lovely

Most lovely Christmas.

2010-01-13T14:41:00.020-07:00

Thanksgiving weekend, weakend.

2010-01-09T14:55:00.011-07:00

Falling for Fall.

2010-01-09T14:21:00.014-07:00

Halloweeeen and first Trick-or-Treating.

2010-01-08T14:55:00.011-07:00

I was really excited about Halloween this last year, so I spent quite a bit of time making costumes the whole month. Ava wouldn't ever tell me what she wanted to dress up as, so I had to decide what I could make before offering her ideas. We decided on a My Little Pony costume for her, specifically the one that she has (Starsong) minus the wings. Then for Stryder I just thought making him a bear costume would be cute, since we like to call him Stryder-bear and since we already had the ears that my sister Sarah had made for a teddy bear birthday party. Shawn wanted to be Professor Utonium from the Powerpuff Girls and got all his costume stuff together all by himself. He really wanted Ava to dress as a Powerpuff Girl to match him, but I had to talk him out of it since she'd never even seen the show before and also since she was already excited about being a pony. Maybe a family theme next year? And then for myself I made a voodoo doll costume. A few people that saw me thought I was a Raggedy Ann- really? I admit, I did spend a lot more time on my own costume than for the kids, but it was fun. I was excited to dress up since I had missed the previous couple of years out of laziness. Ava had a lot of fun with Trick-or-Treating. She didn't even care about the candy at all, but was mostly excited to go up to other people's porches and knock on their doors. We kept some Runts and Nerds to give the kids for a special Halloween dessert and gave the rest to our neighbors. We loved our Halloween!

Good ol' pumpkin time (last October, of course).

2010-01-08T14:38:00.011-07:00

Our first family trip.

2010-01-06T14:52:00.014-07:00

Last September we set off on a 4 hour drive with the kids to go visit my mom and family in Idaho. There was a previous post about the screaming along the way, but no photos to sum up the trip. The kids also had to sleep in the same bedroom for the first time, which added to much anxiety on my part. But all in all, it was a really good time and we loved seeing the family and farm. The kids really went wild running and swinging to their hearts content. We'll probably do it again this next summer.

Morning at Red Butte Gardens, last September.

2010-01-06T14:31:00.012-07:00

My baby girl turns 3 and has the Piggest Party, ever.

2010-01-05T15:26:00.018-07:00

This was from back in August, 2009. We planned her party to be at the little park by our house, but woke up early to thunder. We waited a couple hours to see if the rain would clear up and then decided to move the party indoors to our tiny apartment. After the party started, the rain cleared and it was a really beautiful day outside but we had to carry out the pig party inside.

The last year, our little Ava has grown and grown. She had to learn how to go from being the only child to being a sweet, helpful, and caring big sister. She is still learning about playing with other kids besides her brother and discovering that having friends to play with can be fun. Ava still has the most photographic memory of anyone I know. She'll talk about things that happened a year and a half ago and can memorize any song or book to a T, then pull it out of her head months later. She's super hilarious and makes me laugh every day with the cute, witty things she says and does. I'm really looking forward to watching her figure out the world we live in and see how she interprets what she sees, but also very sad to see the sweet, sensitive baby that she was turning into a big girl right before my eyes. This was a really fun party, and it was so cute to see her actually excited about all her family and friends and all the pig stuff.

Hot fun in the summertime.

2010-01-05T15:02:00.017-07:00

Stryder's 1st birthday party -aka- Hatty Birthday.

2010-01-05T14:26:00.023-07:00

As promised, only 6 months late (these were from July, 2009). Thanks to everyone who made this a great party. We all had a ton of fun that day, especially the birthday boy.

Neglected.

2010-01-05T14:19:00.004-07:00

I have let the big events go undocumented here for about 6 months. Knowing that I have to go back and catch up is making it an even more daunting task. But it seems today is as good a day as any. Hopefully, after I get back on track I will keep posting more frequently. It's not really a New Year's resolution, per se, just something that's been nagging at me forever. So, here's to starting fresh.

Oh, Halloween time, how I love thee.

2009-10-29T17:16:00.001-06:00

Just went to a little costume party last night at my sister Dana's house. This is me as a voodoo doll and her as a raven. Just a tiny glimpse, that is. I love having an excuse to dress up!

Sharing is caring.

2009-10-24T15:12:00.001-06:00

This picture could have been taken right out of a Precious Moments calendar..

