Babies Grow Up Too Fast

This is a sentimental post. I’m waxing sentimental because Alaina is going to be six months old soon and I can’t believe it. It’s weird because on one hand it’s only been six months, but on the other hand it’s hard to remember life without her. What happened?! I’ve learned that being the mother of a baby is kind of bittersweet: Sweet because you get to witness every stage and every milestone, and bitter because it’s so short. It's a good thing the sweet totally and completely outweighs the bitter. So I’ll just thoroughly enjoy every little stage while it lasts and be excited for all we have to look forward to (especially sleeping through the night). Here are a couple of pictures.

Below: Alaina 5 days oldBelow: Alaina 5 1/2 months old

The end of the rice cereal rebellion

We've reached a milestone this past week with Lainy and her rice cereal. . . she's started actually eating it! We went through weeks and weeks of me putting some in her mouth, only to be gagged back out. This was accompanied by the most hilarious disgusted faces I've ever seen. It got to the point where I'd feed her the cereal and she'd just forcefully spit it out all over herself, her tray, and me. Finally, I talked to a woman I know (who is a nurse) and she suggested to mix the cereal with watered-down apple juice. Success! Lainy loves it now! Here are a few of my favorite pictures of this struggle we've had.

Above: Rice Cereal Day 1

Rice Cereal Day 12

Rice Cereal Day 43

Next week we start vegetables. . . I can't wait!

Highlights: 2 years of a practically perfect marriage

Our 2 year wedding anniversary is tomorrow, so I thought it would be fun to go over some highlights of our marriage so far. Here goes!

1. Wedding Day – It was bitterly cold outside, but the day was perfect overall. After a beautiful sealing ceremony in the Temple, we went to a wonderful luncheon at the Shilo Inn, then to our beautiful reception. It was a perfect day! 2. I went to Europe then Brad went to the Dominican Republic - Though it was hard to be apart, we were grateful that we had the kind of relationship where we could support one another in taking advantage of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. We both learned a lot. . . and promised that the next time we visited a foreign country, it would be together.

3. Disneyland with Brad’s Family – Our fairytale marriage continued all the way to Disneyland with Brad’s family (and 300 high school students). We had a fabulous time! 4. Professional Soccer Game with my family— My parents got tickets to a Real Salt Lake soccer game. We spent the morning at Cherry Hill, had dinner at Rodizio Grill, and spent the afternoon at the game. Fun, fun, fun! 5. Climbing the Grand Teton – Before having a baby, this was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I struggled up that mountain and only made it because of Brad’s help and encouragement. Standing on the summit was unforgettable. We were on top of the world! It was a hundred times worth the effort it took to get there. 6. Graduating from BYU-Idaho Together – A beautiful spring day last April found Brad and me sitting in our Commencement robes and hats at our college graduation. It was so neat to reach that milestone together! 7. Going back to West Virginia – Thanks to my parents, we were able to travel back east and tour Brad’s mission in West Virginia. I loved meeting the wonderful people I’d heard so much about, and learned a lot about my husband as I watched him interact with them.

8. Alaina’s Birth Day – Are there words to describe this? Here are a few that somehow feel very inadequate: overwhelming, emotional, exhausting, exhilarating, spiritual, joyful, and life-changing. 9. Being accepted to medical school— A big focus of our married life together has been preparing and applying to medical school. It was a huge, HUGE relief and blessing to hear Brad had been accepted. . . finally! An unforgettable day!

We look forward to many more highlights in the many years to come!

All for a Giggle

Yesterday I walked in on Brad doing a ridiculous dance in front of Lainy, who was sitting in her bouncer chair smiling delightedly up at him. He kept dancing and singing a silly song until. . . she clutched her hands together and giggled!! Brad looked so excited you would have thought he won the lottery. For us right now, winning a giggle from our baby is better than any amount of money.

This is not an uncommon scene in our house nowadays. Unfortunately, I'm usually the one doing the ridiculous dance, or singing the silly song, or making the funny face, or talking in the crazy voice . . . all for a giggle. Usually Lainy just sits there looking mildly interested while I dance my little heart out. It makes me wonder if she's just witholding her laughter to see what lengths I'll go to in order to get it out of her. The truth is, I'll do just about anything. I'll make funny sound effects for ten minutes just for that moment when her bright blue eyes light up, she smiles big, and giggles. Well, I'll do it. . . as long as no one else is watching.

Here We Are!

 I have had so much fun visiting the blogs of family and friends, that I've decided to create our own. Hopefully it will help me keep a better record of happenings in our own little family, as well as keep others updated on our lives. So. . . welcome!

This is us! Me (Traci), Brad, and our little Alaina. We basically have the perfect life right now (well, perfect for us). Brad has been accepted to Medical School, Alaina is healthy and happy and giggling, and I get to take care of them both and shower them with all the love I can. It's great!