B & L

Showing off

2012-01-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

All Things Beckham- 18 months

2012-01-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

This boy cracks me up! Here is what he is doing now... some things he has been doing for a long time, but since I haven't posted in a long time you would never know!

-Points to pictures of animals and says what sound they make. Cow, horsie, doggie, kitty, zebra (no noise), duck, birdie, fish (no sound)..
-Loves to read. We read books all day long. Sometimes I find him sitting on the floor or at the kitchen table with one cracked open.
-So full of personality.
-Talks about his Mimi & GopGop all day long. (They recently babysat for two weeks and then we spent a third week there for Christmas!)
-Shoots basketballs in his new hoop-- fell in love after King got one for Christmas.
-Says a bazillion words and copies everything we say.
-Says "buuuug!" when Brian is annoying him. So proud for teaching him this!
-Throws tantrums over the carseat, booster for meals, stroller... bottom line: "don't strap me down!"
-Eats like a bird one day and then a cow the next.
-Strawberries are number 1 in his life right now.
-Carries around a stuffed monkey that my Grandparents gave him-- calls him "Baby". Baby goes EVERYWHERE Beckham goes.
-Is attached to a blanket, but it doesn't have to travel with us.
-Loves pushing various carts/wagons around and filling it with stuff he finds.
-Keys! Obsessed! I've got to go make him a set before he misplaces mine.
-Knows all of his body parts verbally and points.
-Dreams of being outside all day, everyday.
-Loves bikes. Haven't been able to find one he can actually ride yet.
-Loves babies.
-Is naughty!
-Climbs... loves when he can get the kitchen chair from under the table so he can climb up on the table.
-Watches some cartoons a little more.
-Loves laying on the ground, rolling around.
-Is very silly and does a silly laugh when he is entertaining us.
-Yells, "Dahhhhh!!!!!!!!" every once in a while to find out where Brian is. I LOVE this.
-Repeats a word over and over and over and over until I say the word and let him know I understand.
-Loves animals, especially when we see birds outside.
-Started nursery a couple weeks ago and is in Heaven and so am I.
-Doesn't walk... HE RUNS everywhere he goes.
-Also obsessed with airplanes.
-Gives the cutest kisses with the best puckered up lips.
-Grunts and runs full speed into us, then raps his arms around us for hugs. Love!
-Loves to wrestle and he's good at it.
-Working on learning his cousins names via a picture book we got for Christmas.
-Understands my directions very well.. doesn't always follow though.
-Has a mouthful of teeth.
-Loves butt paste and asks for it every time he gets a diaper change.
-Starting to put multiple words together.
-Gasps and says "Ohhhh!" when he hears something like an airplane or gets excited.
-Insists on wearing some kind of hat everywhere we go.
-Got a rolling backpack that is his favorite! It's another thing that goes everywhere with him!

He is quite a character and keeps us entertained! Love that little boy!

Beckham's 1st Birthday!

2012-01-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

Oh the day my baby turned toddler. It just about killed me. He's growing up too fast.

We had friends and family over at our club house for a BBQ and a dip in the pool. It was dinosaur themed and we had a great time. Beckham didn't really get into his smash cake all that great... until we turned off the camera... and then things got messy!

Here are some pictures from the festivities.

The birthday boy:

Some of the friends

Some of the decorations:

Some of the food:

Thanks to all our friends/family who attended and made this a special day for our family!

Where the hell have we been??

2012-01-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

I feel like the worst person ever. No, not for swearing in my title. I swear all the time. It's because I feel like a loser for the status of my blog. Here we are though, January of 2012 so I am going to give a brief summary of the second half of 2011.

July- We had my brother Reed out to visit for two weeks. We did lots of great stuff and enjoyed having him with us. We went to Sea World, went stand up paddle boarding, worked out a lot, swam, played Xbox, went to the Blue Bell factory.... Great times!

July- Beckham turned ONE! My baby grew up and we had a party to celebrate. Watch for a separate post... MAYBE.

July- Ran my first half marathon with one of my besties/SIL Camilla. Seriously proud of this accomplishment!

August- I went to New York with some of my best girlfriends and HAD.A.BLAST.

August- VISITORS! I love having people come to see us. Means the world to me. We hosted Brian's brother Devin, SIL Jill, and Baby Gretchen for a weekend. We also had Devin's BF Kevin. Love these people- laughed all weekend! We went to the [sad] BYU vs Texas game, ate some good grub, played tennis, worked around babies naps!

September- Nannied 2 YEAR OLD TWINS (and Beckham) FULL TIME. Need I say more?

September- Took a weekend off and went camping with some great friends at a beautiful place called Garner State Park. Camping with a baby was....not awesome... but we had a lot of fun anyways! Beckham was dirty within seconds and was stripped to his diaper ASAP. ItWasHOT! Our tent was filled with ants one night.. no bueno. The food was as expected... FABULOUS! Love camp food.. you know... it aint good camp food unless it sends you to the bathroom in the middle of the night. We swam, played cards, played horseshoes, visited with friends, listened to some country music a la Nate Burnham.

October- Went to Utah for two weeks to take care of my nieces and nephew while Jarem & Cam went on a much deserved vacation. I had a blast. These kids are like my kids... I adore them. Camilla probably thinks I am creepy. We had a crazy couple of weeks with 4 kids ages 3 and under. Beckham had an ear infection, both boys got a virus that caused diarrhea which led to awful diaper rashes, Beckham WOULD not sleep for more than an hour at a time because he was in so much pain... so I slept an hour at a time. I got to get my work out on and fell in love with Lifetime fitness. Got to spend time with my seeesters and Mom and Dad.. then a little later Reed. Got to spend a decent amount of time with the Davis crew. Great and crazy trip. Oh and Halloween happened too. I dress the girlies up as ballerinas, King was a nerd, and Beckham was a bum.

November- Felt a lot of gratitude. Found out we would be moving to Dallas- so sad. Made a pie that I was pritt-eee proud of. Spent Thanksgiving with our best friends. Black Friday shopped and scored some suhweet deals!

December- TIMELINE.
2nd: Was attempting from scratch carrot cake for our Ward Christmas Partay when I grated a chunk off my pinkie. Guhross. Made some awesome cupcakes instead.
ALL MONTH: Cherished the last few weeks with our Austin friends!
10th: Went on a cruise... YES, Brian and I went on a cruise! Dream come true! My parents watched little b.
17th: My parents took Beckham back to Utah with them so Brian and I could pack and be ready to move immediately after Christmas.
17th: Cried a lot sending Beckham on that plane... but knew he was in the BEST care!
23rd: Flew to Utah babyless- took a nap, watched a movie, didn't rip any hair out.
24th-28th: Spent time with my family- love all the Hallows. We had a Just Dance 2 round robin tourny, jumped in the bounce house, ate Dad's homemade salsa, smoked ribs, opened presents from each other, shopped and had lunch with the seesters/mama, play Pickle Ball and now Brian is addicted, took countless walks, shared great moments from 2011, missed Ari/Danny/Little T, and so much more. Thanks Mimi and Goppy for hosting all of us.
28th: Returned to Austin. Best flight Beckham has ever had.
29th, morning: Friends from Austin helped empty our apartment and fill our trailer. We headed to Dallas.
29th, evening: Awesome members from our new ward helped move us into our 3rd story apartment.

HUGE SHOUT out to my mom and dad who were crucial to my sanity during the month of December. Beckham was sick during both of the times they cared for him and they didn't complain once. They deserve a medal for courage. I love them and knew Beckham was being spoiled rotten and all my rules were being broken, but that he was being taken care of by the two people I trust most!

January- Getting settled in, unpacked within the first two days. Starting to explore our new area. Our new ward is small and seems... dated, but they are the kindest, most welcoming people I have ever met. They made me feel so wanted and needed and I am so excited to be a part of them. No friends yet. That's ok. They will come. I got a job at Lifetime Fitness and couldn't be more excited. I think it is an awesome place and am excited to be a part of what they do! It is two minutes walking distance from our apartment- hello! And I get a free membership... another dream come true because Lifetime is not cheap!

So there you have it. That's my short version of what we've been doing.

Brushing your teeth is so much fun, you never let the water run.

2011-08-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Remember that Barney song?? Brushing my teeth is so much fun, I never let the water run. No! I never let the water run. Anyways, here's little b brushing his teeth. (For the grandparents who want to see every detail of Beckham's life.)