Skunk face.

2009-10-24T14:59:00.001-06:00

To show his disapproval at various situations, this guy started to do this ridiculous scream where he sticks out his tongue a little bit curled. It looks just like this face our cat Skunkbelly used to make when she smelled another cat's pee. Endearing, isn't it?

Trying out some Halloween looks.

2009-10-13T13:33:00.001-06:00

This is the stuff that makes having kids so awesome.

What a little softy.

2009-10-12T14:06:00.001-06:00

The boy is just happy and content in his element.

Headed to Idaho.

2009-09-23T23:46:00.001-06:00

On our first long drive with the kids. Ava kept insisting that she would not like to fall asleep in the car, but it turns out she dozed off while Stryder was screaming. Hope they can stay this way for a while.

After 45 minutes of screaming...

2009-09-23T22:41:00.001-06:00

Finally we can take the earplugs, fingers and waded up bank receipts out of our ears.

Wii think she's adorable.

2009-07-14T21:49:00.000-06:00

Is there anyone in the world who's this clever and cute and nerdy, all at the same time? I think not.

Stryder is 1 year old!

2009-07-13T15:15:00.010-06:00

This little guy has been quite a handful this first year, to say the least. But he's also made my heart and our family full, as well. I'm so glad to be a mommy to one as sweet as he. I love seeing him play with his big sister, and seeing them make each other laugh. He has surprised us by walking and talking earlier than we thought, and it's so cute to see him toddle around the house. These are photos from yesterday. He opened presents from us and Gramma Jo, and played with a birthday cake after dinner. We are still planning on having a birthday party for him next weekend for family and friends. Photos of that to come, later.

Fun on the 4th.

2009-07-11T23:53:00.001-06:00

Lucky we hired this expert sparkler lighter. How cute is he?

Pretty in pink.

2009-07-11T23:32:00.000-06:00

He fussed and cried until we let him wear Ava's visor. Then he turned into this soft, happy angel.

Baby bumble bee.

2009-07-11T23:27:00.000-06:00

We found it laying dead on the steps. Sad, but neat to get to hold..

Bad example, Uncle Chris!

2009-07-11T23:25:00.000-06:00

I guess everyone has one of those uncles who goes ahead and does the opposite of what their parents are trying to get across to them. Chris!

Sparkle Farkle.

2009-07-11T23:19:00.001-06:00

Even though it was well past their bedtime, the sun was still shining away when we did fireworks with the babies. They were mesmerized, none the less. We're so lucky to get to hang out with Aunt Kellie for the holiday! Good times.

Car seat love.

2009-06-25T13:19:00.001-06:00

I love this! We have been waiting for so long to let Stryder sit facing forward and then for the car seat to show up in the mail. It was all worth the wait, though. You can just feel the love in the air.

Sick and tired.

2009-06-18T17:39:00.001-06:00

He's been teething and picked up Roseola, I'm thinking from storytime at the library. That means he has had a high fever for days and then broke out in a sad bumpy rash all over. He usually fights sleep but just couldn't manage the energy, I guess. It's been a hard couple of weeks- I mean year.

11 months old, today!

2009-06-12T21:11:00.001-06:00

He just started really walking this last week. Ava is so excited about it. Every time she sees him doing it she yells out, "he's walking!" He tries to say a lot of things, but his new favorite thing to say is "roll-roll-roll-BALL!" -Like row, row, row your boat. He got this from a toy ball that sings it that way. It's really cute how he tries to use it like he's having a conversation with us. He also says cat, pump (isn't that sweet), toe, pup, touch, that, puff, nah-nuh (banana), and babe. He also is very good with animal sounds. His favorites are monkey and dog sounds. His favorite foods at the moment are bananas, peaches, plain soy yogurt, and raisins- all sweet things, of course. I'm so thrilled that he's finally almost a 1 year old and able to do most of the big boy things he's been wanting to do and able to play and laugh with his big sister. He's working on getting his 5th and 6th teeth- ouch! He's turning into such a sweetheart and we love him more, with every day.

In love with a water balloon.

2009-06-03T15:36:00.002-06:00

She refused to throw it because, she said, "it's too cute to throw."

It starts out pretty typical.

2009-05-20T15:18:00.001-06:00

Just your everyday cute baby learning to use his little sniffer.

I gave my love a rose.

