Ugly Sweater Party

Chase and I hosted this year's Ugly Sweater Christmas party. Everyone - minus Mike and Julie:) - was looking pretty ugly!!

The whole 'ugly' group
Heather and her adorable pregnant belly in her holiday formal wear, Steve, Chase, Ben, me and my broach

Twinners!!!!!!!!!!!

An action shot.

Thank you Jimmy for wearing those pants.

Steve taking a nap, Ashley, Anna, Julie, and Andrea

Ben.

Could he get any cuter?
Jax didn't make it to the party.

He's a little too out of control. :)

Me and Ben.

I could only hold Ben on my left hip all night due to a very oversized Christmas broach.

See you all next year!

Happy Holidays.

5 GrandSONS

First things first, Ben is using the walker!!

Big boy!!

My mom and dad have 5 grandkids...and all 5 of those grandkids are BOYS!!

Katie's little boy Zac is the newest addition. He is so tiny. He makes Ben look HUGE!!
Jax, Milo (Amber's), Ben, and Zac (Katie's)

The whole crew
Roen - 3 (Amber's), Jax - 23 months, Milo - 14 months (Amber's), Ben - 6 months, Zac - 6 weeks (Katie's)

Ben...showing off his wingspan - and his topsiders! :)

Our Happy Place

This face is evidence that Jax has found his happy place!

There are some places that just make me happy.

Smart Cookie.

The airport.

The movie theatre.

The car wash.

But, to truly go to my happy place all we have to do is drive ten minutes and pay a mesely $3.20.

Kangaroo Zoo - I l.o.v.e. you!

This place is heaven on earth as far as Jax in concerned.

Chase isn't going to be a fan of this picture, but how amazing is Ben? He is the cutest, squishiest thing ever!!
Me and Jax
This picture made the whole trip worth it. I was DYING laughing after I saw this. Chase is obviously loving the slide...maybe more than every kid there. And yes, he did sneak on even though he exceeded the 150 pound weight limit.
Chase again...I promise we went for our kids' enjoyment and not just our own.

Climb, baby, climb!!

Jax has got MAD skillzzzzzzzzz!!!

It really is as big as it looks!

Jax and I having a blast.

We are best buds.

I enjoyed me some slide too!

See, I told you Jax played too!

He's so handsome!!
Obviously, I'm not biased at all.

Graduation!!!!!!

Today was a BIG day.

Today Chase became a college graduate.

I am so so proud of him.  It has been a long road.

There have been a lot of late nights for both of us.  He's had late nights at school after a full day of work.  I've had long days of being alone with my kids until 9:00 at night.

We are both so happy that this day has come.

Really, I feel so proud of him.

He's the man!!!

gratitude

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but I am still allowed to be grateful for things even after the holiday.  As I have gotten older (a whopping 25 years old:) and become a wife and mother, my gratitude for the people and things in my life have grown ten fold.

I am grateful for

Chase.  What would I do without him?  He is perfect - perfect for me.  I was in love after our first date.  I never thought my love for him would grow so much.  He is such a great husband and such a great dad.  He is so concerned about our two little boys.  He will hover outside the nursery door looking through the peep hole to make sure Jax is alright.  It is pretty sweet.  He can't keep a straight face when he looks at Ben.  That little boy makes him melt.  And, I would be lying if I didn't say he was also sweet to me.  And, he is one hot boy!!

Jax.  Oh, my little Jax.  If there is one person in this world that reminds me I am alive, it is this little boy.  He might be the most hyper, active, curious, (disobedient) child to walk the planet.  I love him so much.  I am so grateful to be his mom.  When this little boy runs to me, gives me a giant hug, and grabs me by the cheeks to plant a big kiss on my lips I melt.

Ben.  This little boy is the happiest, squishiest thing alive!  All you have to do is look at him and smile, and he lights up with a huge grin and a giggle.  If anyone can make you smile, it is this little dude.  I am so happy that this little baby came to me.  He is so sweet and patient.  There is nothing like a sweet, innocent baby to remind you of heaven.

My family and Chase's family (my second family).  We have been so blessed with the greatest families ever.  I don't think I ever leave either of our parents house's empty handed.  I am always taking home food, clothes for my kids, clothes for myself, Christmas trees, cribs, you name it!  And, both of our parents are so helpful with our two crazy kids.  They are so willing to help and spend so much time watching our little boys when I am tutoring.  It is such a blessing to know that we have families who love us, love our kids, and sacrifice so much to help us.

My Savior.  The older I get, the more I understand my Savior, His love for me, and His Atonement.  It is through Him that I have learned unconditional love.  It is through Him I have learned to forgive.  I am so grateful for an older brother who gave His life for me.  I am so grateful that I know Him and that I know His gospel.

I am so grateful for a time of year that leads me to sit back and think of all my blessings.  It is so easy to forget how much I am blessed with.  I am so thankful for this time of year.

GI Doctor's Orders

Yesterday Ben had an appointment with Primary Children's gastroenterologist Dr. Pohl.

I made this appointment about 6 weeks ago.  

I've been a little nervous for this appointment for the last 6 weeks.

Ever since Ben was about a month old he stopped having bowel movements.  He NEVER went.  Literally, never.  After talking with the pediatrician, we tried everything - suppositories, prune juice, rectal thermometers, apple juice, and even a little baby massage.  

