Chocolate for Breakfast

You know your in for a long day when you see this in your kitchen at 7:00 AM.  

The kiddo found it's hiding place in the pantry this morning approximately 5 minutes after she woke up and busted through the plastic window to get her little hands on this beast of a chocolate cat. Luckily, I wasn't too far away and we managed to only eat the ear and left eye before I was able to take it away!! She's been munching on small pieces on and off all day....

Also, a few shots of the kiddo's together from yesterday.

Hanging out on Hyrum's blanket...

Camilla stretching to show me how tall she is...

The Joys of Mommyhood

After last week, I was feeling a little worn out and tired. It's hard getting used to being up so much at night again. After my "Day of Rest" yesterday, I'm feeling better and ready to tackle my week!! We are enjoying our baby boy, who is now a whole week old. He really is a good sleeper, but for some reason I still feel like I'm up all hours of the night (I blame it on the countless diaper changes). He sleeps for 3 to 4 hours at a time during the night, but when I'm up, I'm up for a good hour or so after the nursing and diaper changes...yes changes. Typically, when I pull him out of his crib, he's soaking wet. I take him downstairs and get him out of his wet clothes and diaper, then I nurse him, during which he fills his diaper to the brim with poop. We run and get changed again, and then I nurse him again to get him back to sleep, which sometimes doesn't work and then I have to bounce/rock him to sleep before laying him in his crib. It's quite the process!! I have come to the conclusion that little boys wet/dirty their diapers 10x more than little girls. Little boys also take way longer to change and the whole time your just watching and anticipating getting peed on. My little guy also has the funniest/loudest burps ever with no spit up! He is also the biggest grunter ever. Sometimes when I put him in his crib, he will just grunt uncomfortably for 10-15 minutes until he finally decides to go to sleep. He is also kind of an oinker. I tried feeding him in bed this morning and he woke Daddy up with all his snorting.  Although there are many differences between Hyrum and Camilla, one thing that remains the same is that they are both very cuddly. It is those little moments of snuggling that help me get through those sleepy nights. I love snuggling him up on my chest and listening to his sleepy breathing. I love feeling him curl his little body in close to me for warmth. I love that he trusts me completely. I love when he wrinkles his little forehead and looks up at me with his big blue eyes as his head wobbles back and forth. Being a mother really is a special thing!

Camilla is adjusting so well to being a big sister. She loves her little brother to pieces and is constantly wanting to snuggle/hold/kiss him. She does very well with him and is super understanding and patient when I have to change and feed him. We've had a few very special moments together since he's been born, just her and I. The other day we were sitting on the couch together having a chat (yes, she likes to tell me stories) and she came over and layed her head down on my lap and snuggled in close. This was special because it's something she hasn't been able to do for the passed couple of months because of my big belly.  It was a very intimate, bring-tears-to-my-eyes moment. I loved looking down into her eyes and seeing her face light up as she smiled back at me. Yesterday, she colored me some awesome bling in nursery for mothers day. It was very special to get something from my little girl.

I am also glad to have such an understanding and loving husband. He's been a big help even though his life is crazy busy right now with work and CASB. He even snuck on the blog yesterday morning and wrote some very thoughtful things down about me for Mothers Day. It was a fabulous surprise to read it! I am so blessed!

I'm grateful to have my Mum as such a great example to me! It was wonderful to celebrate Mothers Day and remember all the special women in my life who have been such a great influence. Mommyhood truly is a blessing!

Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth

When I met Addie she was going to school to be an elementary school teacher.  One of the conversations I loved having with people when I first meet with them is what their plans are for their future career.  When I asked Addie what her plans were she smiled and basically said well right now I am working on plan B, plan A what I really want to do is be a stay at home mom. 

Well its been four years since that conversation and Addie is living her dream, but even better than that she is making her dream contagious.  It seems like everyone she influences including me has a greater desire to make their home a better place.  Addie has created a beautiful feeling in our home.  We have a little piece of heaven in this 70 year old house!

Addie puts in alot of hours into her job; I thought I worked long hours as an accountant but she, she starts her day at 7 am and then decides every day to put in overtime and stay up with me and spend time with me.  Almost every day she is either baking:  bread, cookies, muffins, buns, bagels, or BABIES!!!  Every week including her first week home from the hospital she heads over to the library with the kids so they can play and dance with other kids.  She takes the kids to the park, she dances with them in the living room, she snuggles them on the couch, and then she will read them books for hours just to hear them laugh!

When I come home our house is usually a mess but our home is in such great order!  Our home is a heaven on earth because it is filled with love.  Thank you Addie for building our home with love.  Thank you for all you do that goes unnoticed and unmentioned every day!  Thank you for bringing smiles to our faces then capturing those smiles on our blog so our family can remember them for generations to come!

We love you and cherish all you do!  On behalf of the Stannix Family and all those you have positively influenced happy Mother's Day sweetie!

