My Ramblings.

-- Dreams are so weird and can feel so real. Let's just say I was glad to wake up this morning and have hair on my head.

-- Speaking of hair, the dreaded "all of your hair falls out after pregnancy" started happening. It took almost 4 months to start...I thought I had dodged the bullet. Looks like I thought wrong. Darn.

-- When Paul and I leave Utah, I am going to miss seeing Ruth, Ben and their sweet families. It has been wonderful having siblings close by during my college years.

-- Last night my fortune cookie said, "If you want something, you must earn it." After I read it I complained and said I didn't want to have to work hard this semester. Later, when I thought about it again, I was ashamed of myself for having an aversion to hard work. Work is what shapes people and allows them to grow and reach their potential. I am determined earn my BS in Nursing instead of using motherhood as a crutch to blame when I'm too cowardly to try.

-- I watched way too much TV this summer. I blamed it on having nothing to do while nursing, but then I didn't turn it off when I was done feeding Vince. Basically, I wasted a lot of time and I regret it. Now I'm trying to leave the TV off when my Little Man is awake.

-- Going back to school seems so have knocked me out of my lazy rut. Slowly, I can feel motivation returning to my body. I'm setting new goals and moving forward.

-- We're in the process of moving Vince to a 4 hour feeding schedule. Holy moly. I LOVE IT. Who knew that dropping one feeding could be such a life changer? I feel like I have time again. Vince stays awake long enough that I can go out and run errands if I need to. Then he sleeps longer so I can be productive and get my schoolwork done before he wakes up.

-- Last night was the first time a thunderstorm scared me. It was loud and I was too drowsy to think straight. But by some miracle, Vince slept through the entire thing. Man, I love that kid.

-- Paul is so giving. This semester is crazy; it's full of 12 hour clinicals, class, random nursing conferences, test, etc. All while trying to manage a baby. I feel selfish, but Paul's work schedule is now revolved around my little world. I am amazed by the love and support he shows me. He watches Vince and goes to work at odd hours and never mumbles a single complaint.

-- There was a spider in Vincent's crib and it freaked me out. Now I'm scared to put him to sleep in his own bed! Stay away from my son, you nasty spiders!!

-- Calorie counting got a lot harder when school started. Uh oh...

-- I really enjoy reading the Ensign and watching past devotionals.

Giggles.

Vincent giggled today.

It was the sweetest thing I've ever heard.

He has made excited noises before,

but today he let our a real and true laugh.

It was all the sweeter because Paul was the one who got it out of him.

I love watching my boys play together.

Not so fast, please.

Last night I picked up Vincent and held him while he was sleeping.

Things can get crazy and frustrating during the day, but there is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby.

I just stared at him and took in all of the little details:

The way his eyelashes curl, the shape of his lips and his tiny fingers.

He has already changed so much in three months.

I cuddled him close and realized that this isn't going to last forever.

First he'll start walking, then he'll leave me for school, serve a mission and find a woman to marry.

It's easy to wish away the time.

But last night I wanted time to stand still.

I am going to miss this special time with my first baby.

I am determined to enjoy each of Vincent's stages more fully.

So Vince, you can grow up... but not so fast, please.

 

Tres Meses.

Sorry that I'm always late with these monthly updates! 

Last week Vincent hit 3 months.

The transformation from 2 months is 3 months in unbelievable.

If you'll recall, Vince would never wake up to eat and when I finally woke him up he would just fall back to sleep while eating. I am pleased to announce that he finally woke up!

It's fun to be able to play with him more and I love that he eats faster now.

He is a smart little boy. When we read books you can see him focus in on the pictures and look back and forth between the pages. Vince is also to point where he can grabs things too.

He's very smiley now. Getting him up in the morning is the best because he just looks up and beams at you. It's precious. It also seems like he is really close to laughing. Can't wait to hear his little giggle!

Although he finally "woke up" during the day, he still sleeps like a champ at night.

He keeps getting cuter and more talkative. Mainly he oohs and ahhs, but he has recently added squeals to his repertoire. He talks the most right after he eats or right before he goes to sleep.

We're pretty much the luckiest parents ever.

Into the Wild.

Remember these guys?

(Margaret, Buddy and Franky)

 Paul got them for me for my birthday.

I enjoyed having them...

until I had a baby.

After that, they just became a burden.

Maybe we're just lazy but it was hard to find time to clean the tank.

Last week we went to Bridal Veil Falls and we noticed that there was a little fish pond.

There were signs all over encouraging people to feed the fish.

Do you know where this is going yet?

Today Paul decided that he wanted to go for another hike.

We decided to go back to Bridal Veil falls because there is a nice path for the stroller.

While getting ready we recalled that lovely little pond.

... So we took the fish with us.

We put them in a pitcher and gave them a HUGE "Last Supper"

We also made the water cold so they wouldn't be shocked to death at the falls.

Within 1 minute of arriving, 3 people commented on the goldfish.

Paul was embarrassed.

He sucked it up and went to accomplish his mission.

There were so many people there!

I couldn't stop laughing.

Paul was a champ and he kept a straight face the entire time.

Two families saw him do it.

We took off for a nice jog and returned about a half hour later.

We were pleased to spot 2 of the 3 goldfish swimming around!

No idea where the third one went though...

Can you see the Orange blurb? That's a goldfish.

Vince doesn't even know what happened.

Graduation!

Today I "fake" graduated. 

Meaning, I graduated... but I still have one more semester left! 

I think I would have been a lot more emotional if I were actually done.

Regardless, it was still an enjoyable experience.

My favorite part was seeing all of my nursing friends again.

I am going to miss them so much when all is said and done!

They have definitely made this journey memorable.

And a special shout out to Joslyn. 

Jos and I have been assigned to the same clinical sites for the past year.

I have loved getting to know her better and she was SO supportive, helpful and sweet to me as I struggled through Spring term with a new baby.

Now she has a baby of her own to love! 

(Baby Gracie is one lucky girl to have such a great mama)

After graduation, Paul and I celebrated by going to Brick Oven.

We splurged and got their homemade Root Beer.

(I drank way too much and felt sick... Definitely worth it.)

Then we stopped by some BYU landmarks for some grad pics.

Isn't Vince's sailor suit to die for?!

Receiving my "diploma" from the Dean.

Jos!

Me being creepy.

Root Beer!

One of those days.

Most days of being a mom is great,

but today is one of those days that isn't so great.

It can be tough to take care of a little person who can't communicate any of his needs to you.

Vincent took terrible naps today, ate poorly and he keeps crying.

No fever, teething or constipation.

It doesn't matter if I hold him while he's sleeping and any time I try to feed him he refuses.

I can't even tell you how many times I have prayed for patience today.

I'm just hoping I can make it through the rest of the day...

Here's to a better tomorrow.