Beckham ALMOST Walking

2011-08-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Beckham is trying so hard to walk! It's so fun to watch him learning this new skill. Ahhhh I love him!

Beckham' s Latest Tricks

2011-08-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

So Beckham is a toddler now and pretty much on a daily basis, often more, Brian or I comment on how grown up b is and how he isn't a baby anymore. Boo Hoo! Here's the latest and greatest from Beckham.

.He says "No.no.no" when he is getting into something he knows he shouldn't (DVD cabinet, hair products, remotes..)
.Started snuggling every night before bed and it is THE GREATEST THING
."Cleans" when he finds a rag
.Does a phony balogna (when I read that word I say it buh-loge-nuh... Don't do what I do) laugh when others laugh
.Likes to stand and balance on his own
.When "cruising" along furniture he loves to jump from piece to piece
.Puts on his shoes .. Lifts one leg up with one hand and tries to put the shoe on with his other hand
.Dances when music comes on
.Gives high fives
.LOVES fruit smoothies and drinks them from a straw
.Holds my cell phone to his ear and says "eyoh?" or "erroh?"
.Points the remote at the TV and pushes buttons
.Says momma, daddy, hello, nonono (often while shaking his finger), no
.Says "Pssst" to get my attention because that's what Brian and I do to him
.Walks from me to Brian a few feet away ... Loves this game
."Combs" his "hair" with my pick
.Says "uh oh" when things fall or something happens
.I've had a cold and a leftover cough for a couple weeks .. He fake coughs and puts his fist in front of his mouth whenever I cough

Needless to say he is the cutest! He is naughty naughty and very whiny if he doesn't have my full attention, but man he is the best!!!

Other half of Utah

2011-07-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

So I ALMOST forgot the other half of our Utah trip ... gah! Sorry Davis's!!! I don't have any pictures and so I spaced it.

We got to spend several days up in northern Utah with Brian's family. His sister and her family were sealed in the Provo temple. It was a great day and we were able to spend the rest of the afternoon with our extended family.

We saw Kung Fu Panda 2, played at a park, hung out with siblings, had good food, and enjoyed great laughs!

We also had amazing family photos taken that I LOVE!!!

Davis Family L to R: Me holding Beckham, Brian, Niece Taylor holding her sister Zoe (sorry Melissa, don't know how to do the umlauts), SIL Melissa, Niece Ashlyn, Nephew Christian, BIL Joel, MIL Christine, FIL Britton, SIL Carrie holding Parker, BIL Taft, SIL Jill holding Gretchen, BIL Devin. Seriously my in-laws are better than yours. Promise.

Christine's DREAM of having a grandkid shot could not have gone smoother! :)

All the ladies' shoes.

Birthday Crayons

2011-07-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

Beckham still loves his bath time ... but it has been taken to the next level!

He got bath tub crayons and LOVES them and SO DO I!

I love drawing things while I am in the bath, leaving crude messages and seeing how long it takes til Brian comments on them hahahaha, keeping track of who has been voted off of TopShot by writing their names on the shower wall, drawing pictures to express my feelings or explain something to Brian, you know, typical stuff.

I will spare you the shots of ME coloring in the bath tub and put a MUCH cuter bum on here!

White bum.

He grabs hold of as many crayons as he can, but then realizes that there is ONE crayon just waiting to be grabbed .... so he attempts to grab it at the loss of all the other crayons. Greedy or Christlike? I mean you could compare this to him going after the lost sheep.

In the last few days he has realized that crawling is for looosers. He gets so mad when I put him down to crawl. He would rather hold my hand and walk... but he is still so wobbly. Cute boy doing cute things.

Beckham's 1st Birthday!

2011-07-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Beckham turned one on July 10th! I don't want to even talk about it... he literally went from baby to toddler overnight. My BIG boy had a dinosaur birthday party and all of his ... our ... friends came. We BBQ'd, ate cake and ice cream, visited, and swam. Success!! We love our Texas friends! Jarem and Camilla also drove down from Dallas just to spend the day and Beckham's party with us ... ummm so nice!

Here are the pictures to document this great day!

Beckham's smash cake.... it got REAL messy once the video turned off.

On his actual birthday we had his favorite meal ... pancakes! I added chocolate chips for the special day.

Gosh I love that little boy. Last night Brian and I snuck into his room for our nightly check up... he was so sweet there lying in bed. We were talking about how much we love him and how we could never explain it. I just feel a love for him that makes my heart ache deep, deep down. He just melts me. I absolutely adore him. Yes, yes, yes there are hard times, but he is my everything!

Catch up #6

2011-07-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Cute high chair pictures ...

Discovered his love for Nilla Wafers.

Sits cross-legged in his high chair. I should explain. He sits with his legs through the leg holes and then crosses his legs, tucking his feet into the hole of the opposite leg. Make sense? Probably not. But it is hilarious to me. I am one of those moms... obsessed with my baby.

He now climbs out of his high chair... umm freaking me out!

Catch up #5

2011-07-20T19:06:00.001-07:00

So there is sooo much to catch up on with Beckham.

A few weeks ago he finally started to army crawl. Holy smokes it was the cutest, most exciting thing! Then he started taking his bum scoot to the next level ... he used that a lot more than his army crawl. Then he started trying to pull himself up on a few things around the house. He couldn't get from tummy to sitting or sitting back to tummy... but that slowly came about over the next week or so. Then over the following two weeks he just went crazy and started pulling up on any and everything and moved from an army crawl to the real deal. So I have all sorts of videos and pictures to show for it that date a couple months back...

It's crazy because he has picked so much up in the last few weeks that all of this stuff is WAY outdated already! I need to video the newest tricks ASAP!

First time I came in and found him SITTING in his crib.

Once he learned to sit he couldn't figure out how to get himself back on to his stomach. So I found him many times just slouched over.

Beckham has started making theee most awesome face. It is featured in this video and is usually accompanied by the noise in the video as well.

Several of his tricks are on this video.. army crawl, sitting himself up, the bum scoot, "dah", "ee-i-ee-i-o" (usually doesn't take that long to get him to say it) .... umm hello he is the cutest thing I have EVER seen.

Riding his Dino that Grandma gave him.

WARNING

2011-07-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

**WARNING**
THIS post contains information and pictures that are TMI. I promise.

I have been training for a half marathon that is actually THIS Saturday. (Holyhell!)

So I have been running 4-5 days a week and I sweat bad. I sweat just bending over to pick something up, so add running, add the 100+ degree weather, and this is what you get....

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What can ya do?

Catch up #4

2011-07-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dr. Pepper - June 2011

An important day of the year came on June 11th ... yes it was Dr. Pepper's birthday! Woot Woot! Dr. Pepper originated in a town called Dublin, Texas ... so what did I, my addicted brother and SIL do?? We drove 3 hours to Dublin to celebrate by drinking as much free DP as we could!

It was HOTHOTHOT that day! Props to the kiddos for hanging in there.. a bribe of face painting helped out. We had a fun day doing carnival activities, drinking DP, touring the original DP factory, eating DP cake, and enjoying live music.

Here's the pictures to prove we were there.

I'm gunna start fillin his bottles with this sweet nectar. Brian HATES this hat ... but that bald head of b's needs to be covered in the sun!

The DP factory ... love the old school crates and bottles!

King suckin back on gammy's cough medicine. Really, this is all Gammy drinks. She gets in trouble for not drinking enough water ... but hey, she prefers diet DP.

Ok.. super cool. The carbonation and the syrup are put in the bottle separately and remain separate until a machine gently picks up the bottle and rotates it up and over 3 times. Then it is mixed and will NEVER separate again.

Me and Sofie in front of a sand sculpture that was being done as we stood there.

Every year for the week of Dr. Pepper's birthday, the town's name is officially changed to Dr. Pepper, Texas.

Los primos surviving the heat.

Me, Beckham, and Lucy

Catch up #3

2011-07-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

Dallyn Graduates - End of May 2011

So I was able to time my flights for our trip to Utah to get me in just before Dallyn's high school graduation. I am proud of Dallyn and the great things she has accomplished! This girl absolutely LOVED high school... because she made it fun! She was so involved -- being on the executive council, in multiple choirs, participating in talent shows and school activities, etc. She is on her way to BYU this fall and I couldn't be more proud! Way to go Hooch!

