The Blur of a Holiday.

This year, I felt like Christmas snuck up on me and then in a blurry whirlwind, it was over. Before I knew it, it was Christmas night and the typical Christmas night blues sunk it. I always feel so let down Christmas night. The whole month is full of celebration and excitement and just like that, it's over.

This year was no exception, except that I was so extremely busy that I felt like I barley even got into the Christmas spirit. Between working two jobs, being a mommy, cooking, cleaning, fixing up the house, and my calling, I didn't do a lot of the usual Christmassy stuff. I was included in the group of frantic people trying to fit in Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. I even fought the horrible crowds of Walmart. (Seriously, 45 min to get two pictures printed out? Death.) I will NEVER go to Walmart Christmas Eve again.

Amongst all the craziness of the season though, Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day were wonderful. I was so excited to have Abby to celebrate with. And even though she has yet to know who Santa is, it was still just a magical feeling through my house. I made sure everything was perfect for her.

Christmas Eve was spent eating, watching Christmas movies, wrapping gifts, and making Abby a pillowcase. My Granny was from South Africa and they had a tradition that Santa would leave his gifts in a pillowcase and the rest of the presents would go under the tree. So I made Abby this pillowcase so Santa would know where to put his gifts. I'm pretty dang proud of it too. If you know me at all, you know I am basically horrible at anything crafty. We also kept the tradition of Christmas Eve to open our PJ's.

Christmas day was a fun blur. We started out going to church. It was such a good program and really brought the spirit of the Holiday. After church we opened up our gifts (Sam spoiled me rotten) and then we were able to talk to Sam's little brother for a while. After that, we went to my moms and had the our traditional ham Christmas dinner, which I was especially looking forward to this year seeing as last year, as with most things, I got sick off it. That night we played games with my family. (I'm not a big game person, but Headbandz is super fun and has my approval)

I think that Abby really enjoyed her first Christmas. She got to dress up in a pretty red dress and play with her cousin's and open gifts. She likes her toys too...but I think that plastic sacks are her preference. (Don't worry, I took it away from her after I snapped this picture. And she was pretty upset with me.)

Can't wait for next year!

Dear Abby,

Happy 5 months baby girl! You're getting to be so much fun! Since you were born, I was most excited for this stage. And even though you were basically sick your whole 4th month with croup then a cold, you're still a very happy baby!

At 5 months, you jabber a lot. You're also starting to giggle and those two sounds are the cutest sounds in the world! Daddy and I can't get enough of them. You are also interacting with us so much. You follow us around as we walk, and you get so excited to see us when we get you from your crib! You still love getting your diaper changed. In fact, that is what has makes you giggle the most, when your feet hit your face. (well that and mommy dancing to Baby) You are starting to love your toys more and you can sit up by yourself for a few seconds. You also love eating your rice cereal and still get upset in tummy time.

Thanks for being a cute daughter Abbigale.Can't wait to spend Christmas with you this weekend! Love you!

It's Christmas Time!

Card made by Erik Bingham.

I am so excited for Christmas this year! Looking forward to watching movies and eating food with Sam and Abby tonight, and spending the day tomorrow with family! And especially excited this year for Abby's first Christmas. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!

On The Fifth Date of Christmas

My dad took Abby for the whole entire night this past Saturday and me and Sam were able to go out, just the two of us, and attended the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. It's so much harder now days to go out just us two, (as most parents know) so when we are able to, it makes it that much more exciting!

We started the night off by going to Moochies. Best. Sandwich. Place. Ever. Well...maybe not ever, but pretty darn close. We split the famous Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. It's one of those things you finish and feel sad when it's gone, it's that good. After Moochies, we headed towards the Conference Center, stopping by our second favorite Smiths on 4th south(the Avenues one being our favorite) to get some groceries for dinner the next day.

Outside of Moochies

We found really good parking spot right by our old apartment and walked over to the Conference Center. The concert was amazing as usual. (except the duck dance move...that just had to go) Nathan Gunn is now at the top of my favorite guest singers, and Jane Seymore was absolutely stunning!

Afterwards, to avoid sitting in traffic, we stopped by our 'secret' 711 in the Avenues to get slurpees. Somehow I managed to spill slurpee all over my new cream coat. Despite wiping it off when I find it, I am still finding slurpee. I'm even a mess when I don't have a snotty 5 month old with me. (literally snotty, not bratty. Poor baby girl has a cold.)

