Playin' in the Sand

Yesterday night after dinner I had a lot of fun with Camilla. For some reason I got the song Mahna Mahna from the Muppets stuck in my head.  As I cleared the table I started singing "Do-do-da- dodo" and then I would turn to Camilla and say in a really low voice "Mahna Mahna" and she would giggle. Then at the end of the song I would tickle her while singing and she would say "Again?". This went on for a few minutes. Then, all of the sudden, she exclaimed "MANAMA" in the lowest, scruffiest little voice and ran at me giggling. I laughed really hard, a real laugh. It felt good. We played in the kitchen for the next 10 minutes and I laughed. Then she went out in search of Daddy saying "MANAMA" in her low little voice. "MANAMA daddy's" over and over again until she found him and then she ran and giggled at him too. Such a fun little moment.
This morning we tried out a new hair do! I think it's cute! Camilla's a fan of her bangs being out of her face.

After we all had breakfast and were dressed and Hyrum napped, we called up some friends to go to the park and play with us. We gathered up Camilla's sand toys, sunscreen, and treats and walked over to another park to meet up with our friends. It was a fun morning and I enjoyed the sunshine!

When we first got there, Camilla took her little buckets and shovels over to the sand and was bombarded by all of these kids. They all spoke french, so Camilla really wasn't sure what to think of their funny way of talking and the fact that they just stole all her toys. Poor girl. 

Hyrum hung out in the stroller for a lot of the morning safe from bugs and wind and I was able to play with Camilla.

 The other kids finally left and Camilla and her buddy were able to enjoy digging together in the quiet. They were super cute to watch and played fairly well together!

I took advantage of having an extra pair of hands there and snapped a picture of my kiddo's and I at the park.

This nifty sign is right across the street from my house. You know you live on a busy street when.... I am looking forward to one day living in a smaller community where there isn't as much need for signs like these. It makes me a little nervous that we don't have a fence or anything, but luckily Camilla is very aware and well behaved when we are outdoors and near traffic

Anyways, I am taking the afternoon off! It's been a long week with no naps, and I think this Friday afternoon calls for a nap.

A "Joyride"

This morning we test drove our new-to-us Schwinn Joyrider. Camilla is in love and still sitting in it after being home for half an hour. She may just eat her sandwich there as well. We took it to the library for Sing Sign and had a blast. I love that it has a swivel wheel in the front. My arms feel so much better after a long walk. The only bummer is that it doesn't fit through the doors at the library. 

It's actually a double, but Hyrum is too little still. Camilla was loving the extra space and stretched right out to enjoy the ride. I didn't hear a peep the whole way there or back. She just sat enjoying the view and being protected from the mosquitoes. I'm excited to use it more outside this summer as we go on family outings.

Although I love having Hyrum close to me, I'm looking forward to when he's big enough to be pushed around. Then, maybe I'll take up jogging again. 

On the walk there I got thinking about some advice a friend shared with us this weekend. They talked about how parents sometimes get mad at their kids for being bad when in reality, the parent is just annoyed at what the kid is doing, and the kid really isn't being bad at all.  Does that make sense? I think that rang true here this morning. There were a few times I was mad at Camilla for being "bad" when really she was just doing something I didn't want her to be doing. I think it's time to step up my patience level and let her be a kid and enjoy everything around her.

On a side note, Hyrum totally giggled this morning and it was hilarious! I have no idea what he was laughing at as he was just sitting in his bouncer. He is getting more content with just sitting and watching and listening. It's such a relief. I'm looking forward to watching him grow and change and follow his big sister's footsteps.

The Best Morning

My little boys grunts and whines got me out of bed this morning for a 7:00am feeding. It felt nice to sleep in a bit. I was welcomed by little grins and flailing arms. I scooped him up, sat in the rocking chair and cradled him in my arms. As he filled his little tummy, I leaned my head back on the top of the rocker and closed my eyes again. A few minutes later, I hear a whispered "Hi". I lift one eye lid and see my little girls big blue eyes and white baby-toothed grin. I let out a gentle sigh, and try to come to terms with having to wake up for the day. Camilla sits on the edge of her bed and puts on this hilarious hat and gives the biggest smile. Daddy walks into the room and we both giggle at our funny little girl. I close my eyes again while Camilla gets out of bed. I hear her little feet pitter-patter across the old hardwood floor in her bedroom. Mr. Stannix goes to finish getting ready for work and we have a good chat while Hyrum finishes up. Now Hyrum is asleep again, so I lay him gently back into his crib and tuck an extra blanket on him. I hear my little girl call me from the bottom of the stairs, "Mommy? Have some nanas please? Mommy..." I stand at the top of the stairs and smile down at her, "Of course you can have a banana". I go downstairs, put her in her seat and hand her a half peeled banana while I make eggs, pack a lunch and chat with my dear Mr. Stannix about life and our future. He finishes his orange juice and then he leaves for work with a kiss and an "I love you". As the door closes, Camilla exclaims, "See you soon!!".  I love mornings like this. Mornings that are calm and slow where I can soak up every moment, every grin, every kiss and every time Camilla says "Mommy". It makes my life so wonderful. There is nothing better then being a wife and mother.

