to you that's where dead people go and then you asked, "do they have beds to sleep in?"

13. Lately you've been telling us that your feet hurt and you need a foot massage! 

The Schaub Daily--Nov 2014

{Annabelle age 3, Paxton age 10 Months}

1.  It was wacky sock day at Preschool so Annabelle wore her heart tights and 2 different leg warmer socks!

2.  Sometimes Annabelle tells me she is not tired, but one afternoon I found her cuddled up on the couch like this with her teddy bear next to her.  Love the innocence.

3.  It's one of your most favorite things to change your outfit like 5x a day, this was one of the outfits you chose so I had to take a pic.  You also couldn't find your other mitten so you put a sock on one hand!

4.  Selfie with Mommy! Love my baby girl.

5.  One of Paxton's new favorite things to do is stand near the tub while Annabelle takes a bath, he loves when she splashes at him.  He'll just stand there and hit his little hands on the tub.

6.  Paxey being a monkey in Daddy's new car.

7.  Paxey after he is done breastfeeding.

8.  Now that Pax is crawling all over the place it's fun to try and find him, he likes to go between the couch and the recliner with a Doc Mc Stuffins toy in hand!

Paxton 10 Months

10 Month Milestones: 

1. You have started to say, "blah, blah, blah!"

2. During Thanksgiving 2014 you learned to crawl the stairs at Grammy Schaub's house and we couldn't keep you away from them. 

3. When we travel you still hate to sleep in the pack and play and the first couple of nights are always pretty rough and sleepless for both Mommy and you.

4. You were in no hurry, but you finally  started rolling over from your back to tummy. You're so chill about most stuff, so I knew you wouldn't be in a hurry to do it! 

5. You are officially crawling now and are all over the place, you always crawl to the bathroom bc you like to stand at the tub and toilet. 

6. You love to suck on orange slices! Some of your other favorite food as of late are avocados and graham crackers. 

7. You weighed in at 17lbs 2 oz at your last Dr's appt. 

8. You are attempting to pull yourself up on things. 

9. Your tickle spots are still under your neck and upper thighs. 

10. You are so entertained by Annabelle and laugh so much when she takes a DVD and bangs it on her head and says, "ouchie!" 

11. Dr. Lafredo referred you to a physical therapist bc your neck was a bit tight and you kept leaning your head more towards your left side. The PT said your torticollis was mild and gave us some daily stretches to work on while we were at home. Unfortunately, I think this stemmed from you sleeping in your bunny for too long! 

12.  Aunty Amb gave you bright yellow footy pj's and you look like a starfish in them!

Some of our favorites...

Schaub Favorites: 

As of late we have enjoyed...

1. Watching Shark Tank together

2. We like to eat grilled chicken pesto wraps and grilled chicken pesto pizza

3. Kettle corn

4. Taking rides up to Hualapai Mountain

5. Pizza from Veto's

6. Beauty and the Beast

7. Walking around the green belt of grass across from the stake center

8. Smoothies made by Dad

9. Pizza from Papa Murphy's

10. Going to get frozen yogurt while Dad gets a haircut

11. Singing primary songs for FHE

12. Playing Go Fish and Old Maid with Annabelle

13. Sitting on the back porch in our camp chairs

14. Eating donuts and breakie burrits from Donut Deli

15. Eating white cheddar popcorn, baked Lays, and Doritos on the car rides up to Mesa

Photo Dump- November 2014

We went to visit Phil and Nicki's the Sunday after Halloween.  It's always fun to see how Molly and Annabelle interact together, they are such cute cousins.  I can't wait for them to get older and be close friends.  AnnaB had fun leading Mollz around in the grass.  My fav is Molly's flap on her diaper is sticking out!

1. One of Tara's nicknames is "Pigs" so I thought it was only appropriate that she try a pig nose on with Annabelle! Oink oink!