Catch up #2

2011-07-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hallows Family Reunion - End of May 2011

The Hallows reunion consisted of food, swimming/playing at the rec center, food, jumping on the tramp, food, playing outside because it was GORGEOUS, a super cool/hands on zoo, FOOD, Minute-to-win-it game, and lots of fun!!

Hallows family L to R- Sister Ari holding Tristan, BIL Danny, SIL Camilla holding Lucy, Brother Jarem holding Sofie, Sister Dallyn, Gammy - the original Hallows, Mom, Dad holding Kingsley, Brother Reed, Brian - my hunkahunka burnin love, Me holding my boo.

THIS IS THE ONLY PICTURE I GOT OF THE ENTIRE TRIP!!! (Beside my paparazzi shots.) I am THEE worst! So I stole a few that Camilla had on her blog... Thanks sis!(This lasted point 5 seconds btw)

Minute to Win It:

Zoo time:

Catch up #1

2011-07-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Petting Zoo- End of May 2011

Took b to the petting zoo at our city's Pfluger Pfest.... yes, we live in a city called Pflugerville. I know I've been saying Austin this whole time... I was ashamed!

Beckham was terrified ... until he found the baby ducks! Then he was more calm.

Rock Climbers

2011-05-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

I bought a Groupon for a rock climbing gym months ago. Last week realized it was like two days from expiring so Brian, Beckham, and I headed out to climb some rocks.

We had a blast! Two things threatened our fun, but we persisted and had a GREAT time.

First- we got to the gym and realized this was a "bouldering gym". What the heck is that? Oh, you don't strap us in? You just let us plummet to our death if we fall? Awesome.

Second- we had no idea that you need a vast amount of upper body strength to rock climb. Despite popular belief, Brian and I do not have a vast amount of upper strength. It was hard!

Anyways we climbed about 6 feet up, freaked out/got too tired, climbed back down, rested for 10 minutes, climbed again, repeated the process, climbed THREE time. Bahahahaha! I know my sarcasm is probably misleading, but we really did have A LOT of fun!

Manners Matter

2011-04-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Beckham is quite the gentleman and always sits with his ankles crossed.

Flexibility

2011-04-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

HOW?

Beach Bums

2011-04-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

My friend Kjersti, her baby girl Presli, Beckham, and I headed to South Padre Island (about 6 hours from Austin) to visit the beach. Her husband is working down there for a couple of weeks so we crashed at his hotel with him. I can't say it was relaxing .. in fact, taking a baby to the beach was quite the opposite ... but it was SO FUN!!

Here are some pictures from our trip!

Beckham is belly laughing because Presli is in his carseat and is kicking him.

He changes his own diaper too.

We are so excited because we are headed to the beach!

When Beckham sits on his little tush he does theee cutest little routine of bending completely over and resting his face flat on the ground. It is down right adorable! Well he did it in the sand and ended up with a face full.

Tasted the sand & didn't like it.

Naps on the beach. It took ten minutes of full on screaming and a bottle for each of them (spiked with nyquil) and they finally gave in.

Just pondering the life he has lived.

I LOVE this face ... he likes to "play" with his teef. He slides his tongue over them, rubs them on his upper gums, touches them with his pointer finger ...

He is seriously my best buddy. I have enjoyed this stage where he sits and plays and "talks" back and forth with me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a mother. **Note to self. This picture is evidence that it is definitely time to purchase a darker colored base. This is a happy occasion, as it means you are tan.**

Can someone please tell Beckham to stop growing up?

Note the splattered guts. We hit a million bugs at once. Genocide?? Kamikaze flyers? Who is to blame?

Hater

2011-04-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have stated time and time again that Beckham hates tummy time ...

Proof.

We put him on his tummy and he "gives up". Then comes up for air. Then gives up again. Air. Gives up. Etc.

Papa & Son

2011-04-05T12:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry- couldn't get this picture to flip the right way.

Snuggling with Dad and neither of them are snugglers. Go figure they would choose to snuggle with each other.

Time with the primos

2011-04-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

We LOVE our neices and nephews ... here are some pictures from a visit to the Hallows cousins a little while ago.

Left to Right: King. Lucy. Sofie. Beckham.

Convert

2011-04-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

While in Dallas a couple months ago we got to visit one of Brian's favorite converts from his mission, Jesus. Brian served in the Fort Worth, Texas Mission. It has been fun to live close and get to visit with people who meant a lot to Brian and have him point out some of his old stompin grounds.

Jesus is a stalwart member of the church. He has an amazing conversion story and I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to get to know him. If only I were as dedicated as this man is!

Oh and he LOVED Beckham!!!

Swings

2011-04-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Beckham loves the swings at the park!!

My mom & Dad swear that he is sitting in a dutch oven and not a swing ... he's so cute that I would eat him up!

Time out?

2011-04-05T11:40:00.001-07:00

Beckham needed some outside time and I just had too much too do ... So we compromised.

He sat outside in his high chair and I sat just inside doing some work. I love his dangling tootsies.

Toofs

2011-03-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Beckham grew some teef last week. They are about the cutest thing I have ever seen!! I tried to capture his teeth ....

Sleeping

2011-03-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to do is to sneak into Beckham's room after he's gone to bed to look at him ... creepy? Nah.

He starts in the center of his crib and always ends up at the top, pressed against the bumper in some way or another. We love predicting what position he'll be in.

The last couple of months we put him in bed with Moxy (featured below). They are besties .. He hugs onto Mox & rolls over to one of his sides. He also balls up his blanket in his fist and sucks fiercely on it. When I get him after a nap he has usually soaked a good quarter of the blanket.

Baby Mum Mums

2011-03-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Beckham LOVES Mum Mums, but they make a MESS for his mum mum. (I'm lame, I know.)

He eats them by himself, but kindly leaves a thick coating of the most impossible-to-remove-goop so that I can be a part of the fun!

He loved his cousin Sofie's high chair so much that he had to copy her. Thanks Frofie!

Doin the worm ... backwards.

2011-03-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Beckham is SLOWLY getting more mobile. He really doesn't like being on his tummy, but we have started to force some tummy time everyday. We slacked for a few months.

When we put him on his tummy he gets his hind legs scrunched up and his booty in the air then pushes ... backwards! He doesn't move intentionally yet - like see a toy and scoot backwards for it - but hey, it's fun!

Whatever gets you from Point A to Point B, right?

Point A

Point B

I got my hair did.

2011-03-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well I decided to mix it up a little and chop my hair! I was scared to death, but I am happy with the results. It's a fun summer cut ... (I know it's only March, but it is already summer weather here in Austin!)

I {heart} Jimmer.

2011-03-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

We went to the BYU vs. TCU basketball game a couple weeks ago up in Fort Worth. We stayed the night before with Jarem, Camilla and their family. Like a fool I forgot to take pictures with them.

The next day we met a bunch of friends from Austin for lunch before we all headed to the game.

Beckham loved the game and was so happy in the bjorn we borrowed from my brother.

My brother Jarem & I.

And yes, I {heart} Jimmer.

Flip Flops

2011-02-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

LOVE Beckham's new flip flops.

Timeline

2011-02-27T17:01:00.001-08:00

November - Utah Jazz doing great!
Beginning of December - Brian wins a contest @ work, chooses tickets to the Jazz vs Mavericks game in late Feb!
Dec 25th - Brian gets a Deron Williams jersey for Christmas that was difficult to get!
Beginning of Feb - The beloved coach of the Utah Jazz resigns. Brian is sad that he won't be at the Jazz game.

FEBRUARY 23rd {morning} - We get ready to leave for Dallas. Brian puts on his DWill jersey and goes to watch ESPN while I finish getting ready. Brian screams! I run in and he tells me DWill had been traded.

FEBRUARY 23rd {afternoon} - We contemplate selling our tickets. Decide to go.

FEBRUARY 23rd {evening} - Have lots of fun despite the chain of events leading up to the game!

Post Overload

2011-02-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

K I just posted like a million times .... so scroll on down for more fun!

I am in love!

2011-02-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this little guy .....