Playing Pretend

Camilla is going through her bed time routine with her baby and teddy. It's pretty funny. She says, "I lay down wif you?" and "Night, see you soon", and "Sleeeeep time". Then she says "Wate up!!" and throws the blankets off. She's been a busy girl all day, its nice to see her sit and play quietly with her toys. This definitely beats what she was doing this morning!! I caught her naked with her hands in the toilet...It's no swimming pool, but whatever floats your boat I guess. We scrubbed her down good!!

Blowing Bubbles

Today Camilla and Hyrum napped at different times. It was nice because I got to spend special one on one time with each of them. While Camilla slept, I got to snuggle and hold Hyrum. He smiles a lot now and likes to look at you. I even got some coo's out of him today! It was nice to sit and admire my little guy. Hyrum napped later on in the afternoon which allowed me some time with Camilla. We laughed and chased each other around the house and then ended it off with a tickle session on the couch. When she doesn't want to be tickled anymore I hear "Kiss...KISS!!" between giggles and then stop to kiss her. When we got bored inside, we ventured out into the backyard to blow bubbles. I had a lot of fun with my little girl. She has such a sweet little personality and she is so full of life! Her giggles are to die for, right from the stomach. She has no fear. She also told me she pooped her diaper this afternoon. I went to check and it was just wet, and she said "No, have ta poop" so we went to the potty. After a few minutes we had some potty success and she was rewarded TWO jelly beans.  Some of my favorite things that she said today were: "Bless you Bud-dy" (when Hyrum sneezed), "Wanna dance Hyrum?", and "Lookit youuu" (to Hyrum in her high little voice). I just love my little, spunky girl. She brings me so much joy!

 

Hyrum's Baby Blessing

This weekend was a very special weekend for my family.  On Friday we were able to attend the temple with my little brother in preparation for his mission. What a great experience to be in the temple with my little brother, and the rest of my family. Today we were privileged to have friends and family present for Hyrum's baby blessing. It was such a special experience. I was super emotional all day and full of joy. I feel so blessed to have this little family and such great friends and extended family. Hyrum looked so handsome in his little white outfit. How precious little babies are.

We had some time before church and got a friend to snap a family picture on our back deck.

We arrived at church a half hour early so that I could nurse Hyrum and get him to sleep. Daddy didn't want him crying through the blessing. Before I wrapped him up tight in his blanket, I couldn't help but admire his little baby feet. The blanket he used was really special as it was the blanket my Gramma Purdon made for me when I was a baby.

I felt lucky to have all of my family and siblings there for the blessing. When it was time, Mr. Stannix took his little boy in his arms and brought him to the front of the chapel. My Grampa, Dad, and newly ordained little brother were able to participate. That was special to me to be able to see four generations in that circle to bless our special baby boy. Mr. Stannix also had his brother and friends there too! I was able to quickly jot down some of the special things that were said in the blessing  to add to Hyrum's baby book. It was such a special experience. Hyrum came back to the bench wide awake, but very content.  Mr. Stannix returned my baby boy to my arms after the blessing and whispered how special the experience was for him.  He must have just stared at his Daddy through the whole blessing. I have never seen Mr. Stannix cry but he was very close to tears because of the experience he had with his baby boy. The whole rest of the meeting I sat and stared at my baby boy, watching him grin in his sleep. Since it was Fast and Testimony Sunday Mr. Stannix was able to share his testimony. He made me cry (tears of joy of course). He talked about how grateful he was for his children and to have a wife who loved him. My Gramma Hudkins also shared her testimony with us. In it, we learned that Hyrum was blessed in the same church building as his Grampa (My Dad). How special is that!

