{7 Months} Big

 V-day outfit for my upcoming photo shoot...can't wait it is going to be soooooo cute!

Christmas eve jammies...my lil reindeer!

Lovin on his ball on Christmas morning.

Opening his Sophie with Grandma Peggy.

Big boy learning to how to drink from his zippy.

Converted his play mat to his play tunnel....he is still getting used to it :0)

Crashed on the way home...down 1 tongue depressor, no more playing drums-lol!

A little b-ball love-just like daddy

Standing up so big...probably will walk instead of crawl :/

More b-ball lovin in the bath-palmin 2 @ 1 time!

Random toys from mom's desk....hair ties

Mommies laundry helper {he folds the socks ;0) }

Man, time flies! I cannot believe that D is almost 8 months already! He is such a busy boy already and he isn't going anywhere! When ever he is laying he has to be moving side to side to grab things, or slapping his hands on the ground, or slamming his feet down as hard as he can. If he is sitting he is grabbing everything in sight, or falling from trying to reach things, or pushing back against something because he wants to stand. If he is standing his is jumping or trying to turn around. He seriously doesn't stop...which is why we still swaddle him at night. When he is not completely out he still rubs his face and/or eyes, so we swaddle him. About 1/3 of the time he breaks out of it and cries for a minute until he falls asleep. He is still not a great fan of his car seat, but he will entertain himself for a bit, and if tired enough will fall asleep as long as I don't move him. Rarely will he stay asleep if the car seat is not in the car. He is eating baby food twice a day, and mom's food every chance he gets :0). Loves the bath and splashes like a crazy man. He also loves his bath toys, and constantly tries to pull up the alligator bath mat. He loves to stand and is learning he can do that with his new walker he got for Christmas from Grandma Jean. He is getting bored with his toys quickly now, and I am always giving him things from off my desk to keep his hands busy. He was spoiled for Christmas and made out like a bandit! He got 2 mini-basketball's. One from us and 1 from Owen & Hope (one of Eric's b-ball kids & Mom who helped  us with him when Eric had surgery-they adore him :0) ) and he loves them! He pats them and just smiles. He loves to watch someone dribble them too, and watch basketball @ the gym or with Dad on TV. He also got a awesome fishing set from my parents, a glow seahorse from his girlfriend Klaire (he got her a diamond ring rattle-so cute), a Sophie from Grandma Peggy, a penguin stacker from Evie, and loads of other amazing gifts. We were so grateful to everyone for making his 1st Christmas so awesome...he loved opening all his gifts and promptly eating the paper-haha. He is learning so many new things all the time and can now drink out of his sippy, feed himself cereals, put his basketball in the hoop @ bath time, bang 2 things together, dump his toy bucket, find a hole with his fingers (luvs my nostril-awesome), and can find the touchy parts on his touch and feel books. He likes to do whatever I am doing...including eating, folding laundry, being on the computer, talking on the phone, ect.....I thought that came a little later than 7 months, heaven help us :0). All in all he is growing so fast and getting cuter and busier by the moment. We love our lil man to pieces!! (As for us parents we are busy with work...I am shooting usually 1-3 times a week, and Eric is busy with basketball. We are also in the process of finding property and house plans to start building again-wish us luck!)

1/2 Year Old

I know everyone says it...but the time has gone by so fast & Danen is already half a year old! He is generally a pretty good baby. He is happy and loves other kids. He usually takes 2 naps and although I hate it he loves to be up early. He giggles when a basketball is dribbled or smiles when he gets to hit it. We think he is still working on some teeth~he is a drool monster, and chews on everything in site. He cries when I take something he has away, but could care less if another kid takes it away. He loves his daddy and has a hard time focusing on eating if he can hear him talking in the room. He will go to pretty much anyone which is great since we are now in basketball season. He has chubby cheeks, but is still a pretty skinny lil guy. He loves to be tickled, scared, and have things on his face. We still swaddle him at night-he usually doesn't even protest anymore and sleeps more soundly with it. He cries now if I leave the room for too long. He is sitting on his own and still likes to help with the spoon. He eats a lot of different food...but isn't too keen on anything in particular (although he always eats for me...even if he gags it down {peas...yummy!}). He is getting better about me taking pictures and usually will smile for me. He can roll both ways, but doesn't to avoid his stomach-now he'd rather just sit up and tries to do it on his own when he is laying down (unsuccessfully though). He still wakes up once a night to eat, but other than that he usually sleeps like a pro. He loves his bath and is now in the big tub...man he splashes up a storm! When we took him swimming he is already a little fish kicking his legs! He is still having many many firsts including his first hockey game, and first basketball game. We are getting ready to leave him overnight for the first time because Eric has to have surgery...we are pretty nervous, but he is in good hands :0). We love him so much...we love his snuggles (few and far between because he is always trying to see everything), the many giggles and smiles he gives us, and that he has made us a family :0). There are many more pix to come of this lil cutie...but I am in an editing storm for clients right now-so someday soon I hope!

