Looking into your eyes I’ve seen
all I want to be and I don’t want it to end.
If I could only put to words the way I see you.
-
I only know I have an angel with me now.
And when I fall asleep you’re all that I see.
You’re in my thoughts and all of my prayers.
I wish I could mean all that you mean to me.
My angel without wings.
-
Our angel.

expressions

Just by looking at the expression on my face, can you tell in what picture I am really excited about being pregnant – even though I lost over 20 pounds due to, what do they call it… “morning sickness”? Can you also tell in what picture I am really, really done with the whole pregnant thing? As much as I enjoyed being able to feel my little one inside of me and know all that my body was doing to house that little life – I really do not miss it. I've moved on to something much better.

I finished my pregnancy book today – all except the “labor” part. As I honestly do not remember any of that, I will be enlisting Brian’s help to complete that section. I’m missing a whole evening from my memory – I guess that’s a good thing. They say you forget for a reason.

It was another “I refuse to take a nap” day in the Thomas home. Even though I was begging for one, someone else had other plans for me. We’ll see how Ammon sleeps tonight… Brian and I have our fingers and toes crossed.

just call me mrs. darcy

Two posts in one day! This is definately a first... and I can't promise when it will happen again.

So I took this quiz, and had to share. I found out that:

Take the Quiz here!

Elizabeth Bennet is one of my favorites - and don't you just love that Mr. Darcy? Hmmm. I know what I'll be watching at 4:00 tomorrow morning...

what his future holds...

Angry boy + flailing arms + fingernails = gouge in cheek of angry boy. The first of many boyish injuries. TRANSLATION: Today hasn’t been the most pleasant of days. While Ammon still slept fairly well last night, he hasn’t wanted to take a nap today without a very large fight. One of these days we’ll get everything on track.

I was working on my pregnancy book last night, completing the ‘How I felt when I first saw you’ section. I began to ponder about those first moments after Ammon was born. I remember being so excited to discover who he was and learn about his personality. I then jumped forward to the current Ammon, with his very strong personality, and began to wonder who he will become, what he will do – what great things his life has in store for him. I remembered an article by President Hinckley that came out in the Ensign the month Ammon was born. He says:

“E. T. Sullivan once wrote these interesting words: “When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn’t stir up his earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead, he has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of some obscure mother. And then God puts the idea into the mother’s heart, and she puts it into the baby’s mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world are babies.””

I started to think about how and what we teach Ammon while he is young will affect his future. I went back and read that article, and was inspired. Brian and I are so grateful that Heavenly Father entrusted us with such a valiant spirit – and wonder what He has in store for this sweet little boy.

To read the entire article yourself, click here.

heavenly sleep

The past two nights, Ammon has slept through the night… or at least slept through the night in comparison to what he normally does. Saturday night, we ran our errands and got home fairly late. Ammon had fallen asleep while we were still out, but was woken up when he was put back in his car seat. We put him down at about 11:00 and he slept until almost 6:00 Sunday morning. He went back to sleep right away, and I had to wake him up to get him ready for church (he even fell asleep on his changing table while I was changing his diaper and clothes!). Last night, we were away from home visiting family and again got home late. We put Ammon down at about 11:00 and he slept until 4:00 this morning. He went back to sleep after eating and slept until almost 7:30 this morning. Hooray! Sometime early this morning he did wake up – I could hear him babbling in his crib for about 10 minutes, but I didn’t get up to check on him until he started screeching. By the time I got up and walked into his room, he was sound asleep in his crib – snoring. Complete frustration. He did this to me twice…

So, due to this tremendous accomplishment, the Thomas home has been in a new state of jubilation. In other words: Stacy/Mom is not frazzled, crabby, and no longer has eyes that resemble that of a raccoon. Kudos for me.

We received a letter in the mail over the weekend informing Brian that he would be graduating with honors. Congratulations to him! Luckily, he was able to get all the classes that he needed. Last week there was a question that he wouldn’t be able to graduate this semester – insert skip of heartbeat here – but thanks to an advisor who was willing to go the extra mile and help him out, we still have something to look forward to in May.

Update on the thumb-sucking: When I went in this morning to get Ammon up for the day, he was actively sucking on his thumb – not just playing with it like he was before. Pure sweetness…

saying goodbye

The first of many goodbyes – Ammon is 2 ½ months old and we are finally saying goodbye to the newborn diaper. Hello 1s.

Yesterday was yet another rainy day and spirits were not as high in the Thomas home as they were on Thursday. Ammon wasn’t in a fine mood and ended up spending the majority of the day in his swing – as this was the only thing he seemed to enjoy. Trust me, we tried everything else twice.

