Help Yourself

We had some friends over for the afternoon and enjoyed the park and a chick flick. While we were all watching the movie I said, "If you guys get thirsty or anything, just help yourself". Soon Camilla requested cheese and crackers so we paused the movie while I made some up. She was really good about sharing and gave one to everyone. She then came back and sat by me on the couch and said, "If you guys want some more just help yourself and get a plate and make some". The three of us laughed pretty hard. She said it so politely too!

Picnic With the Littles

 This morning was cloudy and cold, but around noon the clouds parted and blue sky appeared! We all needed some fresh air. When I announced that we were going to have a picnic lunch Camilla exclaimed, "Oh! That's ensighten!" (exciting). She set up the blanket in the front yard beneath my favorite tree while Hyrum and I brought out the food.

 We enjoyed grill cheese (cut in triangles of course), tuna and crackers, and grapes for dessert. 

 Many a laugh was had...

 And lots of snuggles too!

And after Camilla tackled us both over with a massive hug, this was my view.

Life is sweet.

Mommy's Little Helpers

After dinner today we took off to the grocery store to pick up some water and fruit. 

The kids happily insisted on carrying the water jugs.

We got a lot of smiles and laughs as we walked through the parking lot.

Such awesome little helpers I've got!

Quiet Time

I love Sunday afternoons. It's so great to take some time to reflect and set new goals and rest up. When Hyrum and I woke up from our nap we came downstairs to Daddy and Camilla snoozing on the couch. After a quick bum change we snuck out the balcony door and played outside for an hour on our own. I relaxed in the cool breeze on the monkey swing and watched Hyrum dump the rain water from his buckets and scoop leaves with his shovel. As I relaxed, baby moved non-stop in my tummy. My bump is getting rounder and I actually had people congratulate me who just noticed it for the first time today. Imagine their shock when I told them I was due in two more months!

As I watched my little boy play, I couldn't believe how big he was getting. He's starting to say a few words like "done", "bike", and "bird". He prefers a cup to his sippy and is almost done with bottles. It's crazy how fast this last 16 months has gone! I adore his blonde, wavy hair but it's getting pretty long and will soon need to be trimmed up.

When the backyard got boring, we went around to the front yard and watched the cars and bikes zoom by. Hyrum could sit and watch cars go by forever. He would point at each one and the odd time I would get an excited scream. I loved spending the afternoon with my not so little man. Those baby blue eyes of his are so sparkly and noticeable outside in the sun.

After dinner and a visit with friends at an open house the kids were pretty tired. Mr. Stannix took Hyrum up to bed which left Camilla and I on our own downstairs. She came up and curled up on my lap and put her head on my tummy. She wanted the baby to kick her head like it did the other night during our movie. We sat and snuggled together for quite a while giggling quietly and feeling the baby move. I will always cherish our evenings together.

Morning Cheerios

Our little man visited our bed a couple of times last night (serves me right for bragging about how well he sleeps). I'll never complain about the extra cuddles though! He slept until 7:00am and then we went downstairs, just the two of us, and enjoyed our morning Cheerios. 

This kid is a big fan of his cheerios and will eat every last one and drink all of the milk. I just love his big stretches, sleepy smiles and chubby toes first thing in the morning. The extra milk dribbling down his chin always ups the cuteness factor too.

Slow Down

Today I had multiple reminders of the importance of slowing down and savoring the moment. We got a crazy ice storm just before dinner followed by a downpour of rain. As soon as it started the children both rushed to me, one clinging onto my leg and the other grabbing my hand. I was reminded how much they rely on me for safety and security. We pushed the backs of the couches close together and put a blanket over top to make a fort in the living room and distract the children from the storm. Hyrum ran under it like it was a tunnel, in one side and out the other, over and over again. Camilla begged me to come inside and play with her. It wasn't an easy feat with my baby bump, but I am glad I did. We giggled and laughed until Daddy came home and joined us. I let Daddy take over while I finished up dinner. He hung out in the fort, tickled and wrestled with the children. The giggles were priceless. At one point I went into the living room and watched Camilla come up to her Daddy and wrap herself in his arms as she asked for a cuddle. It was such a sweet moment.