2. Paxey eating a organic kale/apple wafer that Amber sent him from Campbell's.

3.  Paxey chilling with Aunty T at the nail salon while AnnB gets her nails done.

4. Me and Tbop.

5. Annabelle sat so still while the lady did her nails.  She made sure to tell her about Frozen and that she was a sparkle fairy for Halloween, the lady got a kick out of her!

6. Papa Schaub holding Paxton during their stake conference at church, and of course Sherman the bobble head is in his hands!

7. Molly and Pax, crazy that they are only 6 months apart.

8.  Daddy was attempting to do "No Shave November" but his scruff was getting too itchy he said so he wanted to shave it off.  I think he looked cute with his beard!

Halloween 2014

We went up to Mesa for Halloween because Dad had a long weekend off and we thought it would be fun to celebrate with family. I felt like a lame Mom because I made Annabelle a fairy again this year.  I thought she might as well wear that costume again since my Mom had spent so much time making it for her, plus it still fit her.  I found a cute dinosaur costume for Pax at Costco and it was only $12.  It was a tad bit hard trying to fit it over his head, but once we did he looked SO CUTE!  His dino feet slippers wouldn't stay on though, they were too big.

We went to Kiki's house and she had pizza waiting for us.  After eating and talking a bit to everyone we went around her neighborhood to trick or treat a bit.  Paxton had fun sitting in the wagon we brought from Grammy's house and Annabelle and Karlie loved running up to the houses for candy.  Annabelle kept wanting to sit in the wagon so she could sneak some of her candy!  I would turn around to look at her and she would have another lollipop in her mouth, she has always loved her sweets.  Paxey would collect candy in his wagon when we would pull him up to the door, everyone kept saying how cute he was.

It was so cute when Paxey would try and crawl in his dino costume!  Papa and Grammy Schaub stayed behind to pass out candy at Kiki's house.

At first when I put Paxton's costume on he was so grumpy and wanted it off!  Eventually though he turned into our happy little boy!

Annabelle posing outside for me before she went to her preschool Halloween party, she was so excited to show all her friends her pretty sparkle fairy costume!

Annabelle with her preschool teacher Mrs. Kali, she loves her and had such a fun time at their little halloween party.

I made this Halloween wreath from black trash bags, I just had to cut them in strips and tie knots with them around a wire hanger.  We had a spoooookerific Halloween!

Chocolate Pudding (Annabelle Age 3, Oct/Nov 2014)

You've become quite the artist lately!  I drew some stick people for you and then the next thing I know you turn your doodle board around to show me a picture you drew of yourself and I was so impressed!  You even put eyes, a nose, mouth and some legs on your self portrait!  You are good about copying what we draw! I think we may have a budding artist on our hands!

Enjoying your cheetos at the park. You love your snacks, but are still good about eating your veggies and fruits.  I always say you are your Daddy's daughter, because I think you could live off chips, chocolate and ranch.

Lately you have been so content about playing in your princess tent with all your stuffed animals and other toys.  Some days when I can't hear what you are doing I automatically assume that you might be doing something naughty, but usually you just are having fun in your tent!  It makes me laugh to see what you hoard in there!

Tutu was so sweet and sent you and Pax a package! She had bought you this Frozen shirt and you love wearing it of course!

The other night you were so proud of your outfit that you put on and had to show me!  You were even happier about finding your old bunny slippers.

1. You like to press Dad's mole bc you think it's a button on the back of his head.

2. You got sad when Dad went and got his mole removed bc you told me you had wanted to go with him to hold his hand.

3. Mommy started drawing stick people for you on your little magnetic board and then you started to copy me and have become quite the artist! It's funny though, bc sometimes you will draw upside down. You always make sure to give them hands and feet and long hair.

4. You continue to doodle pictures of stick people and drew one of me and you and said, "Mom it's me and you holding hands and we're best friends and you have long eyelashes!"

5. You were a fairy again this year for Halloween bc the costume Grammy Shaver made you last year still fit. When you came home from your preschool Halloween party you said, "Everyone kept asking me to fly!"

6. Since you were a fairy I said Pax was your pet dino and you guys were out to conquer the world and save all the candy!