It was such a fun night, and I'm pretty sure Abby had a fun time with papa. He sure does love her!

7 more dates....5 more days till Christmas. Hm....looks like it will have to go into the week after.

On The Fourth Date of Christmas

Very blurry pic

On our Fourth Date of Christmas we just took a break from life. Things got a little stressful with the busy season, Sam finishing the semester up, and other life stresses, so Tuesday night after he got home from class we put Abby to bed and got some take out and watched Christmas Vacation cuddling close by our tree. It was a nice little spur-of-the-moment date.

Two and Three

Abby joined us on our second and third dates of Christmas.

On our Second Date of Christmas, we attended our ward party. It was weird though because the last time I ate in that gym (and if i remember right, had the same meal of ham and funeral potatoes) was for my grandmas funeral almost a year ago. The tables were even set up the same. It was really weird. Once I got over that though, we enjoyed the food and the company. Abby was asleep for the first part of it, but as soon as she woke up, she was hamming it up for all of my grandmas old friends. They all adore her and I know my grandma would have loved showing her off if she were still here today. And because Abby has my nose, which was my grandmas nose, Brother Coon from my ward calls Abby Betty instead. It works.

Our Third Date of Christmas took place tonight. After a delicious dinner of sweet and sour chicken and fried rice (which I'll blog about later) we bundled up and headed to Temple Square to see the lights: a perfect Sunday evening date. Abby again was asleep for the first part of it and woke up very grumpy, but soon enjoyed looking at the lights. Sam and I love being downtown and miss living there so much. We showed Abby all the hot-spots (well some of them anyway) including our last apartment. (she was a big part in that apartment after all.) It was such a fun night, even if I was a little over-paranoid about Abby being too cold and feeling like a terrible mom when I saw other babies in warm fuzzy body suits and Abby just had layers of clothes and lots of blankets. She did have the fuzzy warm hat though.

Sam and I were talking about being newlyweds today. We both kind of miss it. I miss it mostly because we could be disgustingly cute and nobody can say boo, because that is what newlyweds do. And our first year of marriage was totally awesome. But really, I think our third year has topped it. It's harder to just get out and go somewhere seeing as a paranoid prepared mommy has to pack everything under the sun, just in case, but Abby was the best decision we ever made.

9 more dates!

This is why I love him.

 

 Isn't he a cute daddy?

I think he is.

I'm so in love with these two.

Food, Glorious Food.

 Thanks to this cute face, I still have a bunch some baby weight to lose.

In fact, I had an interesting conversation with some Kindergartners last week. It went something like this:

Kindergartner 1: Where were you yesterday?
Me: I was home with my sick baby.
Kindergartner 1: Do you have another baby?
Me:...no
Kindergartner 1: Well your belly is big.
Me: Thank you...
Kindergartner 2: No, he's serious.
Me:....
Now this should be motivation enough to get my butt into gear right? And the fact is, I'm pretty faithful at working out. (except this week, but really working during the day and then again till 2am takes its toll)

No, I basically have the working out down, but my real problem is food. At the elementary school where I work, we are doing a 12 days of Christmas. Everyday for 12 days, we have treats in the teachers lounge. And every morning for the past 2 mornings, I get really excited to get to work to see what the treat is that day. Oink, I know. And I usually grab some at 10 am to make sure I get some. Double oink, I know. This quote on Pinterest fits me to a T.

I just love food! I love sweet, salty, gummy, sour. I get excited to eat a meal, and after I eat that meal, I get excited for the next. When we go out for food, I can't wait to oink that delicious meal. When me and Sam split a treat, I get jealous if his is bigger and sometimes when I have an extra delicious treat, I have to remember to share.

Basically, I guess I'll just have to keep battling the food vs. fat.

And because I love food so much, I will do it happily.

Twelve Dates of Christmas and 4-month Stats.

On the First Date of Christmas my true love went with me to Wingers! I found a really cute idea on this blog about doing The 12 Dates of Christmas. I thought this was a really great idea, so Sam and I are going to give it a try. Granted, we are SWAMPED this Christmas season, but they aren't going to be large dates and we won't always have a sitter for them. Family dates are always fun too.