2009-05-20T15:15:00.001-06:00

I totally forgot that I took these photos, yesterday, after a walk with the kids. Then I thought to look at them right before bed- big mistake. Shawn and I were rolling around, laughing so hard. It was a little hard to settle down and fall asleep.

He won't stop!

2009-05-20T15:07:00.001-06:00

It almost looks like he's screaming, but he's actually pretty happy at this moment. What a funny kid.

It just keeps getting better.

2009-05-20T15:00:00.001-06:00

Every time I say "smell" or "nose" he goes right back into this face.

I saved the best for last.

2009-05-20T14:51:00.001-06:00

I cannot stop laughing with tears, when I look at this one! His new top teeth make this face even crazier.

Everybody loves the sunshine.

2009-05-17T21:35:00.001-06:00

Taking a quick stroll around the block before naptime. I am pretty convinced that I have the two cutest kids there ever was. Sun shining on their round, smiling cheeks is one of the best things in life. Still loving springtime!

What's in there?

2009-05-07T14:40:00.001-06:00

. . .

A bird with an injured wing.

2009-05-07T14:39:00.001-06:00

We found it in our front yard and are trying to feed and care for it until we find somewhere safe to let it go. It's taking a nap with its head tucked back in its wings.

Hats off to my cute boy.

2009-05-07T14:31:00.001-06:00

He actually keeps his hats on pretty good and likes to say "hat". I think he knows he looks like Daddy with it on. That's mah boy!

Ew.

2009-05-07T14:25:00.001-06:00

Pasta time! What a good eater.

Wagon riding.

2009-05-07T14:23:00.001-06:00

Taking a stroll with Grama Jo. I'm really loving our new 2-seater wagon. The kids are crazy about it, too. The best part is that they are so well-behaved when we take them for a walk in it. Peace and quiet... awesome.

Big bowl of cuteness.

2009-04-28T15:13:00.001-06:00

Ava calls this thing the "spinnin' bowl". Stryder is starting to really enjoy the playground.

Play buddies.

2009-04-28T15:04:00.001-06:00

I'm still amazed that these kids are this big. It's been fun to see Ava's friend Cyrus grow along with her. They are so cute together, playing side by side.

Grandma and Stryder-bear.

2009-04-15T11:50:00.001-06:00

Jo's been patiently waiting for months for Stryder to let her hold him. Finally, we have been able to bribe him with a book. Ava was the same way, for a while. Soon he will discover that Grama Jo is one of his favorite people, and lots of fun. I can't wait.

Cute little shoes.

2009-04-15T11:44:00.001-06:00

I just couldn't resist taking a picture. Grama Jo gave these to him way back at Christmas-time. Thanks again, Jo.

Peek-a-boo.

2009-04-15T11:40:00.001-06:00

I'm constantly amazed at how smart my little babies are. So far Stryder can say: Mommm/Mamma, Dadda, Ava (Ah-vuh), I did it!, toot, tag, buh-bye, and good. And he can sign 'no' and 'milk'. He could probably do more, except that I haven't taught him any others yet. I guess I better get on top of that.

Big girl swing.

2009-04-15T11:29:00.001-06:00

She's finally learning to love swinging in a regular swing instead of just the baby one.

Teeter-totter or see-saw.

2009-04-08T11:15:00.001-06:00

I still can't ever decide what to call it. I grew up saying teeter-totter, but something tells me that could just be some more Utah/Idaho slang. I guess it doesn't matter much now that they're pretty much extinct. Just look at that glee-face she's making! How could anyone want to keep thier kids from that?

Swinging together.

2009-04-08T11:08:00.001-06:00

This is my favorite thing about Stryder getting bigger. Now he can do fun things with his big sister!

First baby swing.

2009-04-08T11:05:00.001-06:00

It looks like it's a hit.

Meow meow beautiful.

2009-04-06T10:26:00.001-06:00

Daffodil time!

Spring chicks just hatched.

2009-04-06T10:22:00.001-06:00

They get really quiet when we go out, in awe of everything there is to see and hear. It seems like opposite of most kids when released into the open.

So wild!

2009-04-03T21:31:00.001-06:00

That's ma boy.

Just learned to clap!

2009-04-03T21:29:00.002-06:00

We are so excited about this new feat 'cause he's been longing to do it for so long. Now he can pattycake! Shawn and I were busy talking to each other when I heard Ava say "Stryder is clapping his hands!" I look over and see him smacking his little round fingers together. I think it's so cute that she was the first one to notice him clapping.

