Jonah: 2 Months

Jonah’s second month started off with Nana leaving to go back to Utah.  :(  It was so great to have her here!  

Jonah and I also went to church for the first time on May 26.  Everyone adored him and could not stop staring at him and talking to him!  One lady said, “He looks so wise!”  I agree - especially being so new from Heaven, it makes you wonder if the veil is still thin for them.

We drove down to North Carolina to spend Memorial Day with the Bethers.  I’ll admit, I was worried.  Jonah had never stayed the night at someone else’s house, and I was worried the change in environment would be difficult for him.  I’m happy to say it went really well!  Since I had to feed him every 2 hours, I wasn’t able to do as much with the kids as I would have liked, but that’s ok.  We went to their neighbor’s pool party and brought a ginormous pasta salad that Wendy made before she left.  Jonah slept the entire party and we stayed in the shade the whole time.  Jordan and I discovered that making road trips with a baby takes twice as long - if they’re hungry, you have to stop and feed them; if they have a poopy diaper, you have to stop and change them.  Good to know for planning for the future!  

I ended up having to take another round of fluconazole for that dang yeast infection.  Very happily though, it didn’t give either me or Jonah tummy troubles!  Yay!  It also cleared up the infection, which made for a very happy momma!

May 29 was the first time Jonah went 7 hours between feedings at night!  I was so full of milk that I had to pump and got SIX ounces out of one side!  I was shocked.  He slept so much because the little stinker decided not to nap at all the day before!

May 30 was mine and Jordan’s fourth anniversary!  We went to see Iron Man 3 during the afternoon with Jonah.  He did great, only had to eat once and didn’t cry.  The loud noises made him jump though!  That evening, he got his first non-family babysitter, our good friend from the branch Haley Donaldson.  She watched him while we went to dinner!  It was so nice.  

Jonah hit his 1 month growth spurt at the end of May, and was eating every hour and a half!  He would sleep really well at night though.  His nighttime feedings were very consistent - 1, 4, and 7!  He also started being consistently fussy around 6 PM, and cluster feeding until bedtime.

Jonah has pulled off some amazing feats when it comes to his diaper.  I’m not even joking - somehow he has managed to pee on both me and Jordan with the diaper on.  But when I go to take the diaper off, it is dry and his clothes are dry!!  How in the world...I’ll never know.  Another time he peed on me FIVE times in a row!!  Every time I would go to put a new diaper on, he would pee on me!  He just kept laughing, and I kept laughing too - it was SO funny!

We noticed the beginning of an umbilical hernia in the start of June.  I told the doctor about it and they said it could wait until his next appointment.  Usually hernias disappear by themselves and aren’t an issue until 3-4 years old.  

In the middle of the month, Jonah began projectile vomiting a few times a day, as well as spitting up ALL DAY long!  I was so worried.  In addition to this, he was super fussy, eating every hour, and had a temperature of 99.2.  I took him to the doctor and she said I was feeding him too much!  They weighed him at the doctor and he weighed 11 pounds!!!  I was so shocked.  He had gone from 25th percentile to 75th percentile in a few weeks!  Wow.  So they said to feed him no more than every 2 hours and use the binkie more.  This REALLY concerned me though.  Everything that I had learned, read, and was told by nurses and lactation consultants was to feed on demand!  So I called the lactation consultant and told her the situation as well.  She suggested feeding from only one side each time and if he gets hungry again in the space of an hour, feed from that same side.  Then switch to the other side at the next feeding.  It’s called “block feeding.”  

At his doctor’s appointment on June 14, Jonah’s stats were: 11 pounds 3 ounces, head circumference 37 cm, and 23 inches long!  He also got his immunizations that day and was not happy about it at all.  I felt so horrible for him.  His little legs where he got shot were red and swollen.  Every time he would kick his legs he would scream and cry.  :’(  It was so heartbreaking!  He also had a low grade temperature of 99.8.  I called the doctor and they said I could give him baby Motrin, which really helped him.  

We celebrated Jordan’s first Fathers Day on June 16!  We gave him a nice card and a photo book with lots of pictures from Jonah’s birth onward.  

Every time Jonah eats now he grabs onto my shirt so tightly.  I love it!

We went to my co-workers baby shower on June 19 and everyone LOVED Jonah!  He was such a little stud, smiling at my co-workers!  It was so fun.  