The other day on the radio, I was listening to a lady talk about her marriage before her divorce. She spoke of getting married and said, "It was the right thing at the time, but I didn't expect it to last forever". I was blown away! How could you not want to be with the person you love forever! It made me so grateful for the temple and that I can be sealed to Mr. Stannix forever and ever. Not only am I sealed to Mr. Stannix, but also to our children! I couldn't imagine not having my family with me forever. I am so glad that I was taught to expect marriage to last forever. What a blessing it is!

Hyrum in his Daddy's arms

After Sacrament meeting, our friends and family gathered at my Gramma and Grampa's for a visit and some lunch. My Gramma worked really hard preparing a ham and salads and other things. My Mum and Auntie also brought food and other people also helped out with the meal. We felt very blessed to have such great family who helped us out! It was nice to have the support of everyone. 

My Gramma and Grampa are amazing people and I am so grateful for their example. How special for our Children to have Great Grandparents to snuggle and love them.

 I am absolutely in love with this picture of Hyrum and his Uncle Mike.

We had all of my siblings at the same place for the first time in a very long time. We took the opportunity to snap a family picture on Gramma and Grampa's deck.

As I was getting Hyrum ready for his carseat, Camilla came over and rubbed her little brothers head and said in her happiest voice, "Good to see you...Hyrum's" and kissed him on the lips. It was definitely a tender moment shared between brother and sister.  On the drive home Mr. Stannix and I couldn't help but talk about how blessed we are, and how fast our little one's are growing up, especially miss Camilla! It was such a special day for our little family and we all felt so much joy!

Bonnie Fest

So, today was Bonnie Fest. This is the second year they've done it. It's just a little "Fair" thing in our neighborhood with information and free stuff for the kiddos. We thought we would check it out. It was a chilly day, but the kids enjoyed it! It's been fun to have friends up for the day.

There was a really fun petting zoo for the kids to enjoy!!

We were able to get a little family picture!

We finished off the evening roasting hot dogs over the fire!

Camilla pigged out on Doritos and Mr. Stannix snuggled Hyrum for a while.

 

 The two kiddos had fun running around!

They also enjoyed sharing chips with each other!

They are now bathed and snuggled up in their beds for the night! We are looking forward to our day tomorrow as we get to bless baby Hyrum in church. It's fun to have friends and family here to share with us!

A Downpour

Recently the Young Women's group in our ward put on a baby shower for some of the new Moms at church. Someone said we should re-name it a "baby downpour", and they were probably right. The shower was for 6 babies, but we took a picture with all babies present just for fun! The funny part is, we're still missing 1 or 2 more. Our ward is full of these sweet little spirits. Nursery will be intense next year!

Camilla is still thrilled with her potty. We have only manged one other tinkle since the last potty post, but she loves to try! Sometimes she gets bored, and has to rest her elbows on her knees like this. She was too cute not to snap a picture! My favorite saying of hers today is "Need-a chee chee bum-bum" (Need to change bum).

I fear that my home is being invaded by giant, nasty spiders! Check out this hair beast that I found in my sink this morning!! I definitely made Mr. Stannix kill it. Those things give me the hebeegeebees. Thats three in three days: One in the bathtub, one on my kitchen floor and one in my sink! Not a fan...

It's been drizzling rain all day today. We've been doing a lot of laundry and sleeping in our house. Last night Mr. Stannix brought the swing out to save my sanity. Hyrum is liking the motion and Mommy is liking the break from swinging, bouncing, and rocking him all the time. He's such a handsome little guy!

Bath Time

This is one of the many reasons that I love being a Mum! I love bathing my kids and snuggling them up in a nice fluffy towel. I like giving service to my kids no matter how small, it lets them know that I love them. And when they decide to be awake really late screaming, I can remember these tender moments with them and know that everything will be okay again soon.

I am in love with Hyrum's little grins. This crazy fool decided to be awake until after Midnight last night crying. As I thought about the quiet bath he had that night and the snuggles we shared after, I was able to have more patience with him as he screamed and cried. How could his little grins not melt your heart?

Please Call me Mommy

Last week, my little girl was picking me flowers in the back yard. I would take them from her when she offered them, say 'thank-you', and smell them. We had bouquets of dandelions on our kitchen table. Life was good.

This week, my little girl is calling me by my first name!! "Addie" this and "Addie" that.

They grow up so fast don't they?

Yesterday she said "Addie. Addie. Can you get my bawoon...please?" I was crushed! I looked at her and said "Call me Mommy, please". She grinned and said "Mommy, get bawoon?" That was much better. Then I heard, "Addie. Wa-Wa... Please?" and I responded frantically, "No, call me Mommy!! I'm your Mommy!".

I hope that my children never get too old to call me "Mom".