Another first.

2009-04-01T13:35:00.001-06:00

First ever parted-in-the-middle hairdo. One side stayed a little puffy with resistance to being parted opposite, but still darling.

First french braids.

2009-04-01T13:29:00.001-06:00

Probably won't be doing these very often, but we had some time to kill while Stry. took a late nap. I think they're cute but also kinda "plig", if you know what I mean.

A rarity.

2009-03-31T18:40:00.002-06:00

The boy took to falling asleep with his bottle last week, but it was short lived. We hardly ever get to see his sleeping face 'cause it's usually in the dark bedroom when he finally drops off, after screaming on my shoulder. I personally prefer the bottle to sleep method, but I guess he disagrees.

Double sliding.

2009-03-21T13:18:00.001-06:00

Pretty much double everything these days. We even got a double stroller just a couple of days ago. Doubly happy about that.

Hooray for spring!

2009-03-21T13:16:00.001-06:00

Ahh, the first swing of spring. We are all feeling so much happier with the warm sunshine.

He loves to snuggle in a fuzzy blanket.

2009-03-18T12:44:00.002-06:00

Loving the open door.

2009-03-18T12:42:00.002-06:00

Already pulling himself up to stand.

2009-02-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

His favorite place to practice is right in between a bookshelf and a table, using a stack of records to pull up. I can't stand watching. It's so nerve racking! And already so sneaky too! The babe is only 7 1/2 months old. Sneaky little stinker!

Happy Valentine's Day.

2009-02-14T16:19:00.003-07:00

She folded the laundry for me.

2009-02-03T17:48:00.001-07:00

You probably can't tell, but everything is sorted in perfect little piles. She did this all while I was in the kitchen feeding the baby. I could hear her happily singing along to Raffi, the whole time.

Doing dishes, I turn around to see this-

2009-01-31T14:13:00.001-07:00

She's pumping with aspirators! (nose bulbs) So inventive.

Goodbye gummy smile.

2009-01-31T13:24:00.001-07:00

Stryder's first two baby teeth are coming through! As much as I looove that gummy smile, it's always surprising how the more teeth come in- the cuter the smile. Maybe now the kid can be happy more than once in a while.

Watching inauguration of Barack Obama.

2009-01-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hooray! 6 months old today!

2009-01-12T14:02:00.001-07:00

I'm so thrilled that Stryder is getting to be a big boy now. He still is really in touch with his wild and screaming side. But now he can play with his sister and laugh and make the cute scrunchy face! We love you Stryder-bear!

A kitty-cat sticker!

2008-11-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

I've been using these as incentive for Ava to take a nap. We call it a "special surprise", usually because I don't really have an idea what it's going to be either. Anything kitty-cat related has been working out pretty well, lately.

Lots of tummy time.

2008-11-25T13:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Stryder rolled-over four times in the same direction, until he was off of the "tummy time" blanket. I guess this means he's officially on the move!

Four months old.

2008-11-19T10:31:00.001-07:00

We have been waiting for this age forever cause we thought all our issues with colic and screaming would be over. I guess that isn't so. Everything seems harder than ever, now. Something has got to give here soon or we'll all be in the loony bin! Isn't he cute though?

My little teddy bear.

2008-11-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my sister Sarah for making these adorable ears for Abe's teddy bear picnic birthday party, a while ago.

Another hair picture.

2008-11-01T09:33:00.001-06:00

I put Ava's hair in these little loops for under her kitty cat costume hood. I just couldn't keep myself from taking a photo.

"A panty hat!"

2008-10-30T15:41:00.001-06:00

A little obsessive-compulsive?

2008-10-30T09:53:00.001-06:00

If you've ever hung around Ava for a day, you know how passionate she is about lining things up.

Loving the yard full of leaves.

2008-10-30T09:49:00.001-06:00

Trike ridin'.

2008-10-30T09:47:00.001-06:00

Calming the baby with trees.

2008-10-30T09:40:00.001-06:00

Balancing act with frog and watermelon.

2008-10-09T10:46:00.001-06:00

Chasing Daddy.

2008-09-28T10:33:00.001-06:00

Adventure.

2008-09-28T10:30:00.000-06:00

I don't know why, but every time Ava gets on this yellow thing she refers to it as "adventure" and talks about having adventure.