We also went up to Girls Camp on June 21.  It was great!  Jonah was so good, he hardly cried at all.  It was super hot though, so I fed him frequently so he wouldn’t get dehydrated.  The Young Women are obsessed with him.  It’s so cute! :)

On Jonah’s 2 month birthday, he and I went to Virginia Beach and just played in the water, read, and took naps.  He had a good time looking at the underside of the umbrella, but did not like the water one bit!  It was really cold for him.  When I put his little toes in, he jerked his feet back and screamed.  Other than that though, it was great!

The Second Trimester and Beyond

On December 20, I had an OB appointment.  The doctor asked if I wanted to know what the sex was and of course I said yes (even though Jordan wasn't able to make it to that appointment)!  So he began the ultrasound and then went over the genital area...and it was pretty obvious!  I just sat there looking at it, and Dr. Mead said, "So...what do you think that is?"  I began laughing because it was a boy!!  Here we had been, expecting a girl, because of the previous appointment, and we were having a boy!  I am SO excited.  I tried calling Jordan but ended up having to tell him when he got home from school that day.  He couldn't believe it either.  We were SO excited to tell our families on Christmas!  

We attended a breastfeeding basics class that evening.  I learned so much!  Needless to say, although it was informational, Jordan decidedly told me he doesn't like classes.  So we have found other methods to educate ourselves, like reading, watching movies, and discussing what we've learned together.  I'm also really excited because there is a lactation center that is owned by the company I work for, and I get big discounts there for renting a pump :)  

We were able to fly out to Utah on Christmas Eve.  I stayed for four days and Jordan stayed for a little over a week (lucky ducky!).  I made sure to wear compression stockings, drink tons of water, and get up and walk frequently on our flights.  We had such a great time with our families!  Christmas morning was spent with Jordan's family and eating delicious waffles.  Below are the superhero shirts we made for the boys.  

We then drove to the Cuthbert grandparents and spent the afternoon and evening there.  My favorite part of the trip was announcing to our families the sex of the baby.  I had bought some adorable onesies and wrapped them along with dinner mints that said "It's a Boy!"  I can't put the videos on here, but you can see them on my Facebook.  Jordan (brother) was able to skype us from Argentina for his last Christmas on the mission!  It was amazing seeing him, even though his face was green from the camera, haha.  The next day I was able to see my friends from Westminster!  It was so great.  The last day I was there we saw Les Mis with my family and had a Christmas party with the Lassigs.  It was so fun!  Apparently Buppi has a "gift" of being able to guess the sex of a baby by looking into the pregnant woman's eyes.  I made him guess and he was wrong, but that's ok :)  

On the last day of our vacation, Jordan was finally able to feel our sweet boy kick from the outside!  I'd been able to feel him for over a month, so I was glad Jordan finally got to feel it.  Other things that got better around 20-21 weeks were my acne (my skin was actually clear!) and my energy, which finally came back.  It was great to feel energized!  

On January 31, I had the anatomy scan which is basically a 20-25 minute long ultrasound going over every tiny part of the baby's body.  He looked so healthy!  All extremities, fingers, toes, and organs were in place!  

When Jordan came home from Utah it was apparent he got really sick while he was there...and it ended up being the flu.  :(  On the bright side, however, he got the flu during Christmas break so he could rest and recover without worrying about school.  His cough lasted about 2 weeks though.  So, lesson learned - make getting the flu shot a priority!  I got it and didn't get sick, thankfully.  

Jordan and I registered at what seemed like a ton of places - Franklin Goose, Pottery Barn Kids, Amazon, and Babies R Us.  I found a great website that compiles everything you've registered for in one place though, which is awesome!  It's called babyli.st.

We had the chance to tour the birth center at my hospital, St. Mary's in Richmond.  I already had high expectations because of the status of my hospital (Favorite Place to Have a Baby - 10 years in a row!) but was so so happy with the tour!  The labor suites are huge, and 2 of the rooms had jacuzzis.  I really hope one is available when I go into labor!  After delivery they have what is called "Magic Hour" where they basically leave you alone for an entire hour to get to know your baby.  They highly encourage breastfeeding and have tons of lactation consultants.  Lots of the staff is certified, which is great!  On the mother-infant unit, the nurse is your nurse and your baby's nurse as well!  This is HUGE and so different from any other hospital I've seen/worked at.  Usually your baby has a separate nurse in the nursery, so this is great for continuity of care and letting your baby stay in your room as much as you want.  I am SO excited to give birth at my hospital!  Plus it has a level 3 NICU, which is good if anything goes awry.  