For Thanksgiving we had the opportunity to be with our Idaho family and had a great time seeing everyone. It was a whirlwind of a trip again, but we luv it. I did some pre-black friday late night shopping with my mom (a trooper who had to work the next day!!), we all went to a movie, had an awesome dinner, a family reunion, lil d almost pulled an all nighter after our movie (so did not sleep during it-eyes wide watching!) and then got pictures the next day.  Mara got to help bathe D which she thought was pretty cool...there was some discussion about his small parts (not sure if she said boobies or googly things...hahaha). After we came home we got a visit from Chad, Jessica, and cousins Caydence and Haylee (so exciting to see their new one...only 3 weeks old!). We have had a very busy Fall season and here's to an awesome winter!

Seasons best to all our friends!!

Spooks Night

Lil man's first Halloween was a success...and busy! I had to work so he went with Shanoa to Bela's preschool party, and to the elementary school for the parade and Porters class party. Then I picked him up to help me pass out candy on main street for work, then we went for pictures, and to the ward trunk-or-treat. Yesterday Eric and I attempted to carve pumpkins with him, but his pumpkin was rotten :/. Mine got broke in Utah and the backup was rotten :/ So we all carved on Eric's pumpkin after we realized the other pumpkin I had was absolutely not carvable...strictly decoration :0). Haha, lesson learned and we got one great mash-up pumpkin. I promised Danen we would do better next year, not that he knew the difference-lol. Yesterday, He and I also were able to go to story time at the library and to see Eric, and my old work mates yesterday in his dragon outfit from my sister. For Halloween though I used the corn cob costume I bought for 50 cents before Eric and I were ever married. Love this cute costume....Paige wore it also (not sure if Payden did too??). I was the corn farmer and lil D was my cob o' corn...a super cute one too (we got lots of comments on that outfit-I guess it is pretty original). All in all he had a great Halloween-even without any candy-the biggest treat for him is being able to watch everyone and interact, look out world because I have a feeling this lil man is going to be a social bug!! Danen is 5 months tomorrow and I will post more pictures soon...but in this last month he has had lots more firsts: found feet, rolled over from tummy to back, saw his 1st Elk kill, met his cousin Caydence/Uncle Chad/Aunt Jessica, and grabbed mommy's nose. We sure love our lil man who continues to amaze us with how much he learns, how determined he is, and how happy he is.
HaPpY HaLlOwEeN to all our friends!

L*I*F*E

For my birthday...the big 28, we went to Jackson for Danen's doctors appointment & lunch. On the way we went to a private ranch that Eric guides and blogs for. It was really pretty, but fall has already set in deep and most of the trees were bare. While there I took pictures for the blog and took a couple opportunities to get some pictures of my boys! It was crazy windy/cold so Danen didn't really love pictures, however, we are learning that he loves the outdoors and is so content while outside.

The big 28 is welcomed...I had such an amazing 26th and 27th year! We have had our trials of course, but we have also had so many blessings this past year! I cannot wait for another year with my lil' man, amazing husband, family, and friends! I can't wait to see what my 28th year brings!

My parents came for my birthday and for the guys to go hunting. I had a few days with my mom before they went hunting (she came to take us back for Payden's birthday)~she is always so helpful when she is here! She cleaned all my bathrooms, sewed pillows, help me recover a chair pad, watched lil' man while I worked and edited, and helped me watch my friends kiddos. I got sick when we came home so she took lil' man and I got to sleep in. She did my laundry, vacuumed, cooked, and kept my kitchen clean. She has made getting my huge photography projects done so much easier! Luv you mom!! My dad came to go hunting with Eric...totally eases my mind so he doesn't go alone! They saw some way up, but didn't get one. Eric has been going back up every chance he gets....hoping to get a big bull :0)

The ranch has loads of buffalo....including very rare white buffalo. Most were more white than this guy. It's crazy to see because they are not albino, just white. The guy that owns the ranch (Joe Ricketts) has been breeding them to get more white ones. It's crazy to me that 2 white buffalo can still have a brown/black calf. They are pretty unique to see, and the ranch was beautiful. After Danen's appointment we went and got Thai food for lunch at the Thai Plate~sooo yummy :0).