7. You are doing so awesome at tracing your name! I'm confident that even though your name is long you'll be able to spell it soon!

8. You came home from school and I was looking through your bag and found paper where you had been writing your name on your own without tracing the letters and it looked so good! I was so proud of you. It's funny though bc you will still write your A's upside down for some reason.

9. You have been loving dressing yourself lately and change your outfits like 5x a day. Your favorite thing to put on is this fluffy blue and white skirt I got you from Target, your pink cowgirl boots, and a tshirt.

10. You have started wearing headbands and love them, you will actually keep them in all day long.

11. Your new thing that you like to show us are your magic shows! I think you picked this up from the TV show Sofia the 1st. You stand and will just move both your arms in circles on your side and say, "Welllllcome to my magic show, The end!"

12. When we are driving and you see signs with an "A"on them you say, "Mom, look it's "A" for Annabelle!

13. Your new favorite game to play for FHE is good choice/bad choice. We read a scenario and you tell us if it was a good or bad choice by holding up a frowny face or happy face.  We've been trying to encourage you to make good choices that make you feel happy.

You are at such a fun age and we love watching you learn and do new things.  You haven't been throwing as many tantrums as of late and are better about talking about your feelings and expressing to us what you want.  You are an amazing older sister and are always looking out for Paxey and wanting to help me with things.  Daddy and I are both so thankful for your obedient spirit and desire to make righteous choices.  Love you Annabear!

Paxton 9 Months

Paxton at 9 Months Old: 

1. You were the cutest green dinosaur for your 1st Halloween! I couldn't help but laugh every time I saw you in your costume! Mommy got it at Costco for $12.  You just looked so adorable in your little hoody with dino spikes on it.  We took you and Annabelle trick-or-treating around in Grammy's wagon in Kiki's neighborhood and you had lots of fun!

2. You are attempting to crawl, but instead will face plant it every time you try and will just cry until Daddy or I come to your rescue. This happens all day long! 

3. Your first teeth are coming in! They are your 2 bottom ones. It's made you pretty miserable at nights. 

4. You don't sit still in your bath anymore in the kitchen sink and just splash everywhere! 

5. Daddy and I laugh at you bc you go from being extremely happy to grumpy in a matter of seconds. We think you have a case of baby bipolar! 

6. You always laugh when Mommy squishes your thigh under the high chair and says, "I'm gonna get you...I'm gonna get you!" 

7. You love to stand at the bath tub and watch Annabelle take her baths. You get so excited and will bang your hands on the tub. 

8. You have found a new taste for avocados and love them. You first tried them when we went to Joe's Farm Grill with the Adams and Scott gave you and Audrey some! You both were chowing down on them and we didn't have enough to keep you full!

9. People always ask us if you are always so chill.  You are such a content baby and rarely fuss, so yes most of the time I would say you are a relaxed and happy baby. 

10.  You like to play legos with Annabelle. At this point all toys go directly into your mouth.

Photo Dump

1. We watched Molly in Mesa while Nicki was in Nashville, she had fun playing with her cuzzies.

2. Grammy Schaub got a music lesson in with you jamming away on the harmonica and Paxey twinkling his fingers on the uke.

3.  The first selfie I found of you on my phone.

4.  Selfie with Paxey, his cheeks look extra chubby in this pic.

5. Lately Annabelle has been asking me for an apple everyday.  I don't even have to cut it up for her anymore, she likes to sit and take big bites out of them on her own.

6. AnnaB, Mollz and me…it was hard to get Molly to smile!

7.  Daddy took you to Home Depot with him one Saturday and lucky enough they were actually have a  kids craft day and making bird houses.  He said you did really well and painted it all by yourself.  Usually after you and Dad have an outing he takes you to Mc Donalds for a happy meal.