I toured the day-care center at my work as well.  I was very impressed with that as well - clean, bright, happy kids, plenty of care-givers, and on the campus of my work.  I got on the waiting list in November and was told the list was 11-12 months long...so we will see when I get in.  My other day care plans just fell through, so I hope it turns out!  I called them recently and they said that they just increased the amount of infants they accept, so hopefully the list moves a little quicker.  There are currently 6 moms ahead of me.  

Around 24 weeks, my appetite picked up immensely for a few days!  I could not stop eating, and even had to eat in the middle of the night sometimes!  It was crazy! About the same time, I started actually seeing baby Jonah kick from the outside.  Talk about a bizarre feeling - like there's an alien inside you!  It makes me laugh so hard though to see him kick.  Sometimes he will just go crazy in there and be flipping around and my belly quivers.  So funny!

I was able to get another prenatal massage around 24 weeks as well and it was so relaxing.  I seriously fall asleep getting massages.  I remember that I asked her to focus on my hips and thighs, because they were SO sore.  All the extra weight was starting to take its toll!  

We already have the majority of the furniture for Jonah's room.  We got the dresser off Craigslist, the crib from Target, and the bookshelf from IKEA.  Jordan's mom was sweet to send us a rug that matches the colors we've picked out for the room (dark blue and bright green).  The walls are light gray and the furniture is black.  It's slowly coming together!  The last real piece of furniture I need is a glider.  I was walking around Target one day and a random lady asked me if I had gotten my stroller yet.  I hadn't and she told me to go look at the City Micro's they had on major sale.  These are a way nice brand of stroller and they were 75% off!  I had a 5% off coupon as well, so I got this brand new stroller for 80% off.  I was SO pleased with myself.  Haha!

Starting around 27 weeks (third trimester) my OB increased my appointments to every 2 weeks!  Time is ticking!  Every appointment we have just makes us more excited.  It's been great too because Jordan was on his Psych rotation so he had more time and has been able to come to every appointment.  Our baby boy is so healthy.  On February 7 the doctor did a 4D ultrasound (basically a 3D movie).  It was INCREDIBLE!!!  It was so clear and we could see our son's face!  He was rubbing his eyes and opening and closing his mouth.  It made both of us so excited to meet him!  I also had my glucose tolerance test that day and drank the orange drink...which I can honestly say wasn't that bad!  Is that gross or what?  Haha.  I passed, thankfully, so I can eat all the sugar I want.  Just kidding!

Valentine's Day was so fun!  I got Jordan a box of chocolates from Godiva.  Jordan had worked the entire day and night before, so he had been at the hospital for a whopping total of 30 HOURS!  He was  so sweet at made me chocolate covered strawberries and got me a dozen roses!  He is the best hubby ever.  We watched LOTR and ate Chipotle.  :)  

February 15-18 we went to NYC for a babymoon!  It was amazing!  It was Jordan's first time to NYC and we had such a great time.  The drive up was momentous for being insanely expensive ($60 in tolls!!?!?) and frustrations from how crazy drivers are in New York.  We finally got to our hotel around 1 AM.  We stayed at a Best Western in Brooklyn that was across the street from the subway (great hotel by the way!).  The first day we went on a river cruise of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, went to the World Trade Center memorial, ate at Katz's Delicatessen, went to the Empire State Building, and then got some authentic NY pizza down the street from our hotel while watching a movie on my computer.  The second day we slept in and then went to the Museum of Modern Art, ate at the Original Soup Man, walked through Central Park and by the NYC temple, went to the Metropolitan Art Museum, ate at a mexican food place similar to Chipotle, and then went to the Nintendo store and Times Square.  We braved the weather for sure - it was freezing the second day!  Thankfully we brought heavy coats and long socks so we didn't die of frostbite.  One of our favorite things was using the subway system - so efficient!  My legs got extra strong after walking about 3 miles per day and taking about 10 flights of stairs every time you wanted to use the subway too.  

