GRAND CANYON

I know you are jealous. As am I. However, these pictures are beautiful! I made TyRell promise to take a ton of pictures, and now I have a full file folder of them! These are only a few. I can't believe I missed it...one day.

TyRell and my cousin Dan hiked 7 miles down the canyon to meet up with the rest of the crew who had already been on the river for a few days. The hike was supposed to take about 4 hours, but it ended up only take about an hour. The poor guys got up sooooo early so as not to hike in the heat. It sure worked! Hence the jackets!

I loved these pictures! This water flowed into the the Colorado, and is so beautifully blue! I guess it was quite a bit warmer than the river, so they had quite a fun time swimming in it.

TyRell, Chrissy, and Dad!

Sunshine and Summer Time

Wow it's been getting hot around here! FINALLY! Logan is beautiful in the Summer. I have lived here for six years, and have never had a summer here. So, it's about time right? We are loving it!
Big T is content as long as he has something to put in his mouth. He had his 4 month check up today! 19 lbs and 27 1/2 inches. Amazing! He is grabbing things put in front of him, and can roll from his back to his side, almost to his tummy. That thumb usually in his mouth gets in the way!

My Mr. bought Bristol a princess wading pool. She loves it! She is completely obsessed with princesses lately. Her flavor of the week...Arial. She calls us all princesses, even Dad. Ha! It is great!

LATELY

So, you may be wondering what we have been up to lately! Well, here we are in all of our glory. Tytan has been growing like a little weed. We call him "Big T" still, it fits. Bristol is enjoying any warm weather she can get, and her vocabulary has blossomed. It is amazing how much she learns in one day!


TyRell got pretty sick of Tytan's BSU hat (thanks to Jeffrey) and so he got him a USU hat. I love it. He looks good in Aggie Blue! We got a big laugh out of Bristol holding him the other day. He is only about 7 lbs. lighter than she is. They are quite the pair!

He is a hunk!

Bristol loves swimming at Nana and Grandpa's. This last week while Ty was gone, she got quite a bit of swimming in. The pool was really warm, but this evening the wind was whipping up. So, she announced that she was cold. She ran and got her blankie, which can't feel complete without her bink, and proceeded to cover herself in the pool. I just laughed. She sat there for a good little while in the water! She is becoming quite the little fish! Don't get water in her ears though, she doesn't like it.

Note the little yellow flower in the background? My Mom's poor garden suffered some picking. She loves "fowlers."

My "Big T" in his Aggie Blue. He is such a handsome little man. We love him to pieces. Don't forget the camo!

What makes a terrible day at church much better?

Do you really have to ask?

An ice cold COKE

Phish Food ice cream

Being a single parent is hard!

Things to do before I die #1

Raft the Grand Canyon

Caution! Rambling on ahead!

Don't think I'm crazy posting this as my #1...because these are in no particular order. But have you ever woken up and thought to yourself "Why didn't I do that when I had the chance?" Well, I do it a lot and then have to stop myself because I am happy being a mommy. However, there are some things that I just can't let go. The most fresh on my mind is this Grand Canyon trip. To raft the Grand Canyon you must draw a permit. The process has recently changed into a lottery type situation, but it used to be that you would put your name in and wait. Well, my Uncle finally drew a permit this year after waiting 25 years! I KNOW!!! INSANE!!! So, I have grown up knowing that I would be able to go once someone drew. Well, the trip is over 2 weeks long and I have 2 kids, and one is 3 months old. As a teenager I told myself " I can't be married or have kids so that I can go down the Grand Canyon." Ha! Look at me now. So, guess who went in my stead? That's right, my Mr. I'm actually glad that he could go. I just hope he realizes that had he not married me, he most likely would have never gone. So, thanks are in order ;) But really...one day I'll be there taking on the white water. As for now, it's on my list!

What is on your list?

More to come...

Tytan

It's a little late now that Tytan is over half way to three months, but here are his two month stats:

16.8 pounds-97%

23 1/2 inches-97%

head circumference-over 100% (literally off the charts)

And now for greater happenings.