.He now has enough hair to get bed head
(I know, I know no one can see it, but me -- I swear he has some fuzz!)
.Talks all day long
.Growls at people (My current favorite trick)
.Rolls both ways, but usually only to get off of his stomach
.Sits by himself
.Loves playing with toys
.Eats veggies
.USED to do great sleeping through the night
.NO teeth
.Has bluer and bluer eyes each day
.Sticks his tongue out then closes his lips so just the little tip is poking out
.Blows raspberries
.Screams (like high pitched girl scream) when he is happy or excited or for no reason at all
.Gets excited when he looks at our family picture
.LOVES reading books
.Finally stopped wanting to be swaddled
.Flirts with ladies old and young and has pretty much won their love
.Stops fussing immediately if you take him outside
.Is small for his age (20th percentile for most things)
.Starting to prefer me over anyone else
.LOVES to be around other kids - gets so excited, smiles, growls at them, laughs
.Refuses to sit on my lap, only stand
.Still loves bath time
.Fake coughs (it is AWESOME!)

Fave

2011-02-17T14:25:00.001-08:00

Beckham & his favorite toy.

Hiding

2011-02-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

Where did Beckham go???

THERE he is!!!!!

Puffy

2011-02-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

Beckham is too puffy to fit in his carseat when he has his jacket on ... he gets so mad!!

Big Boy

2011-02-17T13:54:00.002-08:00

This big boy has started eating solids and it is A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.

The first few nights I would describe as "force feeding", but then all of a sudden he started opening his mouth as the spoon approached, then swallowed like he knew what to do all along!

I totally teared up and was a little embarrassed and didn't want Brian to see me ... but I looked over and Brian was crying too! Ha ... our baby is just growing up too fast!

Cold cold cold in Texas

2011-02-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

It got cold in Texas. Like cold I've never felt before. It was bone-chilling.

So ... I had to keep Beckham warm at night ... we had to improvise and turn his leg warmers into arm warmers. And yes he slept with mittens. It was THAT cold.

My Birthday

2011-02-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

@ Dinner with my friends for my birthday! So fun!

Tristan McGuire Bond

2011-02-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

We have a new baby in our family! He was born January 15, 2011 and is a sweet heart!

I haven't gotten to meet him yet ... but I get to soon! \

Here are some pictures of my little {hairy} nephew.

Uncle Lane

2011-02-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

On January 5th my uncle passed away. He was an incredible man. He lived such a humble life and was loved by everyone. I was really troubled by his death because of the way he died, it is the first time I've lost someone so close to me, the thought of his family without him ... but all in all I've definitely relied on my testimony of the Plan of Salvation and felt great comfort in that.

(I cannot create a link .. so you can view the news articcle my copy/pasting this address - http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/mesa/mesa-man-dies-in-freak-accident)

He turns 62 tomorrow. Lane was so full of life. He was hilarious and always made the goofiest faces, cracked the silliest jokes, teased me ... was a ton of fun! He made an effort to come visit my family at least once a week all growing up. We loved Lane and were extremely close to him. My cousins are more like brothers and sisters to me! We have the best relationship.

I had the opportunity to go "home home" (Arizona) for his funeral. You know what is great about the Gospel? The fact that we know we are going to be with Lane again and that he is SO happy where he is at now. Knowing this made the weekend more of a celebration than a sad occasion. We celebrated his life. Ate at his favorite restaurant. Did a temple session in his honor. Laughed and told fun stories. Had family meals like old times. It was great! His funeral is beautiful. The stories shared were so fun. The spirit was so strong.

I have missed my cousins so much and it was SO fun to see them. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Hallows cousins!

(Allison I stole your collage!)

Christmas ...... in February??

2011-02-16T20:17:00.001-08:00

This post literally took like 10 hours because my blogger is doing some crazy things! So all the pictures are out of order and I did not care to spend anymore time to organize them. Oh well!

We had an awesome time in Utah for Christmas. This year we spent it with Brian's family. We did so much fun stuff and enjoyed being around all of our family soo much! We also got to see my family shortly ... loved that!

Erika & B

I realized I have like ZERO pictures with my boy

Grandma Great with Beckham - she is adorable with him!

Wrapping paper was a hit with b!

A "secret Santa" provided provocative panties for all the ladies. Never a dull moment with my BIL Devin around.

The cousins (minus Parker) in their Christmas jams.

Brian received the "First Gift of Christmas" - happens each year. It was a "Pimp Goblet" that is currently being displayed on our end table. Last month my visiting teacher was clearly embarrassed to see it.

Santa was WAY WAY too good to us this year.

Skyping with Carrie, Taft, and Parker in Germany on Christmas morning.

Ashlyn was Mary in Grandma Great's nativity on Christmas Eve. This was my first year going to this with Brian's family and I LOVED it. Really. A great reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.

Ashlyn riding in on the donkey (she chose her dad to be the donkey).

Me.Sister Ari.BIL Danny.

Mimi & Beckham

Gammy.Sister Ari.Baby Tristan.BIL Danny

Me.Beckham.Tio Reed.Goppy

Grandpa & b

Brian & I got a date night to watch my third boyfriend Jimmer (after Brian and then Beckham) play some basketball.

Cousin Taylor & Beckham ... I love Taylor's rosy cheeks after playing in the snow! I think she looks sooo cute right here!

Cousins Tay & Ash playing in the snow.

On our way to UTAH for Christmas!!!

New Employee

2011-02-16T15:38:00.001-08:00

Brian wants to hire Beckham as his new DeWALT representative ... I think they'd make some good money!

O.M.G.

2011-02-04T19:43:00.001-08:00

Where have I been you ask??

.Utah for Christmas. {Pictures later}
.Back home to Austin for a low key New Years Eve.
.Arizona for my sweet Uncle Lane's funeral. {Pictures later}
.A nephew was born... Tristan McGuire Bond!! {Pictures later}
.Battling RSV and Bronchiolitis with Beckham. Battle OVER.
.Taking care of Brian who keeps getting the flu/bad cold.
.Celebrated my BIRTHDAY!
.Lots of Young Women activities and Personal Progress.
.Watching my baby boy grow up WAY TOO FAST! {Pictures later}
.Job searching like cRAzY!
.Tanning .. because that's what B got me for my birthday .. FABULOUS gift.

Here's a picture to hold you off a little longer ...

What Shall We Give?

2010-12-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

I found this video on lds.org and thought it was a beautiful message. At the end I was surprised to see Brian's grandma in it! Ward members often help her with her yard work and I guess they were filmed doing it.

I am so looking forward to Christmas. This time of the year is so different from any other time. It causes me to reflect on my life and all of my blessings. I have so much to be thankful for, foremost my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for his birth, his life, his forgiveness, his resurrection. I believe in him and his healing power. I hope your Christmas is full of family and good memories and that you feel the spirit of Christ.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was great for us here in Tejas! I only took one picture over the entire weekend --- which was jam packed! Gah! I'm the worst! So Brian suggested to make the post about our weekend interesting by saying what I am thankful for ...

I'm thankful for friends who throw Pie Parties and allow me to make a "Berrie to Die for Pie".

I'm thankful for Turkey Bowls on Thanksgiving morning that make husbands very happy.

I'm thankful for Beckham. And I'm thankful he helped me do my Thanksgiving cooking even if it did slooooww things down a bit.

I'm thankful for friends here in Texas that were thoughtful enough to invite us over for a Thanksgiving feast.

I'm thankful for said feast and for conversation & laughs with said friends.

I'm thankful for FUN times during a girls' night of Black Friday shopping.

I'm thankful that Beckham voluntarily slept until TEN so I could get a few zzZZzZ after shopping until 5am. (Spent $200 on items that would have totaled $475!!!)

I'm thankful for competition that makes life exciting -- BYU vs. Utah.

I'm not thankful for the outcome of said game, but we had fun watching it with friends.

I'm thankful for family - whom we missed tremendously and SO look forward to seeing in just THREE weeks. Is Christmas really that close??

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Pies

2010-11-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

Been makin some pies lately ... here are some pictures of the lovelies.
They may not look beautiful ... but they tasted beautiful.

Caramel Apple Pie

Classic Pecan Pie

Pink Lemonade Pie

2010-11-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

Beckham plays in his crib for like 20 minutes before he naps .. then he crashes!

This kid is so dang happy!

NEW E*TRADE Baby -- Time Out

2010-11-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

I laugh out loud every time I see these commercials.
This one, "Time out", might be the best one.
There are two version and both are hilarious!

4 Months!

2010-11-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

This little guy is 4 months today!!

