Nap Time

Sadie's nap time is slowly starting to disappear.  Bless her heart, she will try so hard to fall asleep, but she's just not tired some days. 

It's very sad for me.  Sad because I know she's growing up.  Sad because that's the time of the day that I can catch up on housework, work, and have one-on-one time with Jax.  And, Sad because it means she'll be difficult later on in the day. 

She usually will at least play in her room quietly for an hour or more.  This past Thursday I kept hearing her door open and close.  When I went in there this is what I found:

She's learning how to dress herself.  Can you tell?

So, I layed her back in bed and told her to try to take a nap.  Twenty minutes later I heard her more noises.  When I went to check on her I found an empty room.  I looked in the bathroom - she wasn't there.  I looked in the laundry room - wasn't there.  Then I heard the sound coming from her room again.  I went in and called her name....

She had been hiding in the closet. 

I layed her down again and told her to try really, really hard to fall asleep.  It was quiet for another 20 minutes and then the noises began again. 

She had pulled out lots of toys and books from her toy drawer.  So, I gave up and decided to play with her. 

Oh well, I'll just appreciate the days she does nap and try harder to wear her out in the mornings. 

Bye bye nap time.  I will miss you!

Happy Cinco!

Sadie gave us a wonderful anniversary gift.  We started off the morning with her doing her First Ever poop on the potty!  I've never been so proud!!!

Well, I won't confess my undying love for Ben here - I'll put that in a personal email, for his eyes only.  I'm sure everyone will appreciate that.  But, for the record, I do like him quite a bit.  What's not to like?  It's Ben. 

Our Growin' Boy

Weighing in at a whopping 12 lb, 13 oz and 24 inches long......

Yes, our little man is not so little anymore.  He is the size Sadie was at 8 months and he is only 2 months!  He is exactly what I wanted: healthy, happy, and plump.  He doesn't have that many rolls but he's just really wide and dense.  When he was born he was so scrawny.  We were sure we were going to have a little runt of a son, which was okay by us, we thought he'd be scrappy and fast.  But, nope, he's looking like he'll be a bigger boy.  That's good, too!

I'm happy to say that he's getting into a better sleeping schedule, too.  I usually have him asleep for the night at 8.  He wakes up at 1 and 5 o'clock for feedings and then about 7:30 for the day.  Again - Sadie didn't do that well until at least 8 months, maybe even older.


He only cries when he's tired or hungry.  And he grunts for a while to warn me, and only cries if I don't respond quickly enough.

He eats 4 ounces every two hours during the day.  I am sad to say I gave up on the nursing efforts.  He actually did pretty well.  He would latch maybe half the time, nurse for 5 minutes, fall right to sleep, and then be hungry again when I moved him.  However, I could never get him to relatch after a first latch.  I tried and tried for weeks, but it was getting to be too much with nursing efforts, pumping, and keeping Sadie happy.  So, in the end - another failed attempt.  Very, very sad!  (Too much information?  Sorry)

His personality is so sweet.  When he wakes up he is all smiles and just loves to be loved.  He's a very content, mellow, observant little guy.  His soul is just so sweet and gentle.  I think we should have named him Ben because he is so his father and such a Ben but Ben insists that it would be way too confusing.  So, he'll remain a Jax, which I think suits him quite well, too.

We love him - lots and lots and lots.

He fits in great - he's exactly what we needed.

Absolutely perfect.  Perfect!

It's In Writing

Ben has said several dozen times since the birth "Can you put that in writing so you don't forget?"

So, here are my thoughts about labor and delivery so I can remember for next time....

Induction - There is nothing that can make me go into labor sooner.  I've tried everything.  Yes,  including Castor Oil.  I must have a really strong stomach because it barely had any effect.  The only thing that works is time (or Pitocin).