Jordan's birthday this year was so great!  It was a relaxing Sunday.  I made lots of good food: waffles for breakfast, roast for dinner, and Chocolate Wasted cake via Pinterest and it did not disappoint!  We had friends over to share cake and had a great time.  I love you Jordan and can't believe you're 27...getting old!  ;)

March 7 (about 31 weeks) we had another appointment.  Jonah is measuring approximately 4 pounds!  He was practicing breathing like crazy and wiggling around a ton.  We also saw his sweet face and it looked like he has the chubbiest cheeks ever!!  As Jordan says, "A fat baby is a happy baby."  We just don't want him too fat.  He does have to get out at some point, haha!  At this point, the main pains I've been experiencing are left rib pain and some sciatica.  I can deal with the sciatica but the rib pain is killer.  His little body is just pressed up against my rib and it feels like it's going to pop!  My doctor didn't reassure me when I told him this - he said some women have broken ribs during pregnancy because of the pressure.  Great.  I pulled a groin muscle a few days ago as well (from walking?!) and it's gotten a little better.  I waddle like no other and it is so awkward looking and feeling!  I also get very minor contractions when I walk too fast, so I need to remind myself to take it easy and slow it down.  We did get some great news though from my OB.  Since Jordan is in his OB rotation right now, he will get experience delivering babies.  Well, we asked...and Jordan is going to deliver our baby with the doctor!!!  Ahh, so so exciting!  (Below 30 and 31 weeks)

Overall, despite my complaints, I LOVE being pregnant.  The thought that there is this life inside me that I helped create is incredible and humbling.  I already love this sweet boy so much and can't imagine him not being here.  He is so much a part of our life already.    

April Showers...

It really has been so rainy here in Richmond for the past week.  I can't believe that Salt Lake City has been warmer than us!  What?!  That doesn't make sense.  I guess it even snowed a few days ago in Pennsylvania, so the whole east coast has been having random weather.  Today is the first really nice day in a while, so I've enjoyed that.

First and foremost - Jordan and I have FINALLY finished LOST!  Ugh!  It took us a few months to get through 6 very confusing seasons.  I think I said, "What?  That doesn't make sense!" at lease once every episode.  It was entertaining coming up with our own conclusions to the whole story.  We especially liked how one entire season revolved around pushing a button.  Oh, and how another season revolved entirely around whether they were all dead or not.  It was great.

April 16 was tax day, and I was so extremely grateful that we got our taxes done in January!  What an awesome feeling of non-procrastination.  I've had to file an extension almost every year, but not this year. Woo-hoo!  Here's hoping next year will go just as smoothly!

Jordan had an exam for his Foundations in Clinical Medicine (FCM) on April 16 and did awesome.  He had to get a history and physical on two people and then write up a note on one of them.  We had practiced together, and I think that helped.

We had FHE with Alan and Lyanna on April 16 as well, and talked about the First Presidency message for this month, ate some delicious ice cream (Waffle Cone and Salted Caramel Pretzel - um yum!), and played Sequence.  Such a fun game!

I bought tickets on Groupon for super cheap admission to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum here in Richmond, which we went to see on April 17.  It was fascinating.  He lived a very interesting life, and although the museum was small, we really enjoyed it.

On April 19, Jordan went to court to fight his speeding ticket that he got the day after his birthday - boo!  :(  Amazingly, the judge somehow didn't see that Jordan had a previous ticket, and let him off easy.  All Jordan has to do is go to traffic school, and we pay the court fees.  Yay for nice judges!

This past weekend was my weekend off.  We weren't able to do much because Jordan was studying for his Musculoskeletal Exam on Tuesday, plus it rained all weekend.  But we did go play in a nearby park and then go out to Cheesecake Factory on Saturday!

And speaking of exams, Jordan did great on the MSK exam.  Woo!  He has another exam next Monday for FCM, and the Neurology exam the week after that!  Sheesh!  Then it's going to be what the M2's lovingly call "Crunch Month," which is where they study an entire month (heck, he's been studying all year) for the Step 1 Exam.  The Step 1 is the most important test at this point, because his score will help determine which residencies he may get.  So I'm trying to be a good wife - keep the house clean, do laundry, make dinner, and bring home the bacon.  The month after Step 1 will be a good one, let me tell ya!

Major Catch Up Time!