He weighs 14 pounds (50th percentile)
Is 26 inches long (40th percentile)
Smiles & Squeals like it is nobody's business
Quit sleeping through the night :(
Flirts with all the ladies old & young at church
Eats/Sucks on everything he can get in his mouth

Love him!!

Bumbo & Rice Cereal

2010-11-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day for Beckham.

He got a new chair .. more like a throne. I've been begging Brian to let me get him a Bumbo (off of craigslist for $15!!!) & finally convinced him that:
a. $15 is not that much money
b. $15 is especially not that much money if the item retails for $50
c. it could easily be stored out of site and thus out of mind

Beckham also ate rice cereal for the first time today! We were excited about this and so we taped it. I have a bajillion videos we've taken of him and I want to post them on here for the Grandparents sake because I can't figure out how to email them (I've tried zipping them)... but I refrain because I don't want to be a psycho-obsessive mother. So occasionally there will be a video of my boy and you will just have to suck it up.

Bumbo = success
Rice Cereal = well see the video below. Oh & please don't judge me by my nastiness ... Brian has the flu and so I took that as an excuse to not get ready.

Go Cougars!

2010-10-30T09:31:00.001-07:00

Let's Go Cougars!!!!!!

THANKS

2010-10-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Gracias everyone for your thoughts on my current weight problem!!!!

Great ideas and suggestions!!

HELLLLPPP!!

2010-10-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ok everyone. I need some help.

I had ZERO cravings during pregnancy -- in fact the thought of sweets kind of grossed me out. I exercised several times a week ... did P90x up until two weeks before I had little b.

BUT NOW, now I can't stop eating and can't seem to get my large behind to the gym.

PLEASE give me some ideas ... healthy recipes, ways to curve a HUGE appetite and awful cravings, workout ideas. ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!

My Answer: YESSSSSS

BYU vs TCU

2010-10-21T13:11:00.001-07:00

We went up to Fort Worth for the BYU vs. TCU football game. We have been bummed about our loosing record, but still had a really fun time at the game.

We met Jarem & Camilla there and baked in the sun together. Some mission friends of Brian's babysat Beckham for us -- our first babysitters and it went AWESOME!

We LOVE football and it was fun to see a couple good friends from high school get a lot of playing time!

Go Carter (#15)!!

New Truck

2010-10-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

We were the proud owners of this truck:

And now we drive this:

Ever since we started driving company trucks I've realized that I have to be extra careful not to cut people off, honk my horn at annoying drivers, pick my nose, etc., etc.

3 Months Old

2010-10-12T15:36:00.001-07:00

So the handsome boy named Beckham is 3 months old now. Here are some of the most recent shots of the hottie!

He "sits" now & apparently plays Xbox with his dad.

Beckham has been swimming since he was like 4 weeks old. He totally relaxes whenever he gets in the water. He's just tankin up before the big swim. The little green hat was @ the dollar store! Holler!

Runnin errands.

I love his naked rolls.

We got his ears pierced ... NOT.

Beckham's Blessing Day

2010-10-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

While in Utah we blessed Beckham -- what a great day!

We blessed him at Brian's parent's home. LOTS of family & friends attended. THANKS!

Brian said some beautiful things to our son & I cried like a baby.

Here are some photos from the day. . .

Davis Family Left to Right- Devin, Jill, & Gretchen, Brian, Me, & Beckham, Joel, Melissa, Christian, Taylor, & Ashlyn, Christine & Britton.

Can't find the Hallows family picture ... BOO!

Something or someone made Beckham laugh pretty hard

Aunt Melissa & b

Some of the attendees

Our little family!!

Trip to Utah in September

2010-10-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

I am having BIG problems formatting my blogs lately ... some of the tools are not appearing. HELP! So, sorry that this post is so awkward to read!

We went to Utah for two and a half weeks in September ... what a trip!
-We attended our home ward sacrament meeting
-Went to cousin Travisse's homecoming
-Hung out with Melissa & Joel & fam ... A LOT
-Hit up our favorite restaurants
-Saw lots of friends: Karen & Jace, Cody & Lyndsey, Allan & Erika, Lauren, Joanna, Michelle, Karie & my Maple Lake students, so many I am leaving some out I am sure!
-Hung out with Brian's parents - FOOD, movies, fun!
-Went to St. George to see my family
-Saw Tarzan at Tuachan
-Got massages & adjustments at the Chiropractor
(ProHealth, Dr. Bentley, St. George - He's great & so is the receptionist!)
-Went swimming @ Linda & Tam's
-Visit with Lane & Bobbi
-Brian got to play Xbox all night with his friends
-Went to Logan to party with Devin & Jill & NEW baby cousin Gretchen!
-Worked ALL day as food vendors at Peach Days. Lot's of fun with the Hallows!
-And the reason for our trip ... Blessed Beckham! (Separate post)

Cousin Christian loved holding his new buddy Beckham!

The Staheli Cousins & b

b & his cousin Gretchen and her crazy hair!

Kissing cousins

Brian's brother Devin holding Gretchen, Brian holding Beckham

Me, Mom, Dallyn @ Tarzan

Dad, Reed, Brian @ Tarzan

Uncle Lane & Bobbi

Beckham, Dallyn, & Naked Tio Reed

Brian & STILL naked Reed

Me, Erika, & b

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Us with Karen, Jace & McRae

Good Morning

2010-10-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Thought Mimi, Goppy, Grandma, & Grandpa would like this!
Wish I were this cute in the morning.
Sorry my voice is so high pitched and squeaky.

Not my typical post

2010-10-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

No need to make comments on this post. I just have felt guilty for my bad attitude lately, well the last few years, and needed to get some things off my chest.

I was reading someone's blog tonight that told a heartbreaking story of a family that has REAL needs. I sobbed. I felt so selfish for my complaining, my stupid tendency to pick fights with my husband, to take offense at dumb things, to be annoyed that I have to attend mutual on Wednesdays and teach on Sundays, for holding grudges rather than forgiving, and the list goes on.

The last few months I've been trying to refocus my life - rededicate myself to all things good.

I have been slowly trying to help our family hold Family Home Evening.
I TRY to remember to read scriptures at night with Brian.
I started attending a mission prep class a couple months ago -- got lazy last week and skipped & thought about not going back for the rest of the classes -- but decided I am NOT going to let myself be a quitter on this one.
I had a really bad attitude about being called back into Young Womens, but I'm working on that.
I am starting the personal progress program and dreading it, but I am a believer in not telling people to do things that I wouldn't do myself. SO I am going to work on personal progress as I encourage my laurels to do the same.
I am going to let go of grudges that way me down. (If I can succeed at this my marriage might reach perfection! HA!)

These are the things that are on my mind and for some reason I felt the need to honest to the world - so I blogged about it.

Taylor Anne

2010-10-03T14:31:00.001-07:00

Our niece Taylor has chosen to get baptized. We are so proud of this BEAUTIFUL young lady and are thankful for the example she is setting for us.

Taylor you are a fun, sweet, helpful, and kind girl and we LOVE you SO much!

Visit From Goppy

2010-10-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Goppy playing with Beckham. We're trying to improve his upper body strength.

We've realized that Beckham has a thing about blankets. He will be freaking out and then all we do is throw a blanket over his face and he either plays with it, sucks on it, or falls asleep. In this picture he was freaking and so I told my dad to cover him ... 30 seconds later the boy was OUT COLD!

Just hanging out with Goppy.

My sister in law Camilla and two nieces Sofie & Lucy.

Cousin King on his blessing day.

My brother Jarem has been commuting to Brazil the last few months for work and when he returns each week he gives the girls his first class flyer gift bag -- eye covers, socks, earplugs, etc. Lulu is modeling it.

Brian & Lulu. I'm not sure how she is going to handle the news that she CAN'T marry Brian.

Goppy holding Beckham & King. (We just found out that my sister Ari's baby GIRL - due in January - is actually a baby BOY! THREE grandsons in one year!)

Thanks Goppy for coming to see us! We loved having you visit! Come again SOOOOON!!!!!

B & L

2010-09-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

The mama & the daddy

So Cute

2010-09-27T17:18:00.001-07:00

I could just die lookin at this face!!

Short & Fat

2010-09-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Apparently this little guy is short and fat.

