Work or play?

I have to say that I am adjusting to this staying at home thing quite nicely. For those of you who don't know, I just started my new job doing at-home data entry for Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I'm not very fast yet, but it's coming. I have definitely learned the true meaning of multi-tasking, though. Very often, you'll find me nursing Hollie (thank heavens for the Boppy so I can keep my hands free), keying claims & talking on the phone all at the same time. It's great, though. How many people get to hold their baby while they work?! If Hollie's not snuggled up to me on her Boppy, she's usually in her swing or on her play mat. Here are a couple of pictures I took of her today while I was working.

We love you, Stryder!

It's been kind of a sad week for us. For the past couple of months, Sam & I have been stewing over what to do about Stryder. He is the sweetest dog, but he's just so big. We've been really worried about what will happen when Hollie starts crawling. I know he wouldn't mean to, but he's bound to hurt her. Heck, his tail is a lethal weapon, let alone how much he weighs. If he sat on her, there'd be nothing left! Plus, I don't particularly want to vacuum the whole house every single day so that she doesn't get any dog hair on her. So, we finally came to the decision that it would be best to find Stryder a new family. When we told Sam's family, his brothers said, "We want him!" So, he went to live with the boys. At least we can still visit him. Our house has seemed very empty the past few days, though. Snoopy has missed her little buddy. She's been looking for him. She has had tons of energy now that she's not running away from Ryder all day, however. :O) I'm really going to miss the way he'd come rest his head on us when we're laying on the couch. I know it was the right decision, but it is still hard. So, this is just a little tribute to such a wonderful dog. We love you Ryder Boy!

When you look at this cute little puppy, you would have no idea that he was going to grow into a 120 pound moose that thinks he's a lap dog.

First real cold

Hollie has her first official cold, and can I tell you, it breaks my heart. Her nose is so stuffy & runny. Plus it's draining into her throat, so she's coughing & sneezing. Of course, she wants Mommy to hold her all day (but I don't mind that part). When she started wheezing, I decided to take her into the doc. Her lungs were a little wheezy, but we caught it soon enough that it shouldn't turn into full blown RSV. They sent us home with a breathing machine so hopefully she'll start feeling better soon. She's only 4 months old & already such an example to me. Even though she doesn't feel well, she is still smiling & cooing with her hoarse little voice. Since Hollie has been here, I've understood more what the Savior meant when he said to become as a little child. She is so patient & happy & full of love. I think we could all be a little more like them.

On as side note...
Hollie hasn't had her official 4 month appt for immunizations yet, so it was interesting to see how she's grown since her 2 month appt. She weighs 11 lbs 12 oz, which puts her between the 5th & 10th percentile. They didn't measure her length, though. They're going to do that when we take her in for her shots.

Happy Easter!

We just wanted to wish all of our wonderful friends & family a Happy Easter. We are so grateful for each one of you & hope that you felt the love of our Savior as we celebrated His resurrection. What a miracle it is that through Him we can be together as a family forever. There is no greater joy.

Today was a wonderful day, but it started out a little messy. I stripped Hollie down for tubby time so that we could get ready for church. As I was carrying her downstairs, she decided it was a great time to mess her pants (or lack of pants). It went all over me! Then, I stood her up on the counter to clean myself off & I guess she figured that the counter was too dry & she piddled all over the counter! Sam thought it was hilarious. This will be one of those great, embarrassing stories to tell all of her dates about someday. :O)

Yesterday

We went down to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point with my family on Saturday. Sam thought that it was nuts that we were spending $8 a person to look at flowers. Both he & my Dad said that we should just drive around the parking lot & look at the flowers there. :o) We had a lot of fun, though, and got some really cute pics in the process.

I love those piggies!

My friend

Even at 4 months Hollie has a favorite teddy bear. We call it her "friend." Grandma Christy gave it to her at one of my showers. Jesse thought it was freaky because it's head moves while it plays music. Hol loves it, though. I just thought this pic was so cute of them taking a nap together.

It's a wonderful life

I just can't believe that Sam & I got married 5 years ago today. They have truly been the best years of my life. If someone had asked me on my wedding day where I saw myself in 5 years, I would have said exactly where I'm at today. I get to stay home with my beautiful daughter, surrounded by wonderful friends & family. And best of all, I love Sam more today than I did then.

For our anniversary, we decided to spend the afternoon downtown. We walked around temple square & took some pics. Then, we went to the Melting Pot for dinner. It was fan-tastic! Hollie was a little angel all through dinner. She was smiling like crazy. It was a wonderful day & I couldn't be more grateful for everything that Heavenly Father has blessed me with.

Our family in 2002...And in 2007...