So like I said, on our first Date of Christmas Sam and I went to Wingers. Abby was going to join us, but she's been really sick with the croup so we dropped her off with my mom. (my mom wants any excuse to sit and cuddle Abby for a few hours) We haven't had too many nights with just us since Abby has been born, so it was nice to go an enjoy each other for an hour or so. After we were going to go get us a tree, but I had to get home and get ready for work. It was still nice to get away for a while. And as nice as it was being just Sam and I, it was also nice getting Abbsters back home with us.

Speaking of Abby, she had her 4 month check up Friday. She didn't get her shots. (her doctor didn't want her to be double miserable. Thanks Dr. Fox! She was sad enough already!) but here are her stats: She weighs 13 lbs which is in the 27th percentile. At her two month, she weighed 11.9lbs which was in the 68th percentile. So she has gone down, but he isn't concerned because she is still average. She is 25.25 in long, which is 77th percentile. (last time she was 23 in long which was 64th percentile) So Abby is tall and skinny. Although with the chub around her legs, I really can't see the 'skinny' part of her! I get to go back in next week when she is feeling better and get her shots. She thought she dodged a bullet. Wrong baby girl!

Besides her croup, Abby is as healthy as can be and developing wonderfully!

Tonight I figured out how to FINALLY change my email address on this thing, thanks to my hubbyspend who recommended I googled it. What a smarty.

We also enjoyed counting each others chins tonight. He had me beat. I only have 3 chins.

Sure do love him.

Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for Sam. He is such a hard worker and supports our little family so much. I am thankful for my healthy beautiful daughter. She makes life so full of meaning now days. I am very thankful for our home. It's not just another apartment, it is our home and I love it. I am thankful our and stable jobs. I'm thankful for my babysitters that take such good care of Abby. I am thankful for the Gospel and the fact that my family is forever. And I am thankful for both my family's; my side and Sam's side. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Tomorrow: Vegas bound.

4 Months

Dear Abby,

 

 You are now a 4 month old! Where did the time go? Time is just flying so quickly. You had your first bowl of cereal last night, and you were not a big fan of it. Perhaps it was because it was 10:00 at night and you were super tired/hungry, but boy it was hard feeding you. Harder than I thought it would be. And messier too...especially since you kicked the bowl right out of my hand! Tonight, I think I'll keep you in your diaper and feed you earlier in the evening, because let me assure you girlfriend, this eating solids thing is awesome! (shame you have to eat disgusting food for a while before you get to the really yummy stuff)

You are getting such a personality! You smile so easily and coo so much. My favorite thing in the world is when you wake up in the morning and instead of crying, you just sit there talking. I could lay in bed forever listening to you.

At 4 months you are giggling. (even though it's just been once or twice, it will get more. Because you have a funny mama) The first time you did a real giggle was when mama was dancing to 'Baby' by Justin Bieber. You also LOVE you Bumbo, especially sitting on the counter while mommy cooks. I think the two biggest changes this month is one, you love your feet. You are always grabbing at them and playing with them and much to my dismay, pulling your socks off. The second biggest change is you're becoming aware of yourself in the mirror. Sure, you probably don't realize it's you, but you can't help but give a big huge grin to the other baby in the mirror. You also love to stand. I can barley burp you without you wanting to stand.

Boy, I sure do think your cute. Love you!!

                                                                xoxo,
                                                                        Mommy.

Car-seats

Today, I am grateful for car-seats.

We got to my moms house for dinner tonight, and like most Sunday's since my nephew has learned how to crawl, my parents put the coffee table by the stairs to Brae can't fall down them. Well, they don't think about adults falling over them, that's for sure.  Sam was walking up the stairs with Abby in her car seat, when he tripped over the coffee table and Abby went flying out of his hands and rolled over twice in her seat!! The whole room paused briefly and held their breath as it happened. She started to cry, but we quickly checked her over and she was completely fine, perhaps just a bit scared. Or maybe she just wanted to get out of her blasted seat. Either way, she was ok. Sam banged up his knee pretty good, but he is ok too. I am just so glad she was still strapped in safe and sound, and hope we never have to test that seat for real.