8.  Of course you find more entertainment from a box than your actual toys!

Annabelle's 1st Day of Preschool at Pitter Patter

I couldn't believe that morning when you woke up I would be sending you off to your little preschool at Mrs. Kali's house.  I was excited for you to go because Kali has been such a good friend of ours and I knew that you would learn so much and soak all the education in. I was proud of you for getting ready and waking up and putting your book bag on.  The preschool is held out of her house so it's not too far of a drive for us. Kali has actually known you since you were born, we used to all be in the same ward and her son Swayde is only a little older than you.  My Mommy heart just hoped that you would do well, that you would remember your manners, be kinds to others, and just be the sweet little Annabelle that we know. I was nervous to send you off, but knew that you would have such a great time.  You love to be around your friends and to learn.

When we got to Mrs. Kali's house she had a white board out with all of the kids names on it and you had to find yours.  You smiled for a picture with her and then off you went like a big girl to your big girl school.  I was anxious to pick you up and to hear about how your 1st official day at school went.

You go to preschool for 3 hours 2x a week. (Mon/Wed from 9-12) When I picked you up you were so excited to tell me all that you had learned and especially what you had for snack time.  You seemed to have really enjoyed yourself and couldn't wait to go back.  I'm thankful that we were able to find a place in Kingman for you to go and learn.  I know that with the foundation you already have with your letters and numbers you will just keep on growing.

Of course Mommy always likes to dress you up for school in cute outfits.  I think you look so adorable when you put your book bag on too.  We had to order you a book bag from Amazon because the one we had at home was to small for your school folder.  I love you Miss AB and am excited to see your progress in school.

An Apple a Day...

You have been my little apple eater lately! Every day you'll ask me for one and I used to have to cut it up for you but now you just like to chomp big bites out of it!  I don't mind you eating them at all because it's a healthy snack and good for you! Even when we went to Grammy Schaub's house you sat in the rocking chair in the living room and happily ate one. You say, "Mommy, can I have an apple please?" 

Paxton 8 Months

The adventures of Paxey Poo...

8 Months Old: 

1. We finally just had to cut you off from your snug-a-bunny addiction after our Sierra Vista trip and moved the crib into your room for you to sleep in. I was expecting at least 4-5 hard nights, but it only took you about 2 nights to get adjusted.  I think it was such a struggle bc the snug-a-bunny cuddled you and with the crib it was a wide open space where you were flat on your back.  You would scare yourself every time you threw your arms up you would get startled.  We even got you an expensive mobile to help ease you into your new bed, but that didn't work out too well.  I thought having a mobile like your bunny would do the trick, but it didn't really.  I think you sleeping so long in bunny gave you some tightness in your neck.

2. Your first word was, "Mama!" You will stand up in your crib until we come and get you and say, "Maaaamaaa, Maaaaamaaaa!"

3. You are doing better at trying to grasp things with your little fingers. It's hard for you to grab objects and food with your thumb and pointer finger.

4. Since you can't grab things very well with your fingers you put your little pieces of food on top of your pointer and middle finger then into your mouth like you are using chopsticks to hold your food!

5. You've finally taken an interest in food and want everything we are eating now!

6. You like to tip over drinks when we sit you on the table as our centerpiece during dinner.

7. You are tolerating tummy time better, but still get pretty angry when we make you do it.

8. Mommy has started making you more puréed foods, you love your sweet potatoes and pears.

9. I was surprised bc while we were at Molly's 1st birthday party you actually took a nap in her crib! You usually don't sleep other places unless you are in your car seat. 

10.  You still really love to be outside in the fresh air and are content just sitting on a blanket and hanging out. 

11. Tutu bought you a light blue t-shirt that says, "Big Kahuna" and it's so cute on you! You are our cute kahuna! 

12. Since you are the first boy in the family on the Shaver side everyone just loves you that much more, especially Uncle Phil and Aunty Nicki. 

Big 3 for Annabelle!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS ANNAB!!!!! How is it possible that our first little girl is already 3?!?! It's been 3 joyful and fulfilling years with you our little Annabelle.  You made me and Daddy parents and for that we will always be grateful.  You have brought such a happy light into our lives that we didn't have before and we are thankful that you are such a good girl with a big heart.