We FINALLY blessed Tytan

May 15, 2011

Logan, Ut

Clearly the whole family was so excited!

And here is the "little" man in all of his glory. The blessing was absolutely perfect! In our faith we bless our babies in church to put their name upon the records of the church, and bless him with any blessings that our Heavenly Father sees fit. It was beautiful. Both the Stevens and the Ereksons were there to support us! And I must say that "Big T.'' as we call him was adorable in his white and blue!

A New Way

Usually when I read a book I:

read the last sentance (I know, I'm terrible.)

Start at the very beginning and read every page until the end

That is what I have done every time I read my favorite book

The Book of Mormon

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Not this time!

This time I'm doing things a bit differently.

This time I:

picked a topic in the Topical Guide (Bible)

read every verse listed (and possible surrounding verses to fully understand concept)

I LOVE IT!

Maybe you should try it :)

I started with "Jesus Christ"

It's long, but what a better place to start!

Meeting some Greats

Great-Grandma Doreen Long

Nana the Great Rena Thurber

Grandma Great Peggy Wilde




Grandpa Great Leon Wilde

Here's looking at you kids!

We like to think that the weather is warming up. No...we just know how to bundle up! But we have been having a great time strolling!

And these are the adorable faces that I get to look at as I push the stroller.

Wouldn't they entice you to go for a stroll? Works for me!

AWHC: Baby Animal Days

A week ago we packed up and went to Baby Animal Days! The weather was terrible, but that didn't stop us. It was nice that all of the animals were moved inside out of the weather. Bristol and I had been potty training hard for three days and were ready for a day out! I'm happy to report: no accidents! Anyway, back to the animals. Bristol LOVED them.

First stop, the baby chicks. So cute!

Next up the baby lamb. (It was a little crowded, so we are grateful for the pictures we got!)

The most exciting attraction were the baby bears. They were 2 and 3 weeks old all the way from Yellowstone national Park! Bristol wanted to hold them...but no sir! We were very content to watch. The claws on those little cubs were huge! They are honestly like little babies though. They just wanted to be held and cuddled.

And then the bunny. At first Bristol didn't quite think it was real...but got the hang of it real quick. Then she didn't want to let go.

And finally...SWOP. Say what? S.W.O.P. That is Bristol's frog's name. Ty won the frog for her because I made him...and now I am wondering why. I don't do slimy things...or any little crawly things very well. But...it was a spur of the moment purchase. we tried to get Bristol to name it Skip or Jump, but she came up with "Swop" all on her own. Such a funny little girl.

All in all, baby animal days was a success. We had a great time getting out!

Sibling Love

Last night Bristol was running in circles around the living room, and Tytan was being so content just watching her. It was so cute! He does smile...but as soon as I turn the camera on he turns it off. But he is still uber cute! And he loves his big sister!

Worth Losing Sleep Over

So...this is what's on my mind.Who knew that potty training could be so hard? Ya know how you can send your dog to behavior school? Totally wish they had those for potty training toddlers. One giant sleep over for kids all learning to use the potty. Hahaha! I really did think of that last night. But really, I finally got over one thing with the little Bris, and then something else starts up. I really shouldn't complain too much, so far she hasn't had too many accidents. Day 1: Bristol woke up and asked to use the potty. She was really rushed about it, so off we went. I wasn't planning on training her, but what a better way to start? So we were off! She went tinkle in the potty, and about an hour later a BM. So exciting! Then a few accidents. So we didn't end the day too well, but even better news is no wetting the bed!!! Not ready for that one! Day 2 (So far): Woke up and wouldn't go. She seriously gets the "pee shivers" but still won't go. Totally holding it. So guess where she goes? IN HER HIGH CHAIR. Sick. Nothing worse than eating your muffin in a couple inches of urine. I just don't do bodily fluids. I thought to myself 'There is a reason I'm not a nurse.' And then I laughed, besides the needles, I think that I do almost everything a nurse does! Clean up pee and poo, check temperatures, administer meds, change bedding, etc. Anyway...then she had a BM on the potty! Yay! But wait...another accident not long after. What is it with this tinkle??? Good news-she hates having accidents. It makes her cry. Now here is what I really lose sleep over: Going out in public. How do you get a kid that has to go potty RIGHT NOW to a potty? Do I hold her and run, risking getting peed on, or let her run with me and risk her just going all over? If we make it to the potty, what about the seat? I don't sit on public pottys, and my kids won't either. I've heard of these little potty seat liners for kids. Probably going to have to invest in a few of those :) Well, all problems are solvable. I just have to do it! Wish me luck. P.S. Any advice is welcome!