Pitocin - Pitocin can be necessary.  As much as I don't want to admit that - it's true.  Sadie and Jax were both two days late, but I really think both of them needed to come out.  Sadie had a lot of meconium and if she had been in there another week I think she would have aspirated it.  Also, I think I would have ended up having a C-Section with Jax if I had waited much longer.  Next time, if it comes to that, I think we'll just make it a matter of prayer and do what we feel is best.  Most times I think going a little extra time is great and healthy, but with those two I really did feel like the induction was what was best.

Pain Relief - Well, during the 15 minutes before and after delivery I told Ben that people were crazy for not wanting an epidural and next time I definitely wanted one.  He kept saying, "Remember that for next time!"  However, after those 30 minutes had passed I was totally elated I had gone without pain medication. 

It really is such an adrenaline rush.  Call me crazy but I have loved the labor and delivery of both babies.  With Sadie, though, I physically felt nothing.  I was like another bystander in the room rather than an active participant.  With Jax, I felt so involved and in control.  And, when he came out there was such a rush of something...accomplishment....relief....confidence....pride....empowerment....I don't know.  When Sadie came out I was thrilled, but there wasn't that 'rush' of being on top of the world.   Well, I can't explain it so I'll stop trying. :)

Also, I still can't get over how immediate the recovery was.  A half hour after Jax was born I felt better than I did 3 months after Sadie was born.  It was so quick and so easy to recover. 

I only wish I could have had a natural labor - no cords, wires, IVs, monitors, pitocin, etc.  Labor would not have been that bad if I could have been able to move, get in a comfortable position, and been allowed to push.  So, hopefully, next time I hope to have minimal monitoring and go medication-free again.  But, if I must be induced I may consider an epiural. The end. 

Moving on....


I still would love to have a baby through a birth center but everyone thinks I'm crazy and dangerous.  So, I'm going to hunt around and try to find a midwife/doctor that delivers in a hospital but will interfere as little as possible.  That's what I feel is healthiest for the baby and me.

So, this was a very disorganized post but at least it's in writing now. 




 

Farewell Kimmy

Kimmy left today to head back to BYU.  All of us girls blubbered as we hugged goodbye at the airport today.  It was a pathetic sight!  I was re-reading my blog post about the first time she left.  It has not gotten any easier to see her go. 

She was a tremendous help to me this summer.  She made the transition of adding Jax to the family so much easier for Sadie.  [Note to self: you owe Kimmy big time!]  She is so great with Sadie - patient, attentive, playful, and loving.  What will Sadie do without her?  Sadie loves her so much!  You should see the way Sadie looks at Kimmy - total love and admiration.  It melts my heart.  She doesn't look at anyone else that way, just Kimmy.

But, looking at the bright side, at least she gets to attend the greatest school of all time.  I wouldn't want anything less for her.  Plus, her Shawn-friend will be there to greet her and I know how she has missed him.

So, farewell Kimmy.  You will be missed.  You are loved.  You are great!  And thank you!!

Sadie and Kimmy riding the carousel on Kimmy's last day here.

Take Me Out To the Ball Game

Rays vs. Orioles - August 13th, 2010

My dad invited us to go the Rays game with him this past Friday.  His CPA firm gets season tickets every year, and we usually get to enjoy a view of the games thanks to his generosity.

Sadie and her Grampy.

This past week we took Sadie with us for the first time.  We were a little uncertain what she would think of it.  I'm happy to say that she loved it - totally loved it.  Those games are long, too.  But, she happily sat on our laps and watched the entire 4 hour game.  The people around us even complimented us on her great behavior.  We were so proud!

Can you feel her enthusiasm?

After the game the Village People performed so we went down on the field for the concert.  Sadie, again, totally loved it.  She really enjoys music and has pretty good rhythm, too.  We didn't stay the whole time.  I was anxious to go see Jax, but we had a fun half hour.  And, by the way, I've had the song "Macho Man" stuck in my head since that night.

On the field during the concert.

A Weekend To Remember

This past weekend Ben and I celebrated our upcoming anniversary by going on a little getaway to St. Pete Beach.  We had a full 24 hours where we could sleep and play whenever and however we wanted.  It felt like we were kids again - no cares in the world.  It was the most fun I've ever had in a 24 hour period!