We decided that Dad would just take the day off for your birthday and instead of having a friends party we would celebrate as a family.  You asked specifically to have a chocolate donut for your birthday so that was an easy wish to grant.  Our favorite place to get donuts here in Kingman is Donut Deli, they are delish and made fresh every morning. We thought we would save money by celebrating with just us, but of course Dad and I wanted to spoil you and went overboard on your presents, you're worth it though! :)

This is you when you first woke up and walked out of your room, we wanted to surprise you...

Your breakfast consisted of your chocolate donut with candles and a strawberry milk with a straw!  I was surprised because you didn't finish your donut, I think you were just too excited for your toys.  One of your presents was this little picnic table which also had an umbrella that we could put up for shade when you are outside. We had your presents all wrapped and ready for you to open, there were balloons all over the floor too.  You were so happy, we just wanted you to feel loved on your special day.

You asked Grammy Schaub for a Frozen dress and ran around the house singing Frozen songs, it was so cute!  You acted like you had magical powers like Elsa. We also got you a magnetic doodle board because lately you have been loving to draw.

We asked you what else you wanted to do and of course you said go to the splash pad, wish granted!  Kingman doesn't have one so we took a little road trip to Vegas, Rachel Adams referred us to one and it turned out being a really nice with lots of water fountains for you to splash in.  I think you could run around the splash pad all day long, I'm hoping one day when we own our own place Daddy will build you guys your own personal splash pad in the backyard, wouldn't that be nice? You are so cute in your little swimmie.

Pax was such a grump that day, I thought he would have been more excited to be out in the water when it was so hot but nope he wasn't!  It was pretty hot that day so he was a bit flushed, I ran around with you in the splash pad and Daddy took care of him most of the time.

You were all SMILES at the splash pad, cute girl! You are so easy to love and please.

Then your last wish for your birthday was to eat your favorite food...hamburgers and fries dipped in ranch.  Wish granted, we took you to Red Robin and you got a hamburger and all the french fries your heart desired and loads of ranch.  We also told them it was your birthday, so the staff came out and sang to you and gave you a special dessert.  I would call the day a success, it was so fun being able to have some treasured family time.  You are our everything bear and we love you so very much, I hope you will always be able to feel of our love for you.  Thanks for being such a great addition to our fam!

Paxton 7 Months

7 Month Update: 

1. Mommy likes to say that you look like a cute little hedgehog.

2. Your favorite toy to play with is this Sherman bobble head that Annabelle got in one of her happy meals.

3. You still fall asleep sucking on one of your muslin swaddle blankets.

4. You can sit up all on your own now.

5. We always put you as the centerpiece of the table in your bumbo while we eat dinner.

6. You think Annabelle is a comedian and will laugh the most at her! It's so cute to watch you guys play together.

7. I gave you your first taste of solids this month and it was baby oatmeal mixed with some formula. You weren't a huge fan and still just prefer to nurse.

8. I tried giving you some apple sauce and you didn't like that either.

9. You will randomly sleep through the night which mommy loves!

10. You have been such a grouch lately in your car seat that we never want to take you anywhere!

11.  We put your first baseball hat on you and you just looked so darn cute!

12.  Grammy and Papa Shaver came to visit for their anniversary and you loved all the attention you got from them.  Grammy Shaver just loves to hold you and it's nice bc then Mommy can get some things done around the house. 

13.  Your favorite thing to suck on is your hands. 

14.  You still do not enjoy tummy time and get mad within the first couple of minutes.

15. Sister makes you sing "Let It Go" in her frozen microphone and you don't like it, you'll just sit there and breathe into it.

Swim Lessons at Grandview Pool

We signed you up for swim lessons this summer at Grandview Pool.  I was anxious to see how you would do because the only other swim class we had done was at the hospital when you were 1 and I was in the water with you.

The first day we were kind of nervous because it was going to be your first time in the pool without your floatie on.  Dad and I were both a bit worried so we made sure that one of us was always sitting on the sidelines just in case something happened.  We did get a bit of a scare on the 2nd day because you had let go of the side railing and your teacher was helping another kid and his back was turned towards you so Dad almost jumped in to get you!  My heart started beating so fast because you had gone under water for a good couple of seconds.  After that though you didn't let go of the wall and were more attentive to your teacher and following the instructions.