Because Ammon was in his swing (and content), I was able to get so much done… including making bread! Can you believe it… I made bread?! In a bread maker and with a super-easy recipe… but I made bread... and it was yummy! I also dusted, folded Ammon’s laundry, made my Christmas card boxes that I do every year, and braved a new recipe for dinner. Just call me Martha.

Ammon didn’t have a very good night. It was after 11:00 that we were really able to put him down. He slept until about 3:30, but had a hard time after that. He ended up sleeping with his dad (which I’m sure was his idea to begin with, “Why should I be in a cage?”). I went downstairs this morning and was met with Brian and Ammon watching Fraggle Rock. How fun is that?

Brian has been diligently working on a paper for school for the past week. He finally finished this morning. Hooray! He can now be a part of the family again, and not be tied to the computer. He watched Ammon this afternoon while I took care of some things I needed to do. We will be doing our weekly “weekend errands” tonight… cross your fingers that all goes well.

For the record: It appears that Ammon is trying very hard to suck his thumb. His dad and mom were both thumb-suckers. I guess it runs in the family…

isn’t it a lovely day to be caught in the rain?

At least that was what I was saying before I foolishly decided to venture out in the rain and pure yuck with a squalling 2 ½ month old. But I had errands to run, and I decided to be brave. It wasn’t until after we were both wet, cranky and in the middle of Wal-Mart that I remembered – I am not brave. But, considering it was our first real solo trip around town, I really can’t complain. Ammon was good… It was me. But they say practice makes perfect. So we try again.

Ammon fell asleep in his swing again today, giving me the chance to get several things done. It is because of this wonderful invention that I was able to get a shower today – something that Ammon, Brian and the women at the baby shower I attended this evening are probably eternally grateful for.

All in all, it was a lovely day – I couldn’t have asked for better company.

The weather is frightening,
The thunder and lightning
Seem to be having their way,
But as far as I'm concerned,
It's a lovely day.
The turn in the weather
Will keep us together
So I can honestly say
That as far as I'm concerned,
It's a lovely day and everything’s okay.
Isn't this a lovely day to be caught in the rain?
You were going on your way,
Now you've got to remain.
Just as you were going,
Leaving me all at sea,
The clouds broke, they broke,
And oh what a break for me.
I can see the sun up high,
Though we're caught in a storm.
I can see where you and I could be cozy and warm.
Let the rain pitter patter,
But it really doesn't matter
If the skies are grey.
Long as I can be with you,
It's a lovely day.

Words and music by Irving Berlin – introduced by Fred Astaire in the film "Top Hat"

floordiving

Ammon and I have had a pretty good day. We both seem well-rested from last night, which has put both of us in much better moods. Last night Ammon only got up every 3 hours – which is better than 2 – and went right back to sleep after eating. Today, we have enjoyed lots of playtime. Ammon is really starting to like being on his tummy and holding his head up so that he can look around. He tries to get his knees under the rest of his body so that he can scoot; however, he hasn’t figured out how to do this while he is holding his head up. This results in his legs shooting straight out with his feet up in the air… minus the ground he could be skydiving. Maybe we should call it floordiving...

Ammon and I also watched Sesame Street’s Sing Yourself Silly. He really liked “Jellyman Kelly” by James Taylor – one of my favorites. He fell asleep before we got to my other favorites: “Mary Had a Bicycle”, and “Put Down the Duckie”. We’ll have to try again tomorrow… I want to watch.

Ammon actually fell asleep in his swing today… hooray! We can add this to the one other time that he hasn’t had to be rocked to sleep. This is all well and good; however, we are trying to reinforce the habit of Ammon sleeping in his crib (rather than someone’s arms). So, the “routine” for today has gone something like this:

Put Ammon in crib
5 minutes later: screams of rage
Pick Ammon up; Ammon falls back asleep right away
Wait 5 minutes to ensure deep sleep (i.e.: snoring)
Put Ammon in crib
5 minutes later: screams of rage

Repeat... and repeat... and repeat.

We have tried what the books call the “offer pacifier, bounce mattress and shush loudly” philosophy to have Ammon put himself back to sleep, so as not to fall into the “rock-to-sleep” trap. This, for the record, does not work with all children. Once Ammon sees another human being in the room, all bets are off for him doing the deed himself. Occasionally, Ammon will only whimper a little, and go back to sleep. This only delays the screams of rage 5 more minutes. Not helping matters is the car alarm in our complex that routinely goes off shortly after Ammon has gone down for a nap or bed. You can guess the rest.

coincidence or omen?