At his two month checkup (which he was actually more like 7 weeks old) he was in the 30th percentile for his height and 50th percentile for his weight. He had gained 4 pounds exactly. He got 5 shots in his legs and was THE MOST cuddly, whimpery, cute little snuggle buddy all day.

Dallas, Texas

2010-08-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Little b and I took a trip up to Dallas while Big B was in Baltimore for business. Jarem was on business in Brazil so it was just Camilla and I.

We spent our time hanging out with his cousins, particularly his cousin King who we hadn't met yet! Kingsley was born four days after Beckham and we have been DYING to meet the little dude. We had lots of fun playin with him, Sofie, and Lucy. More than anything though, I enjoyed my time hanging out with Camilla!

Beckham & King

The only place b & King were safe from Sofie and Lucy was on top of the counter.

The little ladies

Sofie & I

I didn't realize how big Lucy has gotten or how small Beckham was until Lulu sat his carseat.

I took the girls to McDonalds to play one day.

Sofie holding Beckham .. I think he's almost outgrown his "newborn" clothing .. what do you think??

First Haircut

2010-08-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Beckham boy got his first haircut at 5 weeks. He was sportin the "old man ring" around his head and we decided that if he was going to pick up any ladies we should probably help him out with a cut...

Church

2010-08-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

My men ready for church!

photo shoot

2010-08-13T15:10:00.001-07:00

These were taken by a friend of a friend LAST minute. Very grateful that he could do it!! Some were a little disappointing because of the things in the background :( but i think my little man looks stunning!

the little dude

2010-08-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite times is when i wake little man up to feed him (we run a tight ship around here .. sometimes). he STRETCHES his arms and legs, while keeping his lips TIGHTLY PURSED, and his eyes stay closed, but SQUINTED. then he starts making clicking sounds with his tongue.

brian was a provo high bulldog and loves that beckham has a bulldog shirt in the same green color from high school.

we can't help but call him MERLIN when he wears his gowns to bed.

The Rest of Our San Antonio Visit

2010-08-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

After the Davis's picked us up from the rodeo we headed to The Cove for some dinner. This little hot spot was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive Inns, and Dives. The big thing was the "Lamb Burger", which only Britton was brave enough to try. He was NOT amazed by what he had .. he raised lambs when he was a kid and then they ate them, so he preferred home cookin to this place.

Britton and Christine -- the ones that made all of this possible! THANKS!!!

Fun little outdoor setting that was surprisingly cool given that it was 100+ degrees outside.

We just had to . . .

Brian had to get his face in . . .

Twice!

Later that night we walked along the River Walk and enjoyed the atmosphere a lot. We stopped for ice cream, which was my favorite part of the adventure.

The next morning we loaded this little man up in his jogger and we went to the Alamo and La Villita (some little shops that really weren't worth our walk). He was a trooper. We stopped often to go into a little shop just to cool off and make sure we kept Beckham nice & cozy.

Me and the little dude. Isn't he handsome???

Beckham and his grandpa. They had LOTS of fun together!

Me and my boys ... aren't they cuties???

Such a fun little get-away! One more time a HUGE THANKS to Grandma and Grandpa for taking us!! Love you!

PBR

2010-08-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

So Black&Decker gave Brian and I VIP tickets to the PBR Rodeo in San Antonio. I didn't think I would get to go because I would need to be with Beckham, but THANKS to Brian's AWESOME parents babysitting the little dude I got to go on a sweeet date with my love! We had SO much fun!

THE PRESHOW

When I said VIP I meant VIP. We were escorted down to the rodeo grounds (the court if it were a basketball game) where we watched the preshow fireworks and what not.

B during the preshow.

Preshow glitz.

We were escorted from the rodeo grounds, through the underground tunnels, then up to our seats after when the rodeo began. I felt like a legit VIP. (can you tell I've never been backstage for anything special -- I felt cool)

Our seats were directly above the chutes where the cowboys get on the bulls and then the gate gets pulled and the bull starts bucking. SO COOL!

Directly behind our seats were the pins where all of the bulls were kept ... our seats would shake when the bulls got rowdy. We loved it!

THE SHOW

A bull rider getting thrown by the bull ... YIKES!

He walked it off ... no big deal.

The bull rider sponsored by Stanley Black&Decker ... he was kind of a hottie. I told B I had a crush on a cowboy. He's on the bull in the shoot.

Our sponsored rider ridin the bull.

He got launched off the bull and stepped on ... but again, just walked it off.

The bull riders would walk right past us after they rode ... I don't know anything about them, but I get the feeling they are somewhat of a celebrity, at least with the country folk. SO I felt cool when they walked right next to me and even brushed my legs with their chaps. :)

The winner of the rodeo!

End of the rodeo ... We had SO much fun! Such a different date from the typical dinner and a redbox movie. Thanks Black&Decker for sending us!! Oh and I almost forgot to mention ... our nieces watched the rodeo on tv and said they saw Brian and I for a second!! Holler!

(More pics of our San Antonio trip in a later post)

Cuts For A Cause

2010-07-29T08:55:00.001-07:00

Everyone CLICK on the flyer to blow it up bigger. READ the flyer. Then ATTEND the event!!!!

Bath Time

2010-07-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

This Little Mister LOVES his bath time. He was screaming for two hours, we put him in the bath, and !BAM! happy baby!!

Daddy is insistent we be modest and protect Beckham's manhood!

So content after a warm bath.

Mimi's Visit

2010-07-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

My mom has been here for the last week and half and I HAVE LOVED HAVING HER HERE!! That woman worked non stop to take care of my little family. She cooked, cleaned, grocery shopped, babysat, bathed Beckham, taught me about my new little peanut, rubbed my back, gave me a pedicure, ran my errands, listened to me cry, sewed Beckham's crib bedding, and much, much more.

My mom worked all week fixing my mess of a bumper and making the bedskirt fit the bizarre crib bottom. It turned out wonderfully!! We are going to add something to the ribbon that attaches the bumper to the crib, but not sure what yet..

Me & Beckham relaxing while Mimi scrubbed my calloused feet! Gooooo! Thanks mom!

My not Vietnamese nail tech.

We were hunting for a BBQ store she found online and were terrified for our lives because of the roads mapquest told us to take...

Mom helped us master the art of getting Beckham to sleep in his crib. He refuses to sleep flat on his back ... so mimi had the brilliant idea to wedge dish towels behind his back and stomach to keep him on his side. He is a happy camper now!

Mimi bought Beckham some new things! This new little rocker/seat is perfect for putting him in and moving him from room to room with me. She bought me the "Brest Friend" -- cheesy name, i know, but the bomb nursing aid. For all you "Boppy" users - the Brest Friend will change your life...and your back pain!

Mimi and lil b -- doesn't he look handsome! Not sure if it is the stripes or the blue that I love on him so much. But DANG he looks good!

Mom was here over her birthday ... I know ... we had here working so hard on her special day! We took her to Red Lobster for lunch. MMM.

Beckham had his first bath ... mom taught us how to maneuver with a slippery little body.

Snugglin with his Mimi

We took her to the airport this morning and I cried as soon as we got there and the whole ride home. Mom- thanks for your help, thanks for the lessons learned, but most of all thanks for the time we got to spend together. I LOVE YOU!

Hands

2010-07-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Beckham found his hands the day we got home from the hospital.

Brian mastered the swaddle, but Houdini manages to get his hands free every time!

He loves to suck on his fingers. He sleeps like me - with his hands stretched above his head. He found that sucking his thumb comforts him. He flails his hands around with no control when he's upset. --- He LOVES his hands!

The King

2010-07-20T06:59:00.001-07:00

On July 14th we welcomed KINGSLEY MARK HALLOWS to the family. He arrived 2 and half weeks early, but weighed in at a whopping 8lbs 4 oz. He is a gorgeous little guy who we can't wait to meet!

The Story

2010-07-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

This is how it all went down.

Wednesday I had a doctor’s appointment where I was told I had effaced 80%, but STILL had not dilated, the baby was pretty high up, AND "if the doctor had to predict..." (because I forced him to make a prediction) "he'd say that the baby was going to be in there well into next week at least." DANG. I just wanted my baby to come. I was so ancy to meet him.

Thursday
Thursday night Brian left for Dallas because he was working at a Black & Decker event all day Friday. That night I went to bed around 11pm and couldn't sleep so I got up and cleaned my bathroom. After that I fell asleep fairly quickly, but I had contractions throughout the night. They were very different from the braxton hicks I had been feeling for weeks. These contractions were more painful, period like cramping. Different, but nothing too out of the ordinary.

