There is one more fairy in the world today...

...E laughed today! I have been trying to make him giggle for weeks now, but as usual it was my husband who made him laugh. That's 3 for 3 for him. Grrr. Oh well. We've been trying to decide what kind of fairy would be E's...I think maybe a dandelion or a thistle fairy...they'd have the same stick up hair as E. :)

one of my favorite places

...Is the local botanical gardens. They are beautiful and peaceful. We go there every summer and enjoy the atmosphere. Love love love that place. Bonus? There is a giveaway for an annual pass--sign up here: http://cjaneprovo.blogspot.com. Idid!

*Tragic*

After Kindergarten today:

H: "Hey Mom! Something terrible happened at school today"
Me: "Oh, no. What happened?"
H: "Me and Carter broke up."
Me: "Oh. How did you feel about that?"
H: "Mmmmmm, nothing, really."

Good to know her heart isn't broken. ;) {Carter is one of the two boys she "pinky swore" to marry.}

Because he doesn't have a baby book....

E rolled over for the first time today. From front to back. Twice. :)

Forecast: blue skies

....as in baby blue(s).

Disclaimer: I know millions of women have had it way worse than me, but this is what is happening to me, so I'm gonna talk about it (just once, then I won't talk about it again, unless it is to tell you they've gone, and I'm all better).

They've rolled in low and heavy...the dreaded baby blues. Maybe I've always had them, and just haven't noticed because I've felt so yucky with everything else, but they're here now, front and center. Blech. It is that undefinable feeling of being down. No real reason, I just am. I don't want to do anything that I usually like to do (like read. Even my tried and true faves aren't working). I'd rather skip Christmas this year. (My wonderful husband has taken over Christmas--so relatives are getting some strange but thoughtful gifts) I am not very patient with my children (but let's be frank, I was never super mom in that department). I just want to do nothing. but then I hate it, so I go do something, then I don't like that much either. I don't like to be alone, but being around people often feels like too much work. I'm not really sad or miserable or anything, just blah. (think the most beige-y color of beige) It stinks, but I'll get by.

I have been trying to work through it by forcing myself to do things that I usually like. So far the most effective things have been hanging out with my hubby (I swear that man radiates endorphins), visiting with people, exercising, and this blog (I guess it is good for me to get stuff out of my system). I just can't think about doing them too far ahead, or it feels overwhelming. I know it is just hormones--My hair has started to fall out and the acne is absolutely pubescent--I don't know why, but this fact is comforting to me.

Let me be clear: I am okay. I'll take what I've got. I'll take just feeling "low" over the stuff that is much...scarier. So, no need to worry about me, I'll be just fine. I just needed to vent. (also, some understanding and forgiveness for any awkward social interactions...)

Okay, now that that's out of me, on to happier and more fun things! {but thanks for bearing with me}

So Thankful

So, I have had a crazy busy month (or two, rather).

Baby Eli was born in mid October, (Only six days late this time!!) My husband, our oldest daughter and I all had our birthdays in a five day span, throw Halloween in that same time frame, and also a gall bladder attack with accompanying middle of the night ER visit (my first-and hopefully only-one in my life), a week long business trip for hubby, a SIL's wedding (that I had to miss, but still had to prep and pack girls and hubby) so many Dr.'s and surgeons visits, and a gall bladder removal surgery, throw in all the normal demands of life with two school age kids and a baby, and top it all off with Thanksgiving.

That has pretty much been my life lately. I plan to blog about much of it, but not today. I have been thinking about my crazy life, and all that I have to be thankful for, and I need to write them down so I can remember how blessed I am on days like today, when my focus gets set on things less...positive. So here it is: just a few of the things that I am thankful for.

1. My Husband. He is amazing. Really. He is fun and caring and smart and thoughtful and romantic and....I could go on for quite some time. He has been my saving grace the past few months. Very much so this past week. He as gotten up in the middle of the night to keep me medicated on time, fill ice packs, change baby's diapers, and any other task I ask (or don't ask) of him. He has kept a schedule of when I took my pain meds and when I get my next one, because I have been too loopy to remember. He has even promised me he will keep an eye on me to make sure I don't get addicted to the Lortab. (We weren't even sure that is really possible, but I looked in the bottle and saw that there are only two left and about cried--and that scared me) He is my man and I love him so very much. (Bonus feature: he is really, really handsome.)

2. My Kids. They are so great. M and H have been so much fun this year. It is fun to watch them grow and learn. They are such sweet girls. They make me laugh. They have been champs while we have been adjusting and learning to live with baby E. He has shaken up our lives and routines (not in a bad way), and the girls have been so helpful and have been pretty good at rolling with the punches. they are both growing up s fast! E hasn't been here long, but I love him so much! He changes every day (as babies do) and it is fun to watch. Watching the girls help take care of him is so much fun.

3. My family. (this includes all of the "in-laws"...they're my fam, too!) I am very blessed to have such great families.

4. My friends and neighbors. (my Frieghbors?? and those that are far away) These people have blessed my life in countless ways. They have offered and given help so many times. It has made me realize that I have "people"...and it is good to have "people"! I hope they count me as their "people", too!

5. Health Insurance. This one hasn't always been on the list, though it should be. This year is the first year we have ever met out deductible, and I am so grateful that we have good insurance... and that my husband has a good job that we can get it through.

6. Our good Health. Our family is healthy and happy (despite meeting that deductible) and I am so grateful!

7. Our home...messy though it be.

8. My Heavenly Father and My Savior. (obviously these are no particular order, or this one wouldn't be #8) I am thankful for prayer, and the communication I can have with my Heavenly Father. I am thankful for answers to those prayers, no matter how simple. "Please help me do this" was the shortest and most urgent prayer I have ever uttered (or perhaps screamed) and I know that it was heard (and promptly answered).

9. Sleep. any time I can get it.

10. Happy drawings hanging on my wall (done by my children) they make me smile when I look at them.

I have so much to be thankful for. I am truly blessed. but right now, the third installment of item #2 on this list is crying for me... I am off to cuddle my baby (and I am thankful for that, too) :)

Our New Baby

Here are some baby pictures of Eli.

Posted by some girls husband.