I've not been as awesome as I should be when it comes to blogging.  You wouldn't think it, but working day shift (awesome and incredible as it is) makes me exhausted.  I am walking during the whole 8 hours, and always doing something.  I get up super early (5:10 AM?!) and go to sleep at 9:30 PM (sometimes 8 PM).  I feel like an old person.  But I'm beginning to have some semblance of a routine, which I love.  And I truly love being so busy at work.  I'm a busy natured person - it's just getting used to it!  So hence, my excuse for not blogging.  Get ready for the onslaught.

On March 23rd, Jordan and I attended the boy scout fundraiser dinner at our ward.  It was so fun.  We ate a spaghetti dinner cooked by the scouts (under the supervision of their leaders ;)), hung out with our friends from the ward, and had an auction for awesome items like a fishing trip, hair products, food, etc.

I began working by my self at work on March 26th!  I love it.  It's kindof nerve-wracking, but I enjoy being able to implement all the things I've learned throughout my career as a psych nurse into my practice.  One of my favorite things I'm able to do is groups with the patients.  I gather them all together and we either do an activity or talk about different issues.  I've done groups so far on medication management, "Stamping out the Stigma," their happy memories, how involved they are in their care, etc.  I seriously love psych, and am even considering becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (similar to a doctor) in the future.  Loving what you do is so important!

I've been growing my hair out, and as a result, some funny things have happened to me lately.  Both at the scout dinner and at work, these girls came up to me and out of the blue would say, "You know who you look like??  Alice Cullen!!!!!"  Consequently, one of my patients would call me nothing but Alice, and a young woman in our ward beams at me every time she sees me.  It's hilarious!  What do you think?

March 26th, Jordan and I were able to see The Hunger Games!!  It was awesome.  We tried out a theater in our area that is just 21 years and over, and had a great time.  They had huge semi-reclining seats, dinner, popcorn, dessert, etc.  Loved it!  And the tickets are a bit cheaper than the other theater we usually go to.

On March 30th, I had the best massage I think I've ever had in my life.  When you're so relaxed to the point of drooling, I think that's pretty dang amazing!  I've been seeing my massage therapist, Jennifer, for almost 2 years, and she is incredible.  Her website is here.

Conference was so good, as usual.  Because I worked day shift that weekend, I was only able to see the afternoon sessions, but I hope to be able to watch the morning ones soon.  My favorite quotes from them were:

"Why should you be jealous when I choose to be kind...Demeaning someone else doesn't improve your self image.  Be kind."  Jeffrey R. Holland

"Mothers and fathers - praying with children may be more important than any other example" Quentin L. Cook

Some of my favorite talks were by: Robert D. Hales, about the prodigal son; President Monson's talk Sunday morning; and the talk by Neil L. Andersen.  

Some themes I noticed: revelation, the ability to be forgiven/repentance, and priesthood responsibilities. To see, read, or hear the talks for yourself, go here.

I went out to lunch with Lyanna on April 3rd to one of my favorite restaurants here in Richmond, Can Can Brasserie.  We were able to talk for hours (SO needed with our hubbies both in medical school) and go to Target after.  So fun!

On April 4th we had the missionaries over for dinner again.  I think we feed them pretty dang often!  We had chicken with red pepper sauce and a tropical crisp that was to die for.  Such a great twist on regular apple crisp!  Here's the recipe:

Prep: 20 minutes. Bake: 30 minutes. Yield: 9 servings.

1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cubed
4 medium bananas, sliced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Topping:
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons flaked coconut, toasted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

In a large bowl, combine pineapple and bananas.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and flour; toss to coat.  Transfer to a greased 9x9 baking dish.  For topping, in a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, coconut, brown sugar, and nutmeg.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over fruit.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

On April 6th, Jordan had his Women's Health exam.  He is so glad to be done with that class!  It wasn't his favorite. ;)  Also on the 6th, Jordan got his schedule for his third year!  Third year is going to be AWESOME.  This is when what you imagine medical school is like really comes to fruition - rounding with residents and attendings, presenting on patients, assisting with everything and anything.  I'm SO excited for Jordan.  He is going to have so many cool opportunities.  This will also be one of the hardest years so far.  Jordan will be basically living at the hospital some rotations.  He will sleep there, eat there, and work there.  I know this is difficult for people who aren't going through it to understand, but because of the schedule, his time is going to be very limited.  They gave all the students a handbook, and it says...