This was our hotel.  Ben is even pointing to our exact room.  It's the one with the open blinds.  They upgraded us to a suite for free.  Wasn't that nice of them?  We had two queen beds, one king, two balconies, and a stunning view.  Aren't we blessed?

Ben shown above pointing to our room.

As soon as we got there we headed straight for the beach.  We laid and played there for a few hours.  We started feeling sleepy, so we took a 5 o'clock nap.  What a treat!

Then we went to Gigi's - a charming, tasty little Italian beach restaurant.   If you haven't been there you should try it.  We shared a pizza with pesto and homemade sausage.  Yum :)

After eating, we enjoyed the sunset from our balcony.  It was exquisite!

Once the sun had set we decided to go for a nice, long walk on the beach.  We actually found some Cabana's and sat and stared at the stars for an hour or two.  Words can't fully express how totally relaxing, carefree, and fun it was.  It was so fun!  So, so, so fun!!!

After our walk we went upstairs and enjoyed midnight desserts.  They have a revolving restaurant at the top of this hotel.  It makes a 360 degree circle every hour.  The view is stunning!

Alicia shown above enjoying Snickers Pie and Raspberry Cheesecake.

That night we enjoyed an entire 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep!  Wow. Wow. And....wow!  And....WOW!!  I haven't had 8 straight hours of sleep in at least 8 months.  I woke up feeling so healthy and happy. 

After eating breakfast in bed (we had pop tarts!) we were right back out on the beach again.  The water was warm and clear, the beach uncrowded, and we were oh-so-relaxed - it felt like heaven.  

We found these adorable hammocks.

By this point, we were so rejuvenated and ready to face reality again.  But, we did stop on our way home to get some ice cream and gelato at Larry's Ice Cream.  

Finally, we made it back to my parents where we were greeted by these two adorable little faces.  We had missed them so much!

Special thanks to my parents and Kimmy for taking Sadie and Jax for us!  You will never know how grateful we are!

Also, special thanks to a Mr. Ben Johnson for marrying me.  It's been the best 5 years of my life!  You know I love you :)

India Night

Have you ever had Indian food?  It's delectable!  Ben introduced me to Indian food when we were dating.  He served his mission in India and has a deep love for their food and culture.  Every now and again we have 'Indian' nights where I cook up some rather authentic and quite tasty (if I do say so myself) Indian food.  When it's just Ben and me we also like to rent Bollywood movies.  I happen to love it when they burst out singing and dancing.  It's a riot!  We laugh out loud every time.

Well, Christy has been visiting and requested Indian food on her final evening here so on Sunday night we had our 'India Night'.  I had Kimmy and Christy dress up in the outfits Ben brought back.  They also wore Bindis - the dots on their forehead.  (See left)

Sadly, my cooking must have been a little too spicy because my family was up all night not feeling well.  In fact, Christy missed her flight the next morning because she was still feeling sick.  Poor thing!

Also, this past weekend was my Dad's birthday.  As his birthday wish he took all of us shopping!  Who does that?  He said it was for the adults because they are always buying things for the kids.  What a guy!  I hope I grow up to be just like him :)

This is Ben sporting the new shirt we picked out for him.  He actually stayed home with Jax, and Sadie and I went shopping on his behalf. 

Sadie cried her little eyes out when they drove away that night.  Christy was crying too because she knew she wouldn't be seeing Sadie for several months.  It's great to visit with family, but it sure is hard to see them leave.  We miss you Christy!

My Perfect World

I love weekends. LOVE THEM!!
I especially love summer weekends.  

Summer + Weekend + Ben = My Perfect World.

Except in my perfect world I'm really skinny and not 15 lbs. overweight. 

And, in my perfect world, I have these two cute, cuddly little creatures.  

But, Kimmy and my mom are always around to help me out with them.

Oh, also, in my perfect world we go on walks as a family every night and to watch the sunset.
I love sunsets!!  Aren't they the best?

That's my perfect world.