The goal of the class was to get you used to being in the water without a floatie and also teaching you how to swim short distances towards objects.  You were much better at going under water, learning how to hold your breath, and plugging your nose.  We were pleased with how the class went and can't wait to sign you up again next summer!

The class ran for 2 weeks for a total of 8 lessons and was only $20! We decided to do an afternoon class so that Dad could go with us to watch you.

Each Friday they let you guys put life vests on and go down the slide and diving board.  You were courageous enough to do the slide but too scared for the diving board!  Instead of going off the diving board you would just stand off to the side and jump into the deep end.

Turns out that your teacher Tanner Cardiff was in our ward!  He was so good with you guys and always so patient.  The last day of your lesson you got a lollipop and a certificate stating which swimming techniques you had passed off.  Way to pump your fins in the water little AnnaB fish!

Life with 2 kids

My feelings on life with 2 kiddos…

Definitely a lot busier, but truly can say that I am also a lot happier.  I look at this picture and still can't believe that Annabelle and Paxton are all mine…that I have 2 bundles to take care of!  The first couple of weeks home with the kids was a bit challenging because Jeff could only take a few days off before he had to go back to work. I am glad that we had made the decision to come straight home from the NICU and not stay in Phx longer.  I felt very strongly about getting home and figuring out our own routine and getting Pax used to the house and not being in the hospital all day long.

Of course my biggest struggle that ultimately turned me into a grouchy Mom was that breastfeeding was a huge ordeal with Paxton.  The pain with breastfeeding him seemed to last a lot a longer than it did with Annabelle.  He was just so confused with having been bottled in the NICU and then when I brought him home I had been using the nipple shield for about 6 weeks.  It was conquerable though and I'm proud of myself for toughing it out once again.

Pax has always been a pretty good sleeper during the day and I think that it has to do with him being on such a rigid 3 hour schedule in the NICU.  For awhile I was able to get him and AnnaB to both go to sleep around noon but these last couple of weeks in July Annabelle has been phasing out of her naps.

It's such a HUGE blessing that Jeff is able to be home by 3:30 almost every day.  As long as I let him take his motorcycle gear off,  and get a snack then he is content in helping me to watch the kids right when he gets home!

Annabelle is such a wonderful big sister. She never hesitates to help me out with anything…she's always the first one to get me a diaper for Pax or a little toy for him to play with.  Lately she has been doing awesome at entertaining him for me too, she loves to sit there and play with his feet, tell him stories and offer him toys. 

I can clearly understand now that Annabelle was supposed to be the first kid in our family.  She has a maturity about her that I forget most of the time that she is only 2.  She still has a memory of gold and is such a smart little girl.  I think with her quick instinct and ability to understand people and how to help them it makes it easy for me to depend on her.  I'm thankful she's my daughter and that she likes to assist me with the laundry, putting the dishes away, taking out the trash, watering the plants and cleaning up her toys.

Pax is usually awake from 5:00 til bedtime and can be fussy, but if you catch him in the right moments he is the happiest kid.  Jeff and I just can't get over how much he smiles sometimes, it's like he doesn't know what else to do but smile!

When I sit here and really think about being a Mom I'm just thankful that I was given the opportunity to parent Annabelle and Paxton.  They've given me a reason to dig deep inside myself and find more patience and love for someone other than myself.  I try and take the time each day to really look into their eyes and see life how they do.  I've also realized how important it is to turn the TV off and put my phone somewhere else so that I can spend quality time with my family. Annabelle still loves to read books with us, do puzzles, play go fish, play with her kitchen toys and build castles with her legos.

As a family we've been enjoying eating In and Out together and watching disney movies.  I feel so humbled knowing that my Heavenly Father knows me well enough that He knew which kids to specifically send to our home to make Jeff and I better.  Our life is filled with more love and memories.