Why is it that every time Ammon wears his Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar onesie (which says ‘that night he had a stomachache’) does he actually end up with a stomachache? Is this only a coincidence or a very bad omen? Maybe he just shouldn’t wear it anymore. But he’s so cute in it…

We had a relatively quiet weekend. We ran some errands on Friday night, and Ammon was so good that I began to wonder what was up. Once we got home and put him to bed he only got up once. Definitely a first.

Saturday we enjoyed some family time before Brian and I had our Valentine’s date – we went out to dinner, ate far too much, and enjoyed each other’s company. We were told that Ammon was well-behaved for his grandma; however, all heck broke out after she left. Needless to say, he more than made up for his good night on Friday. There were times that Brian and I were both up with him trying to settle him down. He was once again getting up every 2 hours or so… and as cranky as a stuck pig.

Sunday Ammon and I stayed home from church, as we were both feeling a little under the weather – not to mention tired from the night before. We spent the evening at Brian’s parents’ house for his cousin's 9th birthday. Ammon enjoyed his first real birthday party – or at least he enjoyed the attention he was receiving. He was very good until it was time to go home – or in other words, get in his car seat. He made himself so mad on the way home that he literally made himself sick. Once we got home, and calmed him down, he had a fairly decent night.

Ammon and I had lots of fun today, to include tummy-time on the floor – until his bath time that is. Ammon once again wanted to take two good naps during the day – something I am definitely not objecting to. I was able to get so much done today I can’t believe it – straighten up the house, do two loads of laundry, move some things around to make more space in Ammon’s room, finish a project I have been putting off, make some phone calls, take a nap myself… not to mention, make my bed and eat lunch. Things are certainly looking hopeful. Keep your fingers crossed.

funny faces

Wednesday we were still feeling the effects of Tuesday’s shots – which meant a very cranky, swollen, feverish little boy.

Yesterday Ammon was feeling much better, so I decided to take his two-month pictures. He wasn’t willing to cooperate, and it was only after 15 or 20 shots that I even got a smile. Pictured above are some of the outtakes that I love along with my favorite. I must say that all of the shots I got really do capture his personality perfectly. We had a very good Valentine’s Day. Brian got up with Ammon last night so that I could sleep… and I couldn’t have asked for a better present! Strangely enough, since Ammon had his doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, he has wanted to be on an actual schedule – a foreign term of late in the Thomas home. He has gotten up at about 7:00 every morning, gone down for a 1 ½ to 2 hour nap at 10:00, gone down for a 1 ½ to 2 hour nap at 3:00, and has been in his crib asleep by 8:00. Firsts all around. I have even been able to put him down in his crib while he is still awake and have him put himself to sleep. Again, a first. Knock on wood… we are very, very pleased. If we can get him to sleep through the night we'll be on cloud nine!

the morning after...

shots

Ammon was having a very good day today until a.) he got his bath, and b.) he went to the doctor. Ammon never likes his bath, so any day that includes one is bad in his book. But what put the icing on the cake was his two month appointment today… which meant shots.

Stats: 9 pounds 9 ounces, 21 ¾ inches
Dr. Brown said that he was very impressed that Ammon was already rolling over, which means that he is advanced for his age.

Ammon was a trooper. He did well for the first part of the visit, and only screamed a little while he got his shots (1 oral vaccine as well as 4 vaccinations). His dad had to hold him down, though. I don’t think I could have handled that… I couldn’t even watch.

Despite how good he was, you can tell that he doesn’t feel well now that we are home. We hate to see him uncomfortable and in even the slightest bit of pain. We know that Ammon loves us, and knows that we will take care of him. He won’t let us out of his sight, and holds on to us with all his might when we are within arms reach of him. We hope he will be back to his normal self again very soon. It’s all part of growing up… but we don’t care much for shots.

pilates versus peppermint bark

I am desperately attempting to shed the last few post-Ammon pounds that are hanging on for dear life. But how can I even possibly think about exercising when I have a house full of such a yummy treat? If I am ever going to get rid of this stuff, I have to keep eating it, right? Such observation is working against my struggle to get fit, I think. Only time will tell...

Ammon has discovered the benefits of, and the amusement of, the fake cry. He gets added attention – which he adores. All day long he has been pouting, smiling, and then laughing, pouting, smiling, and then laughing… and so on. We have found him to be a proficient pouter. He has been fussing most of the day – but has had a very difficult time keeping a straight face while doing so. Of course, I laugh back at him which gives him the added attention he adores... which starts the whole game all over again.