"You made it!  Say goodbye to the lecture hall and hello to the wards.  The misery is over, and now the fun can begin...right?  Your clerkship experiences will be better than sitting in class day after day, but it has its own set of challenges.  Clerkships are a big change from daily lectures.  You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning, and you will be expected to figure many things out for yourself.  You will also find that your time is not necessarily your own, and sleep is a valued commodity.  Even on easier clerkships, a minimum of 40 hours/week at the hospital is the norm.  You can no longer "home school" whenever you feel like it.  As an M3, being 5 minutes late can lower your clerkship grade, and days off are sometimes few and far between."

But this is what we've been waiting for.  This is Jordan's chance to really get out there and learn.  One of our friends is just finishing his third year, and he even delivered a baby in one of his rotations!  How cool is that?!  If you want details about what area of the hospital Jordan will have when and when breaks are, ask him.  

Yesterday, we were able to drive up near DC and spend the afternoon with Alan and Lyanna.  We went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Chantilly and it was so cool!  I'm obsessed with space.  This museum is where they filmed the Transformers movie!  Loved it.  I'd love to go back.  We had dinner at a place called "Not Your Average Joes" and ate some delicious food and dessert!  I totally recommend the Peanut Butter Thing for dessert...ahh!

Today we had a great Easter.  We just relaxed at home and spent some time together.  In honor of Titanic coming out in 3D, Jordan downloaded it and we watched it...and it was the first time I've ever seen it!  Haha!  I obviously know everything about it, but LOVED watching it.  Such an amazing movie.  

I've been trying to develop a routine as discussed earlier.  I got this awesome app on my phone that stores daily to-do lists.  It's called Cozi and it's free.  I love free apps.  I've put all my Flylady routines on there, as well as my shopping lists and calendar!  And the great thing about it is you can share the information with other people, so Jordan has the same lists and everything on his phone!  Love it!

And last, but not least, we are trying to find a house to rent!  We've loved living in this apartment, but want a bit more space and cheaper rent.  Which is completely feasible in Richmond.  Our lease is over in July, so we'll be moving (hopefully) during Jordan's summer break.  Yay!

Time to Par-Tay!!

Last weekend was awesome. The winter ball for VCU was so fun! We ate lots of yummy food, played games like life size Operation, and danced the night away with our friends! It was great. Jordan even broke out the moves and danced with me all night long!

On the 18th, we went to the mummy exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It was amazing. We watched a 3-D movie about this particular mummy. Then we walked around a large exhibit devote to these mummies. I am fascinated my Egyptian history and absolutely lived this exhibit.

Jordan took his gastrointestinal exam on Friday and did fabulous! Best test yet. He is doing great in school and is so smart.

This week at work has been good. I've been orienting to the unit and am trying to get used to the computer charting system. There is so much to remember!!

I ended up scratching my eye a few days ago and am so bummed. I scratched it a year ago also. I am really sensitive to light and it scratches when I blink. So I came to the doctor yesterday and since it was urgent, I got the only doctor available. Turns out, there is a reason he was available...he is an awful doctor!! He was unbelievably rude. Worst bedside manner. I was dying because he was flashing a light in my eye and I had to wipe my eyes, and he kept saying, "you need to stay still, don't blink, keep your eyes open!" Well, I don't know about you, mister, but when your super photosensitive, it kills you to keep your eyes open! I literally couldn't control my eyes. He made me cry :( so I hope I never have to meet with him again.

Today is Jordan's birthday and it's been fun :). I woke him up to a hot cinnamon roll, a "birthday basket," and a decorated house. Later we are going to the best barbecue place ever, Buz and Ned's. After that we will go see Chronicle and then come home to Jordan's favorite Godiva cheesecake from cheesecake factory. Yum!!! Happy birthday honey! You're the best :)

Christmas Vacation

This past Christmas was wonderful!  We were able to enjoy being with family and friends for an entire week (and that never happens).  We flew in on the 23, and came home on the 31.

December 23:
We flew into Utah around 6:30 PM.  While waiting for Jim to pick us up at the airport, we saw Colin's (Jordan's friend) dad waiting to be picked up too!  It was hilarious.  We went to a party at Jordan's aunts house and ate good food, got presents from Santa, and caught up with everyone.  It was so funny watching the little kids sit on Santa's lap, tell him what they wanted, and then get a present out of his giant bag.  Apparently, the guy who has played Santa has been doing it since Jordan was born!  I think that's awesome.