This lil' dude got baptized so we went with my mom (who so generously came to get us-Danen hates the car seat and screamed for an hour the last time I drove by myself). It was a quick trip to Poky...went there Friday afternoon and returned Saturday evening for the guys to leave and go hunting. It was great to see everyone and I was glad we got to be there on Payden's special day!

Lil man is now 4 months (those pix to come shortly) and loves mirrors...this one I got for cheap and it is kinda warped which gives him a fun house look...haha. He has also discovered his screaming voice, his man parts-lovely, and his hands are still always in his mouth (sometimes producing a gagging effect-thank goodness no throw up yet). He still isn't a fan of his tummy, but he is learning to like his jumper, and still loves loves loves his fishy play mat. Cereal is going okay...he doesn't love apples or sweet potatoes too much, but loves the bananas mixed in. 

Grandpa Rhodes got this little rocking chair for him and my parents fixed it up. It is super cute and I am sure he will love it. You can tell in this picture that he is starting to chunk up a bit. He is 13 pounds 13 ounces and 25inches long @ his 4 months appointment. Our lil' man is growing up!! Crazy that he started @ 7 pounds 12 ounces and 20.5inches long...his weight has almost doubled, and with it the amazing things he is learning and can do is doubling right along with that! They grow so fast!!

Speaking of growing he is now in the next sized clothes and got some new pj's to wear to bed. I thought these Monsters Inc. ones were so cute...I think he likes them too :0). He is still in his crib and my mom put up his bassinet so I guess the transition is permanent! He does come sleep with me for about an hour some mornings...I swore my kids wouldn't sleep with us, but since it is just me and I go to bed late because I am editing, I let it slide so I can get one more hour!!!

Lastly, it is truly turning into fall here...morning temps around 17 degrees. The landlord still has the sprinklers going which made for a cool ice shoot yesterday. I am not really ready for winter and cold temps, I feel like I didn't really get my summer since I didn't have the greatest health, but none the less-they are coming! The one great thing is holidays with the family...Thanksgiving in Idaho and Christmas with the Oram's. Can't wait because we will be meeting 2 new cousins at Christmas time!! TJ and Lib just had a baby boy on my birthday and named him Oakley Thayne Trent Oram. Chad and Jessica are expecting a baby girl in November. Danen is going to be so lucky to have cousins his age to play with! Plus my cousin Krissy is due in November with a boy...I wish we lived closer to them so he had a playmate like I did. Kris and I were the best of buds growing up!! Well that is our life right now...school, lil' man, hunting, fishing, shooting, editing, and enjoying our time as a family! Next weekend we get to spend family time in Utah at a Crossfit training and with Chad, Jessica, and Caydence-we are so excited to see them and their new place! The following week Danen, Shanoa, and I get to go to Lava for our girls scrapbooking getaway...looking forward to seeing all the ladies again!!

Beautiful living for all our friends!!

3 Months & Too Big!

                                                   

                                                   

Wowza~3 months has flown by!! In his first 3 months Danen has already learned so much! He loves to stand and can do it by himself leaned up against something; he is also practicing sitting with support from pillows, the couch, or his bumbo type chair (different kind with straps). He can now grab the fish on his play mat and sometimes hits the music button. He has tried out his door jumper, and his stationary jumper also. He is loving his swing less, and being in things he can move in and grab more. He is so smiley and generally pretty happy~we really lucked out and love him so much! He loves interacting with people, especially kids and other babies. He usually rewards someone talking to him with a goofy grin and bashful flirty eyes. He sleeps pretty good at night and is starting to take better day naps (usually 3). Last night was his first night in his crib & he did great! I am pretty sad to give up the bassinet sleeping though-my dad made an amazing bassinet! He loves the bath and being outside. He has been to his first football game, traveled to watch another football game (to see uncle Cameron play in Green River). He has gone to Island park, volleyball games, and to work out with mom, dad, and Grandma. He is getting so big so fast! He is still kinda little and in 0-3 months clothes. He was a trooper for his shots, but I am not looking forward to getting his new shots on my birthday next week....so sad! He has gotten his first cold~heartbreaking the first night when he would freak out when the mucus ran down his throat. I had to hold him until he conked out. He loves his bath, any mirrors, and also his crib mobile. He also loves his hands and is drooling like crazy, but I don't think he is getting teeth yet. He is also eating cereal now after a couple failed attempts. My mom and I tried for a couple days with no progress, however, when I took her home there was a minor milk mishap and what I had pumped got spilled. I had to go buy formula, milk, and a little baby food....we mixed it and he gobbled it up! I didn't really want him to have formula or baby food yet, I also didn't want to start him on fruit first-but sometimes plans change, and I have to say this was a blessing in disguise. I was pretty worried he wouldn't eat it and would go hungry-but it went great. I would like to say that it helps him sleep longer at night, but we haven't gotten that far yet. His room is almost all ready to go...now I just need to finish a few things to get it up on the walls! We are so grateful for him and love him so much! I am loving being home, and stay too busy with working one day a week @ Farm Bureau and photography-which is going like crazy. We love our little life that is consumed with our amazing addition.
Family love to all our friends!