Tail Of A Woof

Once upon a time, a long long time ago, I met what I now consider my best friend. Both outcasts because of our differences, we became fast friends as we sat together on the Hogwarts Express, nervous for our first day at Hogwarts.

You see, though we, like everyone else of course, were of the magical type, we also had other powers. Mel was a woof and didn't yet have down hiding her hair and tail, and I couldn't hide my horn and paws. What an unlikely pair of friends we were. But through the mocks and torments of most our classmates, we managed to finish Hogwarts that first time, unscathed and and the top of our class.

We ended up attending Hogwarts 15 more times. I mean, we never aged after 18. (we just look more sophisticated now) and finished top of our class every time. (it did get easier each round) after we felt like we had enough, we attended college in a muggle town and pretended to fit in.

The best part of this story comes now. The part where we followed each other into our happily ever afters. Down at school, we realized we both had boyfriends on missions. Though our peers (even though we are quite a bit older than them by a few hundred years) mocked us and said we would never wait and that it was stupid to have missionaries out, we both proved them wrong. I married Sam May 16, 2009 (on Mel's half birthday) and she married Justin on January 2, 2010 (on my half birthday. Coincidence? I think not.) Then I had a baby, and she had a baby, almost exactly 2 months apart. And even though we live too far away from each other, Mel is, and always will be, my best friend.

Happy Birthday Mel!

10 Little Things About Me. Just 'Cause.

So, I know many of you that read this blog know me. I also know (and hope a little) that some of you don't know me at all. :) Either way, it's the little things that maybe even those that know me don't know about, so without further adieu, here is my list of 10 little things about me!

1. I do a killer Yoda impression. Also, I frequently call him "Yoga."
2. I want to be chased. Like running-through-a-forest-being-chased-by-something-scary chased. Just for fun. Not for reals. Like...maybe I can be put in a part in a movie where I can do that?
3. I have a wild imagination. Someday, I really hope I can write a book. So long as it's not about a boy named Edward Potter who is a wizard that got bit by a vampire and has to find the Mortal Instruments to save his girlfriend from curse that makes her stay a tiger, meanwhile having to hide out in a cave away from body snatching aliens that have invaded earth, but the cave isn't a great place to live seeing as the President of the cave, Tom R. Snow, makes everyone play a game and fight to the death until there is one tribute left. Or maybe that would work.
4. Speaking of imagination, I may or may not have played barbies late into my life. But I won't say when I stopped playing them. Or if I even have. Lets just say, I am excited for Abby to start to play with barbies. 
5. I am constantly singing the silliest songs to Abby and Sam. I also tend to write awesome poems. Unless I'm put on the spot, then I fail miserably.
6. I like to clean toilets. I just love making a dirty gross toilet sparkly clean! 
7. I used to match my underwear with my shirts, and I was a teeny bit bummed when I no longer could do that.
8.  I collected trolls as a kid. I named each of them, fed them, and taught them school. See, there is my imagination running wild again.
9. Whenever I hear a song, I just want to make up a dance to it. But then little Miss Negativity creeps in my head and tells me I can't do it. Shame on you Negs.
10. I was probably the only person who didn't read the 7th Harry Potter in a matter of days. No, I stretched it out for two whole weeks. I was in denial about it ending, and wanted to stretch it out as long as I could. Now that is a true fan. :)

There you have it. 10 little things maybe you didn't know about me. Maybe you did. Also, did you know I have the cutest baby girl? No? Well, see for yourself.

 

Love, Caitlin

10 Halloweens

Ever since Halloween of 2001, this Holiday has held a special place in my heart. I remember the night as if it were yesterday. I was dressed like...well a freak. Sam was an Aquabat? (ok so I don't know every detail apparently) My nails were painted black and after much persuasion from our friend Terra, Sam picked up my hand, told me he liked my nail polish, and didn't let it go. We had our first kiss a few weeks later. We never had the 'are we officially bf/gf' talk, but we both consider that Halloween night, the night we became just that. And the rest is history.

But I can't end on that note, so here is a small portion of the history of us, these past 10 years.