We ended up having a late dinner after enjoying visitors morning and afternoon. Camilla surprised us all by eating her plate all gone! Dessert was in order and ice cream sundae's were served to everyone following dinner. We then had family prayers and let Daddy get to work while I jammied the little man and tucked him into bed. 

After he was fast asleep Camilla and I went out to grab a few groceries. Having one vehicle has been tricky with Mr. Stannix working out of the office more and more. Camilla was excited to get out of the house though and gathered up the spare change that Grampa had given her earlier that day into her little wallet. She was pleased to have her own money. We talked about checking out the dollar store so that she could pick out a new toy. She needed some special one on one time.

As we made our way to the car, I went around the front to unlock the doors and Camilla went around the back. Behind the car was a huge puddle from the rain earlier. As I was waiting for Camilla I heard, "This is a GREAT puddle mum!"  I smiled to myself as I opened up her door. She splashed her way through it and to her door and  then we were off. We finally made it and parked. I was in a hurry to get in and hit up the places we needed to and get back home. As we ran through the parking lot, her hand in mine, I found myself being pulled all over the parking lot just so she could splash in every puddle. I laughed, partly out of enjoyment, and partly out of frustration. Then I caught myself and remembered that she will only be this way for a very short time. So we splashed and danced and jumped our way through the parking lot, hitting every puddle we could. 

As we walked through the mall she talked non-stop. My favorite was her never ending question of "why?". She's become so inquisitive as of late and I bet I hear the word "why" at least a million times a day. We hit up the toy cars for a few minutes and then continued on our way. As we made our way down the mall she jumped on every floor tile she could. Soon she grabbed my hand and started jumping over the pink ones to stay on the white colored ones. 

When we got to the Dollar store the first toy she fell in love with was a water gun. I tried explaining that there was lots of toys and that we should look at everything before she decided what she wanted to spend her money on. She then found another toy that interested her and thought for sure it was the one she wanted, only to run put it back a few minutes later when she found yet another fun toy. We took our time and I let her make her own decision. She finally decided on two smaller toys. As we headed to the check out she spotted the lollipops and said, "I should get a lollipop for doing such a good job at picking these out". I laughed. She has a sweet tooth like me. We added up her money and decided that she had enough to buy herself a lollipop. She put everything on the counter and payed all by herself. She was so proud of herself. 

We jumped tiles, zigged and zagged all the way back to the other end of the mall to get groceries. When we got to the stairs Camilla went up the ramp and I went up the stairs. We raced all the way to the top where I popped out and scared her. We giggled the rest of the way as we walked hand in hand into the grocery store. At the check out I answered a lot more "why's". She asks the funniest questions. Then it was time to go home. 

Before bed my thoughts were consumed with this idea of slowing down and enjoying the moment. I was reminded of this video where President Uchtdorf says, "We would do well to slow down a little, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most." Camilla's puddle jumping, smiles, and laughs replayed over and over in my head. Spending time with my children and family is definitely what matters most. It was a good reminder for when Camilla comes in and asks me to play, or grabs my hand for the millionth time to show me something. I want her to know how important she is, and how much I love her. And when she asks "why?" for the hundredth time that day, I will try my very best to come up with an answer. It was a good reminder for when Hyrum is demanding my attention, or just wants a little hug. The dishes and house cleaning will always be there, but my children won't stay this way forever and I want to savor every moment!