December 24:
We went to out to breakfast with Wendy at Kneaders (yummm) and then headed down to Provo to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie with my family.  It was so good and we both highly recommend it :)

Jared having fun in outside the theater ;)

After the movie, we had a nice Christmas Eve dinner with Jordan's family.  Afterwards, we had a Christmas Program where every family did something.  Jordan and I did Christmas song duets on the piano, and it was epic.  We enjoyed watching the little boys dance, heard a story from Josie and Micah, and learned to shuffle from Matt and Lindsey!  Then we opened pajamas and took pictures.

December 25:

The morning of Christmas, we went to Allie's ward.  The ward put on a HUGE production.  It was a nice production, but over the top.  We went back to the Henderson's for waffles.  This year for the boys, I embroidered their names and framed them so they could put them in their rooms.  It was so fun watching them open their presents.  

Then we drove to Mapleton and were able to talk to Jordan on the phone, all the way in Argentina!  He sounded SO good and had a slight Argentine accent :)  He is a rockin' missionary and has had so many amazing experiences.  If you want to read along with his adventures, go to his blog here.  He and I were able to talk in Spanish (amazingly) even though I haven't spoken in Spanish for about 2 years.  He loves the mission and loves this Gospel so much.  We then went to Grandma and Grandpa Cuthbert's to have Cafe Rio style dinner and enjoy catching up.  Then we went to my parents.  

December 26:

We decided to go tubing in Soldier Hollow with my family that day.  It was so fun!  After tubing we got lunch at a cute little hamburger place.  

We were able to see the movie "We Bought a Zoo" with Jordan's family.  HIGHLY recommended!  So good, that I cried twice!  

December 27:

We got up early in the morning to go skiing at Brighton with Des, my friend from nursing school.  We had the best time!  The snow was not icy like I expected, and got much more powdery after people skied on it all day.  I wasn't feeling so hot, so we only stayed half a day, but it was still fun. 

After skiing, we all went to lunch at The Soup Kitchen, one of my and Des' favorite places.  It was great!  We then headed down to my parent's for some panini and soup, puzzle making, and a Harry Potter marathon! ;) I love HP.  

December 28:

We spent the morning playing with the little boys.  Creighton got a Wii game for Christmas and Jordan obligingly taught him and all the others how to play a video game ;)  It was so cute.  He is such a good teacher!  

Apparently they like to stick their tongues out.  After playing Wii, we built a gingerbread house.  I don't know why, but this was one of the things I HAD to do while in Utah.  The boys had a blast licking the frosting off and biting little chunks of gingerbread off the roof.  

We then got ready for TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA!!!  Woo!  It was an incredible concert, and I would love to make it a yearly tradition.  Light shows, fire, fireworks, over 5 tons of electrical equipment - wow.  All I can say is that you've got to be an amazing musician to be able to literally run while playing the violin.  These people are SO talented.  I knew there was a good reason I liked them!

The Y shaped piece in the top right corner is a stage the lifts up and down.  So cool.  

December 29:

We visited Great Grandma Wood, Grandpa Larry, and Omi and Buppi in the morning.  It was so good to see them all and visit with them!  In the afternoon, we had a massage up in Layton and then went to the Beer's family Christmas Party.  There, we had another Cafe Rio style dinner, talked, and played games with the White Elephants.  All I have to say about that is some people give some interesting white elephants.  Risque!

December 30:

We spent the morning and afternoon in Park City with my family shopping all the holiday sales.  Jordan won shopper of the day with a pair of jeans from Gap for only $15!  We had a yummy lunch at Cafe Trang as well.  We then had dinner at Chili's with Jordan's family.  That evening, we had Big Jim's New Year's Eve party (I can never remember what it's called now - I always want to call it Big Fat Jim's Party, haha)!!  Yummy food, good company, and NERTS.  This year, we performed miserably and I was not a happy camper.  I apologize to everyone for my behavior!  We still got some good prizes and learned a super strategy for next year.  

December 31:

We departed early in the morning!  It was a fabulous vacation and we are SO glad we were able to see almost everyone!  Thank you all!