Ammon has also found his voice… he has been talking all day. It is so fun to hear him babbling and cooing; wondering what he must be thinking. Everything is so new to him – I wish I could take a peek into his mind and see things the way he sees them. There is so much that I want to teach and show him, but I find that he is the one teaching me. I have so much more to learn, and I cherish the opportunity that I have to be his mom.

fun and powdered quick

Yesterday we took Ammon to the park in Enterprise for the first time. We had such a great day… perfect park weather. Ammon loved to look at the trees and dogs, not to mention watching all the kids play on the playground. Everything was new to him – and it was so fun to watch him soak it all in. Pretty soon, he will be one of those kids on the playground – and we won’t be able to keep up with him.

Afterwards, we had dinner with family (Ammon enjoyed some serious nap time) and travelled home. After we put Ammon to bed, Brian and I were actually able to sit down, eat ice cream and watch an entire movie – start to finish – without interruption. Yahoo! Brian fell asleep – but kudos to us, nonetheless. I stayed up far later than I should have... so by the time we finally went to bed, Ammon was up. That’s when the real fun began. Somewhere between 2:00 and 6:00am delirium had set in. I had to make Ammon a bottle and attempted to use powdered Quick instead of formula. I’m sure he would have preferred the chocolate milk; however, I could’ve hung up the thought of getting him to sleep.

Today was fairly uneventful. We went to church, Ammon’s screaming kept me in the foyer for the first hour, his blow-out kept Brian entertained for the last part, and we have enjoyed some family time since. Brian attempted to do some school work this evening, only to find out that he can’t get on the website to do it. Thankfully, he was able to contact his professor and explain the situation. I must say, I’m glad he wasn’t able to do anything, because now he can spend some more time with Ammon and me. Call us selfish, but we enjoy his company.

lessons on transformers in the midst of crankiness

Let me just say this… it was a long night. A very long night. And today has proved to be more of the same. We have had a very, very, very cranky little boy. I would love to meet whoever said that expressing emotion was a good thing.

Ammon has, however, had a much better day now that his daddy is home – he has a fresh face to enjoy. Brian is taking the opportunity to give Ammon one of his first lessons on Transformers… and he feels that this is the reason for Ammon’s improved mood. Who the heck knows? I did sneak a peek downstairs a few minutes ago and found that Ammon had fallen asleep. Hopefully this is not a reflection of his opinion of this favorite of Thomas pastimes – as we have spent a small fortune on Transformers paraphernalia… for Ammon, of course.

While my boys are otherwise entertained, I have taken the opportunity to catch up on some cleaning, reorganizing (i.e.: moving my stacks from one place to another, while creating more), and making lists of things that need to get done… but probably won’t. We have some errands to run this evening, which always proves to be an adventure now that we have a very opinionated two month old.

thoughts on being two months old

It’s hard to believe it – Ammon is two months old today! Each day has seemed like an eternity, but if we look at the whole picture we realize that he is growing up far too quickly. It seems like just yesterday that we were anxiously awaiting his arrival. How we have loved having him in our lives!

Here’s the scoop on what he has been up to:

He LOVES: to be held – when his daddy comes home – his mom to sing to him – his mouse rattle – to go over bumps in his stroller – to be bounced… hard and fast – afternoon naps with his mom on the couch – to snuggle – to stretch – to look at lights – to eat… and eat… and eat some more – tummy-time on the floor

He HATES: his bath – bedtime – car rides, unless we are driving very fast – his food source to be taken away... prior to him giving his okay, anyway

MILESTONES: he is all smiles – he giggles – he rolls over from his tummy to his back, and is trying very hard to roll over from his back to his tummy – he reaches for his toys – he mimics some faces and sounds

All in all, he is a very happy, sweet little boy. He is all boy – we are going to have our hands full. He is so strong, active and alert... not to mention cute. He changes every day – we are looking forward to a lifetime of fun.

the start of something new

A new year, a new baby boy – why not start a new blog, too?

Brian and I wanted to do something to help us connect with our family and friends – especially those that we do not see as often as we would like. We want to share the comings and goings of our little family with all of you – more than ever now that Ammon has come along. We want to share all of his milestones, his little quirks – and all the “mom” moments that make me pause in between. I do a decent enough job compiling photos to be placed in eventual albums and scrapbooks. It's important for me to keep a tangible document of our life as a family. In the meantime, I like to record the seemingly small acts that feather this nest we live in. This blog is an extension of those scrapbooks – these are the moments that happen between the pages.

So here’s to the start of something new… Enjoy.