Isn't she beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First Weenie Roast

Summer is coming! Yesterday was a beautiful day and Camilla and I were able to spend some good time outside in the sunshine. We had fun playing mostly in the backyard for a lot of the morning and some of the afternoon.

We then had a visit from some cousins and finished off our afternoon with a nap. Daddy got home late from work and we visited with him for a little while. He got some snuggle time in with baby Hyrum, who was pretty awake and alert!

We finished off our Friday night with some good friends roasting wieners over the fire in the backyard. It was a lot of fun! Camilla enjoyed stuffing herself with ketchup chips and playing catch, and the adults had a great visit! Baby Hyrum was even able to come out with us for some fresh air and enjoyed snuggling anyone who wanted him around the fire. We are looking forward to summer now more than ever and many more cookouts with friends!

Made My Day

Today Camilla was sitting watching Mr. Dressup with half a bagel and some chocolate chips on a plate. I was in the office with the baby and she came in to ask for more "ta-ta cheeps". She bent her little legs, tilted her head to the side and wiggled her little bum, asking in the sweetest little girl voice she could muster up, with a slight pout to her bottom lip. It brought the hugest smile to my face and pretty much made my day. She looked too cute to say no to.

I put another small hand full on her plate and she grinned up at me. Unlike a bowl, plates don't respond well to tipping and there went all the "ta-ta cheeps".

Instead of getting mad, she sat on the floor to clean them up. Every chocolate chip she picked up went right to her mouth, followed by a "mmmmm". It was pretty funny! It is these small moments of joy that keep me going! Camilla has become slightly more difficult, especially when I'm nursing (because she knows I can't do anything about it). She still has more sweet little girl moments than monster moments though and she brings me so much joy! We managed to make chocolate chip cookies today and we are now going to enjoy some hot out of the oven!

Happy Friday!

Growing and Changing

Dear Hyrum,

You are growing up too fast! Today you are six days old. Last night I started missing having you a part of me. While your sister was playing in the bath, I snuggled you up on my chest on the couch. You tucked your little legs all the way up to your stomach and curled your body in close to me for warmth. I leaned my head down and gently rested my lips on the top of your head.  Your fuzzy hair tickled my lips as I kissed and cuddled you. Tears stung my eyes and I was overwhelmed with emotions. I suddenly realized how quickly you are going to grow and change. I wanted you to be inside of me again, safe and a part of me. After a few tears, I got control over myself again and enjoyed our quiet moment together on the couch. I know that soon you will be toddling behind your big sister and playing with her. I hope for now you will let me snuggle you and kiss your little cheeks! Please don't grow up too fast.

Love,

Mommy

Rise n' Shine

This morning Camilla came and crawled into bed for a snuggle around 6:00am. I think it was much needed snuggle time for the girl, and she tucked in really close to me and went right back to sleep. I woke up around 6:30 and turned my head to peak through the curtains at the blue sky. It was going to be a good day. Mr. Stannix opened his eyes shortly after me and we exchanged whispers for a few minutes, smiling at our little girl snuggling in the bed with us. Not too soon after, we heard mister Hyrum stir in the crib next door. Daddy went to get him and brought him into bed too! From left to right it went Daddy, Hyrum, Mommy, and Camilla. It was a sweet little moment. I wish I could have photographed all four of us squished on our double bed. It was then that we joked that a queen bed is a necessity for a family of four. It wasn't long until 7:00am rolled around and we all had to get up. I tried sneaking my arm out from underneath Camilla and she shuffled herself further down on the bed and under the covers and kept sleeping for a few more minutes. Mr. Stannix and I giggled out loud because with her crazy hair and non-responsiveness she looked like she had had a rough night. I can't imagine it's easy sharing a room with a baby that wakes up so often as Hyrum does. She does well! 

I successfully managed (with help from Mr. Stannix) to have all kids dressed and fed and out the door by 7:30am so that we could make our appointment at the Doctors office. It was quite the adventure with the two kids, but Camilla did well at holding my hand and walking. We spent the morning with Great Gramma and Grampa and the kiddos snoozed on the way home. I must say, I finally feel very very tired. I am excited to get to bed early tonight! 

Hyrum is doing very well and is a very content and happy baby boy. 

5 days old

Thank-You Gramma!

Gramma Hudkins has been staying with us for the last couple of days to help with new baby. It's been such a great help, and we've enjoyed the company.  This morning, Camilla woke up and started talking about "Mana" and how she was "Seeping down stays" (sleeping down stairs) and "babies...Hy-ROOOM!" I have a feeling she is going to be very sad when she wakes from her nap to find Gramma has left for the acreage. Miss Camilla has had so much fun with her Gramma these past few days.

They did dishes together

Gramma and Camilla also had lots of fun with the ball in the backyard and multiple trips up to the park!

 Gramma was also able to enjoy some snuggles with baby Hyrum. This morning they snuggled for a whole 3 hours before he decided to wake up and eat. I'm sure he will miss those!!