In My Pretend World

Recently I was looking back through photos of lil' D...man he was so tiny! (Now he is 3 months & changing so much~more on that later) I knew it would go fast and I have been savoring every stage. As we went through the newborn stage I knew I loved it and snuggling my little guy. However, I did not expect that I would hunger for a newborn while looking at friends newborn photos or whilst shooting newborn sessions. Often I get asked if we will have more or just be okay with one. Most people know how rough my pregnancy and delivery were~and in all honesty I usually answer that if the next one is a girl we will be done. My heart is torn though for my pretend kids-crazy I know. In my head my pretend world plays out like this~

I am a mother of 4: 2 boys and 2 girls. They have super cute names like: Danen Trent :0), Breea Capreese, Kingston Crue, Harper ????....They are all amazing good and cute (imagine great family photos...beaches and smiles-lol). In my pretend world I am nothing short of Martha Stuart. My house looks like a magazine, and I create more crafts and amazing ideas than Pinterest. In my pretend world I manage my time like a pro and I am never behind on cleaning, laundry, photography, dishes, ect....and I spent countless hours reading and teaching my children. I do my visiting teaching monthly with a handout, treat, and amazing lesson. My achievement day girls have amazing activities, treats, and handouts each time we meet. In the midst of this I find time to do service, go back to school, and develop my talents. In my pretend world I am the nicest, kindest, and most welcoming friend to all of those around me. I am the koolaid mom who loves all kids and is totally okay with them being over all the time-destroying my house making amazing art, whilst snacking on awesome homemade chocolate chip cookies and milk. In my pretend world I make a new fabulous meal every night and dessert, and everyone loves/eats it and no one ever gets fat (i.e. me). I could go on & on about my pretend world, but in actuality the one I have is quite perfect for me.....

I have a great imagination and all that sounds amazing (something to strive for I suppose), I must admit that I am completely in love with the life I have. I have an amazing husband who loves and supports me and loves being a dad. I have an adorable son that has a smile that melts my heart and makes this non-emotional lady tear up just a bit everytime I see it. I am blessed and loved by a wonderful father in heaven, and have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life to help guide and mold me. I have wonderful parents who help me create the amazing projects I dream up in my head, but am unable to do on my own :0). I have awesome friends and family who put up with me even when I am scattered and crabby. I have the support of a community that has enough faith in me and my abilities to keep me employed and thriving. My house may not always be clean, organized, or decorated to a tee-but we have a roof over our head and all the things we need. I am greatful for my life and all the things I have learned and continue to learn. I may not be perfect-and my life may not be perfect, but everything is just the way it should be-and that I can be eternally certain of, if I maintain my faith and love. At the end of each hectic day I know I wouldn't trade my eternal family and life in the now~for any pretend life my imagination could conjure up.

Life in the moment for all my friends!
Liz

2 months

Lil D is sooo big! He loves holding his head up & standing with help. He talks constantly-especially in the morning. He cries when he is dirty, hungry, or tired...but is pretty happy besides that. He loves being outside already & cried the other day when I brought him in until I went back out. He can sit in his chair now for a bit, and is starting to respond to toys. He is great at reacting to people & pretty good about going to most everyone....even my friend Shanoa's little girl who was snuggling on him. He giggled for the first time at my dad, but hash't done it since...luckily I caught it on film-wish I could figure out how to download it! He loves his little sunglasses, & I love that I don't feel as bad about him staring at the sun. My mom has been here with us a lot helping us pack and helping post surgery...I miss it when she isn't here! Danen was on a great schedule until I tried to get him to sleep through the night...and then hd my surgery. Hoping he transitions back soon. We are almost all settled in & finally have internet. I will post about his baby blessing soon & will be editing up a storm so check here & my photography website to keep up with my work. Luv to you all!

Liz