Cuddling with Bambi.

2008-09-28T10:26:00.001-06:00

So much for this photo shoot.

2008-09-26T14:46:00.000-06:00

Ava starts bawling and then when Stryder started to cry too, Ava tried to push him off of her lap- which freaked me out. Then, with both of them screaming, we go in the house and Ava has her first-ever bloody nose. Typical day.

A new milestone!

2008-09-26T14:21:00.001-06:00

Today, I heard Stryder laugh for the first time! There have been a few little munchkin-sounding giggles, but this was his first true laugh. I can't wait to hear more!

Hold still for a second!

2008-09-14T21:32:00.000-06:00

Trying to get some photos of Ava in her kimono at dusk without a flash. This proved to be a little challenging.

Braids!

2008-09-10T20:40:00.001-06:00

I can't believe my baby girl is this big, already.

Coo-ing at Mommy.

2008-09-10T17:38:00.001-06:00

It's so nice that we get some smiles from our boy, sometimes. It makes all the stress and hard times worth it.

Stryder is 8 weeks old!

2008-09-10T17:27:00.001-06:00

He's 14 pounds and 10 ounces, already. What a chunk-o! Okay, I totally planted this toy in his hand, but he took right to it. It's nice to think this colic-phase might be half over. Whew! I hope the next 8 weeks can go by fast for us.

More smiles from Stryder-man.

2008-08-14T10:51:00.001-06:00

Twinners.

2008-08-14T10:43:00.001-06:00

Gramma Jo and her Seattle girls gave them these cute matching shirts. They are a picture of Pike Place Market, and they are awesome!

Adorable.

2008-08-13T13:00:00.001-06:00

Ava and her little boyfriend, Cyrus went for a morning walk holding hands. They went a few blocks 'til she got stuck in some vines and started crying. It was good while it lasted.

Baby wearing.

2008-08-11T21:43:00.002-06:00

This is pretty much my day here. Trying to make sure Stryder gets some kind of a nap during the day, I have resorted to carrying him almost all of the time. It can get pretty crazy trying to do things with Ava around the house, like lifting her into her crib. Someday we will get both of these kids to sleep "normal". Maybe then Shawn and I will go on a sleep vacation.

Gramma Jo has the magic touch.

2008-08-11T21:28:00.004-06:00

How does she do it? It seems that we've got another sleep-less baby on our hands. But for some reason he can just pass right out when Jo gets a hold of him.

First photo of his big smile.

2008-08-09T20:14:00.001-06:00

Yep. We make cute kids, alright.

Loving the rain.

2008-08-09T18:04:00.000-06:00

Sweet big sister, Ava.

2008-08-09T17:58:00.001-06:00

My guys.

2008-08-09T17:22:00.001-06:00

It's fun to see Shawn as a new Daddy all over again. He's so loving and sweet. Wanna kiss 'em both right now!

New baby Stryder.

2008-08-09T17:21:00.001-06:00

Just a couple of days old here and still a puffy little pudgey guy.

Here's our boy!

2008-08-09T14:14:00.003-06:00

Stryder T. Murphy was born on July 12th, 2008. Our little family is more complete and our hearts are fuller, a whopping 9 pounds and 14 ounces fuller! We labored with him for about a day and a half (half the labor of Ava's), and greeted him into our arms at 10:39 pm. He was born posterior (sunny-side up), in the water with no complications. We were able to see his sweet little face as he was coming out! We were only at the Birthing Center for 2 hours before he was born. He pretty much screamed like this the second he came out until we left for home 5 hours later. I was so pleased that Shawn was at my side for every minute and was pretty much my doula. He kept me very focused and relaxed resulting in a stress-free and virtually pain-free labor. My sister Kendra was there to act as my doula, but was left without someone to watch her little Sky-boy. She was still able to be a very loving and welcome support and also our photographer. All the thanks in the world to Gramma Jo for watching our little Ava during the labor and while we were away. An all around perfect and sweet experience.

Four weeks ago...

2008-08-09T14:06:00.002-06:00

Shawn took this picture of me just an hour and a half before giving birth to our second child. We've been pretty busy with 2 little ones, so I finally have a good reason for my lack of posting.

Nursing a Badtz Maru pillow.

2008-07-31T17:19:00.001-06:00

That's what she said she was doing. Then she said "just a minute", like that is what you say when you're busy nursing a Badtz Maru.