Friday
I woke up and went about my day as I had planned - finished cleaning my bathroom, walked 3 miles on the treadmill, painted my toenails, went to target to make a return and some purchases. I had the contractions all day long and knew they were different, but still didn't think they were "labor contractions". But they were getting worse.

Around 2pm I decided to call Brian (remember he is in Dallas) because I was just a little concerned with the contractions possibly leading to labor. His event should have been over around then and I just wanted to make sure he came straight home. I told him I didn't think it was labor, but just in case, he better not do anything to slow his drive home. Dallas is right around three hours away ... but he was in bumper to bumper traffic that made the drive take an extra 45 minutes. The contractions were painful- that's for sure- but I still wasn't sure that they were the contractions that cause people to say "oh, you'll know when you are in labor."

So after I called him I went to Target to walk around to keep the contractions going and get my shopping done. Again, contractions were painful, stopped me in my steps, made me breath, but I still didn't think it was labor. I got home from the store and decided to call my doctor because it was a Friday and I was nervous about going into the weekend unsure of my situation. They said to just continue timing and if they seemed to get more regular and five minutes apart OR if I saw bleeding OR if my water broke (obviously) then I needed to go to the hospital.

B got home about 6:30pm. I was laying down on the couch, breathing through contractions that were coming 6 and 10 minutes apart. About 20 minutes after B came home I went to use the bathroom and saw blood (sorry TMI!). I yelled out to Brian - "AHHH! We're going to the hospital!" Brian jumped 5 feet out of his chair and just started FRANTICALLY packing clothes, toiletries, etc. I just kept laughing at him - I was surprisingly calm.

We arrived at the hospital around 7:30pm, checked in (nurses predicted I’d be told to come back because I wasn’t ready yet), and they examined me. I had dilated to a 2 so they said they would watch me for the next couple hours and if I progressed at all they would keep me. They were still thinking I'd probably have to leave and let my body continue to progress at home.

Contractions were painful, I was miserable, but still didn't feel like screaming or yelling through them. However, I did text my mom and say "I can't do this. I can't do this." So in the moment I guess they were pretty horrible. Well at 10:30pm the nurse checked again and said I had dilated to a 3 ... THEY WOULD KEEP ME and I'd have the baby sometime the next day. B and I were SO excited and really shocked. I asked if I could shower ... I desperately felt like washing my make up off and relaxing my body. So I showered and then they got me all connected to the IV and monitors.

Saturday

Around midnight the anesthesiologist came in and was about to shoot me up, but got a call that a baby was in distress ... he didn’t come back for over an hour. It was a PAINFUL hour, but the epidural came around 1am and I lost feeling COMPLETELY in the lower half of my body. They broke my water, gave me pitocin, and checked me every couple hours. I continued to dilate to a 3, 4, 5 each time they checked! I slept on and off from about 2-5am -- God bless you epidural!

Around 6am my nurse checked me, said I was a 9.5, totally effaced, and predicted I'd be ready to push at 7am. 7am the nurse prepped me for delivery.. They woke Brian up and told us how the delivery process would go. I still could NOT feel ANYTHING! I couldn't lift my legs in the slightest, wiggle my toes, NOTHING. So they had me start pushing - I asked the nurse if I was actually pushing because I was trying to, but couldn't feel it. The nurse said I was doing great .. and after three pushes yelled for me to stop because the head was almost coming out! They promptly called the doctor who came in and prepped. Then he left and instructed the nurse to call him when I was ready to deliver. So, the nurse had me push. Again, I pushed TWICE, she yelled for me to stop, called the doctor and said "You gotta get here. This baby is coming out fast!" I started to sob at this point, knowing I was just minutes away from meeting my son. The doctor returned and I pushed THREE times and my sweet Beckham was here.

Brian and I wept, overwhelmed by how much we loved this little boy. He was perfect and beautiful and I felt so close to Heaven when they put him in my arms for that first time. The NICU nurses whisked him away from me abruptly because he had meconium in his system ... it was a scary moment. But they assured me that he was fine and that they just needed to clean him up and check him out.

He WAS fine and they brought him back to me. Wow, what a phenomenal feeling to hold him and know he was mine. What a special thing. I am so lucky to have been blessed with this little man.

We just adore Beckham!

Grand Debut

2010-07-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Beckham Alexander Davis

6lbs 11oz of sweet lovin!

More pictures to come.

Crib

2010-06-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last night we finally put our crib together! Holler!

We had to return the crib mattress we bought because it was too small .. When we took it to Target Brian told the lady

"Ya, we ordered this online and got it in the mail and we just don't think that we'll both be able to fit on it."

The lady was like "Oh, yeah. Sorry about that - we'll take care of that for you."

She didn't even flinch. Brian and I started busting up, but tried to keep control til we at least left customer service. The mattress is like 3 feet long by 2 feet wide.

Apple Fritters Attracting Little Critters

2010-06-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

So the other day I needed to go to the grocery store ... but since it is SO hot here I try to go earlier in the morning to avoid the heat. This last Saturday was no different ... I went before Brian was awake. I decided that I'd surprise him with his favorite dough nut - an Apple Fritter. When he woke up I told him that I bought him an apple fritter and he was REALLY excited. A few hours later I noticed the apple fritter was still in the box! He must not like them as much as I thought. I tried to make some pitiful remark later on about how he doesn't like my surprises and how I just want to make him happy! (Pitiful, I know.)

--- He said NO! I love that you got me an apple fritter! That was the greatest surprise. Lauren, the apple fritter is just like the slim jim. If I hide it now, when I find it later it will be bliss. That's how much I love the apple fritter you got me.

I didn't know he had this habit ... I'm really scared to think about what I am gunna start finding around the house.

37 Weeks

2010-06-22T15:09:00.001-07:00

Excuse my grodiness ... but this shows just how BIG my belly actually is!

Slim Jim

2010-06-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

This post isn't about a skinny guy I know named Jim.

It's about something I found in between my couch cushions.

Yes that is a Slim Jim ... in my couch cushions ....

I asked Brian about this when he got home from work. He casually told me that yes, the Slim Jim was in the couch because of him, but it wasn't an accident. According to him, he put it between the cushions so that he could forget about it, then find it at a later time because, well, how GREAT would that be?!

You know, I really couldn't judge him because I've left money in various jean pockets before with the same intention.

36 Weeks.

2010-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

This was from a few days ago. Just lovin my belly and the little guy inside it. I can't believe he is coming so soon. Contractions are getting stronger and stronger. I've had a few painful ones. Bring it on!

Plus I had to document the ONE day this week that I got ready.

35 Weeks

2010-06-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

I am LARGE and IN CHARGE.

A Lady at the mall the other night said "Oh my gosh, You are SO pretty!"
I could have hugged her and never let go. What a nice, but not very honest person!!!

35 weeks BABY!

Baby B

2010-06-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

When I first started feeling Baby B moving around it felt similar to how your stomach feels going down a BIG drop on a roller coaster.

Now it feels more like he is doing karate inside of me.

Just over five weeks to go. Wow.

Visits with the Hallows

2010-06-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Jarem and Camilla and their little ladies came from Dallas to help us move in. We spent the weekend swimming, hanging out, and not really unpacking. Then the next weekend we went up to Dallas to spend a few days with them ... We LOVE them!

Sofie wants my camera in this picture and Lucy is content .. as always.

Brian put his nacho libre mask on Sofie.

Camilla and I -- she is due with baby boy Hallows two weeks after me, but it's lookin like she is gunna beat me!

Sofie was making cookies with her dad. Note that she is wearing my flip flops .. she wore them the entire time we hung out.

 Brian loves these little girls ... after we were with them for a few  days he actually said "Maybe I wish we were having a girl." He used to  say he wouldn't accept our baby if it wasn't a boy.

husband.me.brother.

Funny Funny

2010-05-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

So I've been hanging out at Jarem and Camilla's house all week and I try to drink lots of water. I keep a glass filled with ice water at all times so that whenever I want a drink there is a cold one ready. Even if I'm not thirsty I just top it off to be sure it is ready for the next time. So a few times I've come into the kitchen to get a drink and my glass is EMPTY! I ignored it the first few times, but then it kept happening. Last night I went in and the water was, again, gone - so instead of refilling it I just got a new glass. I came back a couple minutes later and THAT one was GONE!