Bristol went tinkle on the potty!

Now for the fun part...

keeping her princess panty's dry.

It's Finally Here

"May we declare ourselves to be more

fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ,

not in word only and not only in the flush

of comfortable times but in deed and in

courage and in faith, including when the path

is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

General Conference for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints

begins tomorrow. I am so excited. I have always loved watching conference.

There is something comforting about watching our latter day Prophet of God

and those others who teach of Christ instruct ME on those things that I need

to do better. I love it. It is so uplifting, edifying, and comforting.

I hope you can watch!

Well, hello spring. How you been?

Good to see you my old friend.

Thank you spring for making your debut.

Three hours of playtime outside with the kids

was much needed. Please stay!

P.S. Don't you LOVE Lady A.?

You Know You're a Parent When...

You Know You Are A Parent When

• You can fall asleep anywhere, doing anything...as pictured
• You find infant socks in between your sheets
• Your Mr. says to you "I'm going to put on my jammies."
• You forget to go to the bathroom
  

What are your funny moments?

1 Month

Isn't he handsome? One month old today!

I can't believe it!

And what did we do to celebrate? We dealt with colic all day long...

But, I love you!

And watch out little leadies, his rear looks pretty

dang cute in those wrangler jeans!

Bristol's 2nd Birthday

Bristol had a fantastic birthday. Granted...I got home from a church activity a little late which made for a late party, but it was a lot of fun.

She is such a girl! Her new bracelet, purse, shirt, and vaccuum. So cute!

She was absolutely spoiled rotten. New outfits, tons of new toys, and a even a new potty

that will hopefully get used soon! The automatic bubble machine was sure

a hit. She didn't want to go to bed at all with that thing around!

NOW...DON'T LAUGH. PLEASE.

OK. Now you can laugh. YES, Mickey was out in the sun a little too much before the party.

But hey, give me a break. My very first attempt at a decorative cake.

Bristol loved it and it tasted really good, so I don't care...ok maybe a little.

I just don't quite have the patience or time for cake decorating. I want to

be good at it, but just don't have what it takes. I frosted Mickey in 20 minutes.

Now you're thinking I'm pretty good eh? I know...I'll take orders later.

NOT!

Bristol was so funny. Before we could even start singing she had bent

over and stuck her face in the cake. Haha! And then she pulled out the

candles to lick them. Where do kids learn to do this?

It was a GREAT birthday. I love my little 2 year old to pieces.

Her world has been turned up side down, and she has been

such a trooper through it all. It was a great day of giving all of

my attention to her.

Frustrations

I love technology, but at the same time I hate it. As previously posted, I've decided to go private. It is so bitter sweet, and maybe this is more hormones taking in effect than my normal thoughts, but it's a tough transition! I love knowing that people out there are reading my blog and keeping up with our latest and greatest, but I hate knowing that some people might miss out because they won't/can't sign up with google to read it. SO, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE message me your e-mail and I'll make sure to invite you! I really don't want anyone to miss out!

P.S. Once it's private I'll delete all e-mails left on the blog/facebook so others can't get 'em. Or just privately message me on FB or e-mail and all is safe! Thanks!

Going Private!?

Ok, the time has come. I think I might actually do it. GO PRIVATE. Not sure, it may be a while yet, but if you would like to keep reading send me your e-mail!