• We've had our first kiss on his doorstep
• We broke up twice
• I convinced myself I didn't really like him. Or I tried to convince myself anyway. (didn't work. Obviously)
• We fell in love all over again. Twice
• Had two more first kisses.
• Had so many different fun dates. (back in the day where money wasn't an issue.)
• Went on some fun trips ie: St. George and Camping (don't worry. My family was there!)
• Spent two long years away from each other while he went on a mission and I went to SUU
• Finished a super long LDR while he lived up here and I finished up at SUU, seeing each other as many weekends as we could
• Became engaged 
• Got married, and have been for two and a half years
• Bought our first car together
• Bought a house
• And the best thing we've done in these past ten years? Have the most pretty baby girl ever.

Sam and I were talking, and we just can't believe how far we've come. All because of that picture I took of him. All because I wasn't shy at all when I met him. All because we became best friends. All because he found my number and called me. All because he was brave enough to hold my hand. All because he didn't give up on me when I was at my most stubborn. All because two people fell in love. I love you Sam Tappana. I am so glad we have eternity together. You. Complete. Me. :)

And now enjoy these pictures from Halloween's past. (sure wish I had a pic from all ten years. Especially the first one)

2004, not quite sure what we were.

2005, Mario and Princess Peach

2008, post mission Sonny and Cher

2009, First married Halloween. Nerds.

2010 pre Abby Halloween. (I was prego though) Barbie and Ken

2011 Popeye and Olive Oil

Life just keeps getting better and better.

You're Not The Boss Of Me Now.

Lately, Sam and I have been watching oldie but funny shows on Netflix. One of which has been Malcolm in the Middle. Despite the fact that this show drives me crazy with how chaotic everything is (if I had 4 boys like that I'd go insane) it's pretty funny. And this here clip makes me smile. That Dewey. Pretty cute I'd say.

The Third Month

Dear Abby,

You are now 3 whole months! It has come by so quickly. I remember when I was pregnant with you and I had 3 months left it seemed like an eternity. And now you're already 3 months! Time has flown by.

You are getting cuter and cuter by the day! Your daddy and I can't get enough of you!! Your smiles are getting bigger, and I swear you are even starting to laugh when you get really excited. And boy, you're turning into a little jabber box. Sometimes when we are driving, we'll turn down the music and just listen to you talking to who knows what. You're just adorable.

You're also becoming more aware of your surroundings. I'll put toys on your bouncer that you'll stare contently at, and even get excited and coo at them. You're also starting to look at the books I read you more and when I put you in front of the TV and turn on "Wonder Pets," you just stare at it. You also love hanging out with your cousins. I mean, this picture is proof enough!

I'm afraid you have your mama's arms. You like to grab things and your arm will twist so it looks broken. But it's not. (obviously). You also love to suck on your fists. I love the sucking sound you make on those tiny chubby fists of yours.

One of my most favorite things you've started doing is what I call your 'Cabbage Patch Face.' You suck in your cute bottom lip and it makes you look like a Cabbage Patch doll. 

I mean, how is this not cute?

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: we love you so much Abby. Your daddy and I seem to never talk about anything else but you. We are so glad we have you forever, because this life time just wouldn't be enough.

Love,

 Mommy

PS. You REALLY hate tummy time, and here is a picture to prove just how mad you were at me when I made you do it.

When You Were Born

When you were born

you came quietly,

and with eyes deep as an ocean

you looked at me

and I looked at you, 

and I thought to myself,

I know you!

And my heart heard you say,

I know you!

In that moment

I knew

you were a gift 

from God

and that I would love you

forever.

-Dianna Hutts Aston

Here's to Happiness

So...this past week has been a little hard. Not like terribly hard I'm constantly near tears type of hard, just the type where you think "ok, what next." Needless to say, we have been a little down in the dumps this week.

I follow blog stalk this blog (one of my most favorite blogs to stalk) and she does a Here's to Happiness segment a few times. I figure, what gets you out of gloomy situations more than talking about the good things in life right?

So here is my list of ten things that make me terribly happy!

1. Beautiful fall colors on a Saturday morning hike
2. Smiles from Abby first thing in the morning
3. Blasting "Party in the USA" in the car and dancing to it with Sam
4. Ice cream and brownies for dessert
5. Snuggling down and watching Hocus Pocus as a family
6. The adorable Sunbeams in my ward
7. The sound of Abby's cooing and kicking legs
8. Making friends with other mommies
9. A much needed lunch with my big sister
10. Of course, what makes me the most happy is knowing I get these two forever!