Gramma made Camilla one happy little girl! I'm sure she will miss her Gramma very much!

Last night mister Hyrum slept for two hours in between feeds which made for a happy Mommy this morning. He soaked through two outfits last night and decided to have a massive blow out at 3:00am, but other than that, he is a very content and happy little man! We are loving being a family of four! I am also loving my little man and stealing all the snuggles I can get out of him! I still can't believe how tiny he is! Camilla definitely seems much heavier now when I pick her up! She is loving being a big sister and already seems so grown up. She likes to help with bum changes and folding laundry and has been a very happy little lady. We are also so lucky to have a little girl who sleeps through the night despite Mommy running in and out of her room and the crying baby in the corner. She's such a good girl. Daddy is back to work full time now which means the kiddos and I have lots of time on our own at home. We'll see how the rest of the week goes without Gramma to come to the rescue! I have been grateful to have him at home for the weekend and didn't even have to change one diaper until just yesterday. He's been such a big help!

I am super thankful for my Mum and the time she spent up here with us. It really helped out with everything! I don't think she knows how much we appreciate her service and love. She is quite a special lady! She's always thinking of others and doing little acts of service that often go unnoticed. She's such a great example to me of being selfless and loving.  I am feeling so much better now, and was even able to run to the store this morning for some groceries (probably my last trip for a while). Thanks Mum for everything! We will miss you dearly!

Happy Times

Gramma has been here to help today, and it has made for one really happy family. She made Camilla's day by taking her to the park, not once, but twice today!! Camilla came back each time with new fun stories. She is loving her little brother and he is settling in nicely. He is a very good baby and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him as part of our little family! Here are some cute pictures of the kiddos together showing more happy times to come! Camilla is a fabulous big sister to baby Hyrum!

About a Boy

When I was in the hospital the night Hyrum was born, I was able to record the special experience on paper to cherish always, but I would like to share some of it in our 'Family Journal' as well!

Friday around Noon I started getting some noticeable contractions.  I kept myself busy around the house all day tidying, dusting and baking bread while I wrote down the time of each contraction. As they were not consistent, I really wasn't sure when I should go to the hospital. Mr. Stannix would say every so often, "Let me know when the next one comes" and would ask if we should leave yet. Finally, around 3:30 in the afternoon I decided it was probably time to go. The contractions were five minutes apart, but not super painful. We waited 20 minutes for the buns to come out of the oven and then loaded up the car and headed to my Gramma and Grampa's to drop off Camilla. We got there around 4:30 (thanks rush hour traffic) and smooched our girl good-bye and headed to the hospital. We finally arrived there around 5:00 and checked in. Because we are cheap, we parked on the street and I walked across a little field. The lady at the front desk told me to wait for a wheel chair to come get me. I insisted I could walk, but it was 'policy' to get wheeled to the room. After being assessed and admitted, we went to the delivery room. The stereo was playing country music (which I love) and Mr. Stannix smirked at me and asked if I wanted it turned off. I said yes. It was nice to sit in the silence and take in the room with my dear husband.  As the contractions got harder and harder, Mr. Stannix would push really hard on my lower back or message it (whichever I preferred at the time). After a very short 3 hours I was holding my brand new baby boy on my chest. It was such a great experience to be so alert after the delivery. Because I took morphene with Camilla, I wasn't too alert after all was said and done. I wanted to do things naturally with this delivery and thanks to a super encouraging husband and great nurses I got through it! It was such a great accomplishment for me. He was born shortly after 8:00pm. He came face up with the cord around his neck, but the Doctor was able to unwrap it and I was able to have Hyrum on my chest just moments after he was born. I watched/heard him take his very first breath and heard his first cry as I touched his chubby little arms. It was so special to be able to snuggle him so soon. As soon as I pressed my face against his tiny cheek, he stopped crying. It was such a special moment for me. It made everything all so worth it! Giving birth to a child really is a miracle! I feel so blessed to be a women and be given the power to create life and nurture a family. It was such a spiritual experience welcoming this new baby boy into our family.

A few hours later he was able to meet his big sister and grandparents for the first time. Camilla adores him!  She sat on the bed beside me with her hands sticking straight out! She couldn't wait to hold and kiss him.  She proudly held him in her arms and didn't want to give him up to anyone else to snuggle. She checked out his mouth, nose, and eyes and talked with him a bit, then Grampa got a chance to snuggle his new grandson. 

After everyone went home, I sat and stared at my new baby boy. He's very serious looking sometimes, but calm and content. His hair is darker than Camilla's was, and in the sun has a tinge of red to it. His little eyes are blue and he has perfect little ears. I adore his big hands and his long little feet. I'm sure he'll grow into his nose soon enough! 

He received his very first bath at 4:30am that night. He woke bright and early and I was able to see his very first little smile. What a wonderful thing!

What a wonderful little family Heavenly Father has given me. I feel truly blessed! How special that we are entrusted with these special little spirits!