Sleepy

Hyrum has adjusted super well to his big boy bed. Every morning when we go upstairs to get dressed I turn on the iPod to Camilla's newest favorite song "Do you Believe in Magic". Camilla jumps and dances on her bed in her undies full of smiles and giggles. Hyrum joins in on his smaller, less bouncy bed, jumping and doing bum drops. It's a great way to start off the day. Nap times are a breeze. He climbs the stairs and runs to his bed, grabbing his special blanket. I hang out next door in our room for a few minutes until he gets comfy and falls asleep. So far I haven't had to lift him back into bed once. Bed time's rock. He hops into his bed, gives kisses and I go downstairs while he falls asleep. The one downside about the bed arrangements is that Camilla can turn on the bedroom light by herself now. I went upstairs the other night and she had it on so that she could see her teddies better. I don't know how long it was on for, but Hyrum stayed fast asleep through the whole ordeal. The only problem we've had is that he's such an active sleeper. So far we've only had one rough night due to him falling out of bed. When I went up to bed I found him on the floor sleeping away. I called Mr. Stannix to see and we both giggled before I scooped him back into bed. In the middle of the night he started to cry and once I woke up I registered it as a "help me" cry. He was wedged between his bed and the wall somehow and I had to physically move the bed to get him out. He's such a funny boy. I am so proud of him and how well he's made the switch though! I was anticipating much worse.

After a night of being up three times I was feeling pretty tired yesterday. Hyrum went down for his nap, but woke crying a half hour later because of his teeth. He eventually calmed down and went back to sleep. Camilla didn't want a nap, but I needed a quick snooze. I may or may not have left my three year old unattended for a short time while I napped upstairs. 

 

Last night Mr. Stannix was away late at Hockey. When I went up to bed I did my nightly check on the kiddos. Camilla was fast asleep with all of her covers kicked off and her bare little legs sticking out of the bottom of her nighty. I brushed the hair out of her face with my hand and kissed her on the cheek. I then went to check Mr. Hyrum who was sleeping sideways on his bed. I pulled his covers back up onto his cool little body. I ran my fingers through his hair and rubbed his narrow little back. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my children and the joy that they bring to our family. I sat on the edge of Hyrum's bed for a few minutes just soaking in the moment. The house was quiet and dark and so peaceful. I knelt by my bed and said a special prayer of thanks to Heavenly Father. 

Sadly, the house wasn't peaceful and quiet all night. As soon as I began falling asleep the rain started to pour. Soon it was accompanied by shaking thunder and lots of lightning. We had a little body visit our bed a few times last night. I would take her back to her own bed during the breaks in the storm, but it never lasted long. I don't think I got to sleep until after 3:00am. Hyrum, well, he slept through it all until his regular 6:00am this morning. After some cheerios for breakfast he decided to use my baby bump as a race track. It was pretty funny.

That's Love

Yesterday we took advantage of the summer heat and went to the park. 

Camilla asked if she could ride her tricycle, so we went and got it from the garage.

She jumped in the drivers seat and her little brother hopped on behind.

I smiled as I watched her peddle away down the sidewalk with her little brother in tow. 

So much love was being shown.

When her legs got tired she would take a break and look at the scenery.

Then she would take off again (with a little help) causing her brother to burst into giggles.

It made my day to see them enjoying each other so much.

Camilla would sing as she peddled.

Hyrum would buzz his lips and make car noises in the back.

When a flower was spotted the tricycle was stopped and the flower picked. 

I had a whole bouquet of dandelions by the time we made it to the park.

I felt like the luckiest Mum in the whole world. 

After some sliding, splashing, swinging and monkeying around we headed home for lunch.

Camilla climbed onto her tricycle and waited patiently for her brother to climb onto the back.

 She peddled her little heart out most of the way home.

During the last stretch of sidewalk I hoisted Hyrum up on my shoulders.

Camilla rode like the wind to our house and up our front walk.

I learned so much about love that morning.

Camilla sure made her brother happy.

Package from Chile

We got a special package in the mail today from Elder Hudkins. 

He sent some awesome belated birthday gifts from Chile. It came in a cereal box with lots of tape and inside the box each package was delicately wrapped in bags with our names taped to the top.