Thanks

P.S. Wanna know why? Have you ever checked your "stats" page on dashboard? It can tell you who reads your blog. I don't know about you, but I don't know anybody in these places that have looked at my blog.

Netherlands

Australia

France

Germany

Russia

Spain

WOW. Who are these people? And multiple page views too. Yikes!

He's a Big Boy

Tytan had his "2" week checkup today...even though he's actually 3 weeks. But here are his stats.

11 lbs 8 oz : 96th percentile

23 inches : 96th percentile

head circumference : 100th percentile

Still can't believe that this big guy fit in me. I don't know where or how. Poor thing was probably just cramped the whole time. I love him though!

March 16, 2011 Bristol is TWO!

My dear little girl is two years old! (I know, I'm a day late. But yesterday was CRAZY!) I can't believe how fast two years has gone by. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday, and yet here we are. People have always told me that time flies by more quickly as you get older, but now is just when I would like it to slow down.

Words can't really do justice to express the love I have for my little girl. I love Love LOVE her. She makes me laugh, smile, cry (sometimes), which is just the way life should be. As she learns and grows, I learn and grow with her. My life just wouldn't be the same without her. I love you Bris!

Cutie Patootie Hats

Without permission from my good friend, lets call her Miss A,

I'm advertising her hats!

She is soooo good at making them!

(and she doesn't use patterns) WOW!

Here is Tytan in his Owl hat. SO adorable.

Remember this picture? She also made Bristol's hat!

SO, I've told Miss A before that she needs to sell them.

I think that she could make a pretty penny!

What do you think?

Introducing: TYTAN JEFFREY STEVENS

Here he his. My little man!

The story of his entrance into this world is quite lengthy...lucky for you I don't have time to write the whole thing here, so I'll give you the most important details in a sweet and condensed version!

*7:30 AM check in to the hospital

*8:30 ish start pictocin...low dose so as not

to cause uterin rupture

(only 1% chance)

*8:45 Dr. O. breaks water

*9:30 most wanted man on labor and

delivery floor enters...the man

with the epidural needle!

*10:00 in the most EXRUCIATING

abdominal pain EVER. Everyone

thinks epidural not working

*5:00 PM Dr. O is informed and comes

rushing upstairs. His words

"C-Section...uterin rupturing"

*5:15 enter operating room...4 of

the 5 layers of uterus had been

torn apart, last layer paper thin

with holes in it (please say ouch

out loud for my sake...it hurt BAD)

*5:48 PM Tytan Jeffrey Stevens born

9lbs 15 oz (1 oz shy of 10 lbs) 21 1/2 inches long

Minutes after Tytan was born. And while he lay there he was smacking his lips the whole time!

Dr.'s nicknamed him "Bubba" in the O.R. because he was so big.

His feet barely fit on the paper!



Still hungry a few hours after birth. (He had already eaten once!)


First time home! Bristol loved him!

I could list a lot of things that upset me about the whole situation, but I won't. It is unbelievable that I'm the 1%, and I don't think about the alternative. However, I feel extremely blessed. I am recovering well, and I have a healthy baby boy! I am so grateful that my husband was there to hold my hand during the operation, that my mom was there to help me through the long "labor," and that I still have somewhat of a uterus!!!

The Verdict

Not to bore you, BUT...

Today at the Dr.'s office my blood pressure was high. SO Dr. O. said that "it's time for the baby to come out." He doesn't work Wednesdays, so I'm being induced on Thursday morning! (Who ever has their baby on their due date?) I know I know, you're not supposed to be induced after having a C-Section. However, I am one of the lucky few that had a C-Section because of a breached baby, and not another medical problem, so my chances of having a problem being induced are extremely slim. AND on top of that, he is going to give me pitocin at a really low level, lower than normal and monitor me very closely. I am just excited to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

Now for my TO DO list before Thursday morning:

• laundry
• make sure my packed bag still has all of the essentials
• re-charge camera/video camera
• take it easy!!!!

Wish me luck!