I decided to confront Jarem who just laughed and said -- I wondered why there was always a nice cold glass of ice water sitting on the counter!

The next time I went in the kitchen to get a drink of my water that I had JUST filled like 20 minutes earlier was GONE! Dang it! So I picked up the glass to refill it and there was a note under it ...

"Just Kidding. Your water is in the fridge."

Clever.

Addicted

2010-05-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I became pretty concerned about my baby because I hadn't felt him moving hardly at all. I told Brian that this definitely wasn't normal and that if I didn't feel him moving today then we needed to make some calls and figure out what was going on. So this morning I got up and had breakfast and still wasn't feeling my little guy doing karate or even moving around just a little. So I decided that I would call my mom on her lunch break and get her advice.

Well I had to call her earlier than her lunch break for something else and went ahead and asked her what she thought. She said I should definitely call my Utah doctor just to see what they said. I did -- they said to go to my local hospital and be monitored just to be safe. So I called the local hospital and they said to drink a caffeinated drink and lay down on my left side and monitor the baby's movements. If his movements were less than normal then I should come in and be monitored.

So I followed their advice.

On Tuesday I swore off Dr. Pepper. I have been doing great the last 2 days ... haha! So I gladly welcomed this nurses advice. "I guess I HAVE to drink the Dr. Pepper ... the doctor told me to."

Well, B headed to Wag-a-Bag (nice name eh?) and got me a 32 ounce D P. I drank that baby dry and within about a half an hour my baby started doing karate moves once again. All it took was a little Dr. Pepper to wake him up. I feel much better now that I can feel him again, but a little guilty... my son is an addict already!

Crib Bedding

2010-05-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

I am going to attempt to make some crib bedding. I am truly scared to  death, but very excited to try. I vow to take it slow and be patient and  not expect perfection. I found some really cute fabrics that I want to use ... here they are. (sorry for the poor quality of picture)

Ok so the pattern on the right ... not sure what to call it ... is what I am going to make the bumper out of. I bought thick army green ribbon to make the ties with.

The pok-a-dots will be used on the bottom of the crib skirt. I need to decide what fabric to make the crib skirt out of  --  just a plain color (tan, light blue, off white) for the skirt and then I'll put the pok-a-dots on the bottom two inches or something.

Then these two fabrics along with the pok-a-dot fabric will be used for pillows and other things to accessorize the room. Gotta go easy on the floral print one so that I don't get to girly in my little man's room.

I found a tutorial to show me how to do all this .. then called my mama for further advice. She is an EXCELLENT seamstress! Now I'm asking for anyone who is reading this to share your thoughts, encouragement, experience, ideas, etc. Decorating is not my forte, but I'm excited to get going on this nursery.

B's Goatee

2010-05-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

B is growing 1. a goatee and 2. his hair out. When I met him he had shaggy hair and a goatee ... and i loved it ... but now I'm trying to decide how I feel about the facial hair. It scratches when we kiss or cuddle. And he loves to dig the hair of his chinny chin chin into my neck to bug me.

Post Overload

2010-05-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is the 4th post for the day. Wheww. So scroll down to read some more!

Pictures of our new furniture and apartment ... not that anyone really cares, but thought our family would want to see.

The babies room -- temporarily the storage and organizing station in the house. (Dresser that you see on the right will be turned into Baby B's dresser and changing table.

Bathroom by Baby B's room.

Hallway coming from the front entrance - little storage closet on the side. I really wanted a floorplan where there was a hallway from the front door and the front door DIDN'T open into the living room .. and that's what I got!!

Living room view #1. Coffee table and TV console are part of the new furniture that we LOVE. Feels good to own some of our own furniture. Our TV is playing what we love to watch- this is the episode where George gets a toupee and is a vallet driver.

Living room view #2. Couch, Love seat, Single Chair, Side Table, Lamp, (Coffee Table again) are more of the new pieces that we love. Came in a set - great deal. Came with a free 50" TV that we don't need. Couches are super comfy .. Brian will cuddle with me again now that we have our own furniture.

Kitchen with center island. We're grateful for it, but wish it had more storage. Can't really stock a pantry if I don't have one.

Dining area and the back patio. I dream of putting chairs out there so that we can sit outside and sip our diet dr. pepper out of bendy straws.

North wall of our bedroom. New dresser with attached mirror. Doesn't have too much clothing in the drawers because we have so much closet space in the bathroom. (Wish we had less there and more in the kitchen.)

New bedroom furniture: dresser in the above picture, two matching nightstands, king bed frame, new pillow top  mattress and box spring set, and a smaller dresser that we will use in  the babies room instead of ours. Came with a free 32" TV that we don't need. Going to try to sell both TVs. I feel so spoiled that we got all of this new furniture, but we saved and saved for this and are SO grateful that we could buy it.

Master bathroom connected to master bedroom. It's extremely spacious and we love that there is a walkin shower for B and a big garden tub for Me. I have to work my way up to bathing in a tub that people I don't know have been in. I begged Camilla to take a bath while she was here so that I could take one knowing that she was the last person in the tub. She declined. Dang.

Well that's the tour. We love it. We are so thrilled to be in Austin now and have really enjoyed the time we've had just the two of us. The drive was fun, the move in was fun, unpacking was even fun. Brian and I are excited for the next two weeks that we have to finish getting settled in before he starts work.

The Drive

2010-05-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well Brian and I are here in Austin and LOVE it! We took 3 days to drive down here. I had the flu throughout the drive. Miserable. But Brian drove and let me sleep it off. By the end of day 2 I was feelin great again. We didn't listen to ANY music the entire drive. Amazing. We listened to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn instead and laughed our heads off ... such a good book.

Day 1 of The Drive.
Provo, Utah to Gallup, New Mexico. Loved the red rock and various rock formations of the Moab/Monticello part of the drive. Hated the ugly dirtiness of New Mexico. Proud of our Uhaul for going 70 mph steadily instead of the 55 mph we expected. Enjoyed our stay at the Ramada Inn .. relaxed in the hot tub and pool. Ate Cracker Barrel, watched Lost, and went to bed at 9PM - record for Brian.

Day 2 of The Drive.
Gallup, New Mexico to Amarillo, Texas. Still hated the ugly dirtiness of New Mexico. Loved the ruggedness of Huck Finn. Admired the creativity of Tom Sawyer. Thrilled to cross the Texas state line- mostly because we were out of New Mexico. Spent the evening with Grandma & Grandpa. Enjoyed a tour of downtown Amarillo - given by Grandpa Jim. Ate a delicious Lasagna with all the fixins made by Grandma. Laughed and visited with grandparents. Watched Everyone Loves Raymond. Didn't sleep very well.

Day 3 of The Drive
Amarillo, Texas to Pflugerville, Texas (we've said we were moving to Austin but the secret is out that we live in a town with a horrible name about 10 minutes from downtown Austin). Went to Denny's with Grandpa for breakfast at 6am. Loved the green landscape of the country part of Texas. Got sick of Tom Sawyer's creativity. Freaked out when our GPS turned off suddenly. Celebrated when it came back on 30 minutes later. Arrived at our apartment. Got a tour ... LOVE everything about our apartment. Pool is awesome, gym is incredible, free personal trainer is HUGE, apartment is clean and spacious. Ward members arrived to help us move in -- bless them! The only other LDS couple in our complex - love that - invited us over for dinner. Camilla, Sofie, and Lucy arrived to PARTY!

Austin

2010-05-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

Day 1. 
5 police officers and a local sheriff stake out the downstairs apartment for 3 hours.

Day 2. 
2 cars burn to ashes in our complex. Cause unknown.

Day 3. 
Oven catches on fire. Nearly burns down our apartment.
Day 3 might be slightly exaggerated. 

Proof of Day 2:

Old School

2010-05-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

While Brian and I were packing .. we found some old pictures that I thought were pretty cute.

Hoopin it up .. yes he is wearing a white sweatband on his right calf over his knee high black socks.

This is at one of the Hershey Track Meets during elementary school -- he and his relay team STILL hold the record for the fastest 4 x 100 relay time.  He reminds me of this often.

He's kind of cute here. I can see why he got all the ladies when he was young.