Hyrum opened his first. It was a darling little llama peluche. He loves it!

(I'm pretty sure it's real llama fur too)

Camilla opened hers next and discovered this adorable little bolsa. She was super excited and immediately put it to good use filling it with teddies and things. 

I am pretty sure my little brother is the best souvenir shopper I know. But, with all his previous travel experience, he should be a pro by now! I got a pretty little wallet. It will go awesome with my bag from Costa Rica. Mr. Stannix will open his when he gets home, I can hardly wait.

Big Boy Bed

 On Saturday night we made the switch to a toddler bed. I had Mr. Stannix bring it up stairs for me during one of his study breaks. We ended up vacuuming all the cob webs, bugs and creepy crawlies while we were down there. I am no longer as afraid to do laundry and happy to say that my messy bun won't be taking cob webs off the roof anymore. I washed up the bed and freshened it all up and then we took it upstairs. The room looks so cozy with Camilla's big bed, the toddler bed and our little crib. I'm actually quite happy with how it all turned out, and even more excited to fill that crib with a newborn!  I know it seems like Hyrum is too little for the switch to the big boy bed, but this wasn't a last minute decision. The poor guy was getting too long for our little apartment size crib. It also gives me peace of mind knowing that he will be well adjusted to the big bed before baby arrives (I know, it's a long ways away still). 

I had a Primary meeting that night, so we rushed through baths and prayers in order to leave lots of time to get him to fall asleep in the new bed. After goodnight kisses, he climbed the stairs and made his way to the big green chair for snuggles and his bottle. When he finished I put him down and asked him to go find his bed. He went to the toddler bed, grabbed his favorite blanket and started across the room to his crib. I giggled as I led him to his new big boy bed and tucked him in. I whispered "night night" and gave him one last kiss. He clicked his tongue twice (his way of saying "night night") and pulled his fuzzy blanket close. I sat on Camilla's bed by the door and prepared myself for the worst. I was envisioning having to lug him back to bed 122938 times. After about a minute I moved closer to the door and more out of sight. He made himself comfy as I took one more step onto the landing outside the door. I then waited a few more minutes, peeked in and was pretty sure his eyes were closed. 

I made my way down the stairs dodging as many of the creaky parts as I could and giggled with Mr. Stannix about how adorable our boy is. I had time to tidy the house, snap a picture, and hang out with Camilla before I had to leave to my meeting. It seriously took less than five minutes to wait for him to fall asleep. I was in heaven! Camilla had a harder time with the transition and it took a good week for her to finally fall asleep without us having our fingers visible through the door.

Before bed I snuck in to check on him and he was sleeping soundly. I touched his soft little baby cheeks and chubby little fingers. They are so peaceful when they sleep. I snapped one more picture of him off in dreamland and then pulled Camilla's covers back up on my way out. I smiled as I left the room and felt so blessed!

The first sounds I heard from Hyrum were this morning at his usual 6:00am. Shrieks of joy accompanied by belly laughs. I listened as his feet hit the floor and pitter-pattered across the landing and into our room. He looked so darn cute with his bed head and fuzzy blanket in tow. I got a quick hug and smooch and then he was off. He loves the freedom of being able to get himself out of bed. 

Tonight went much the same as last night. I tucked him in, he gave me his two clicks of the tongue to say "night night", I smooched his cheeks and left the room. It was 7:35pm when I left and by 7:40 I was making my way downstairs! Piece of cake! 

We just won't mention the 3 1/2 hours I spent on Camilla's bed in the heat with one eye open waiting for him to nap this afternoon... At least he knows he has to stay in his bed. When he thought I wasn't looking he would chuck his teddy off the side, jump out to pick him up, and scramble quickly back into bed. After a poopy diaper, some tears from mamma, and 30 more minutes upstairs, I gave up. There's always tomorrow! I am still so proud of him.