For the last 3 months I have been using a rectal thermometer to make Ben go to the bathroom.  I have literally watched and caused every bowel movement Ben has had in the last 3 months.  Great job, I know. :)

So, yesterday was a much anticipated day.  I was a little nervous though.  It does seem like somewhat of a big deal to never go to the bathroom.  Dr. Pohl was WONDERFUL!  After an exam Ben was sent to get an x-ray.  The poor little guy had to also get an enema during the x-ray.  He did SO well.  He didn't cry at all.  It was so sad to see my tiny little baby on the x-ray table.

Luckily, his anatomy looks perfect.  I was SO relieved.  So, he is now on a HEAVY, HEAVY dose of prescription stool softener.  It is a thick syrup that he totally hates, but hopefully it helps.

After having the enema and his new medicine yesterday, he went nuts.  He has never had a blowout in his life - obviously, if he isn't going to the bathroom.  Yesterday was a different story.  He had to have multiple wardrobe changes.  He went through

Not one,

Not two,

Not three,

Not four, 

But FIVE outfits!!

I was shocked!  I was so unprepared for that because it is so not like him.

In addition to the stool softener, Ben was showing symptoms of cow's milk allergy.  Apparently when you are breastfeeding cow's milk has some protein that stays in breastmilk and can cause some problems for the baby.  So, I am no longer allowed to have any cow's milk of any kind.  No dairy at all.

At first it didn't sound too difficult, but I don't think I realized how much food is prepared with butter!  I didn't think I ate much butter, but it seems that so much has butter in it.  So, no milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, chocolate :(,  no dairy period.

I am pretty sure Dr. Pohl put me on a diet! :)  Which, I think, is pretty sweet - doctor's orders not to eat fattening foods.  Talk about a motivator.

Hopefully Ben will be cured soon.  His doctor said that he would most likely be on the stool softener until he was at least 1.  But, if that and a milk allergy is all this little problem is, I'll take it.

He's a dream boat!

Happy Birthday Char!

My cute and SO very smart niece, Char, turned 2 on Saturday.  We love little Char!  Tigh and Jacque had everyone over for a fun little birthday party.  Jacque made us all a super yummy dinner, an adorable fondant cake, and some delicious cupcakes!!  It was a par-tay!!!

Jax, Ben, Me, Skye

Jacque, Char, and Tigh

Char, Chase, Jax

Me with Jax and Char.

I think these two look like they could be twins instead of cousins.

Char got SO SO excited when Jax showed up to her party.  It was so adorable.

Char got this absolutely amazing train set for her birthday.  Her and Jax (who kinda just tried to destroy it) were in heaven.

Happy Birthday little Miss Charlotte.

PS Why is the right side of all my pictures cut off?  Sorry to anyone who only has half a face!!

SWINED

It's official!  We've been SWINED...again!  Poor little Jax has the Swine Flu.  Chase had it in July.  Jax, Ben, and I were all lucky enough not to get it from Chase in July, but Jax picked it up somewhere this weekend.

Monday was a terrible day.  He fell asleep earlier than normal for his nap.  When he woke up he was just crying, SO hot, and wouldn't let me put him down.  I called and cancelled all my tutoring for the day.  I took him home, and he only got worse.  He puked and then just laid on my bed crying.

I tried FOREVER to get through to the nurse at the doctor's office.  I started calling the nurse at 2:30pm.  Finally, I talked to someone at 7:45pm.  I told them about the symptoms and they told me the after hours closed at 8:00pm.  So, I had 15 minutes to get Jax out to the car and drive 10 minutes to the doctor's office.

We made it in time.  They tested him for Swine Flu.  It was positive.  He had a temperature of 103.  We started him on Tamiflu as soon as we could.  It is the nastiest medicine ever.  The pharmacist told me that they haven't had time to really make a good liquid form of the medicine yet so, they just smash up the pills!!!  So sick!  Jax threw up twice after taking it.

Jax has been curled up, watching some of his favorite movies to rest.  The first day or so was terrible.

But after 24 hours of Tamiflu...he was back to his old self!!

He's even had some spare time to practice taking his own picture!!!

He's feeling SO much better now.  His fever is gone, and he is as happy as ever.  Once again, Ben and I were able to steer clear of being swined!!

Halloween

This year we went trick-or-treating at the mall.  We decided this would be a little easier for Jax.  And, we also thought it would ensure that he didn't get lost running through neighborhoods...as I am sure his active self would.

There were SO SO many people at the mall!  I couldn't believe it!

**Although it is hard to know for sure, I would bet that this was the location where Jax caught the dang SWINE FLU!!

Here are my 3 boys.  Chase rocking the double stroller and my two twinner giraffes.

Jax is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!  (I didn't get a solo picture of Ben, but he is equally amazing!)

Hope you had a 

HPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I turn my back for 5 seconds...

And mischief happens!!

I got the tub water ready for Ben yesterday morning.  I quickly walked into my bedroom to get a naked little Ben off my bed to be put in the tub.  The walk from the bathroom to my bedroom and back could not have taken any more than ten seconds.  This is what I found upon my return.

Who cares if you are still fully dressed?  If you want in the tub, hop in!

I turn my back for 5 seconds...

And this little man is 4 months old!  I can't believe it.  At his 4 month check-up he was 15 1/2 pounds (63%) and is 93% in height!  He's my tall, skinny, old little baby!!

I turn my back for 5 seconds...

And this evil, malicious, teeth gritting boy...

Tries to attack his little bro!!!

Just Because...

I LOVE these three!!

Jax and Grandma Jana snuggling to Fox and the Hound.  This might just be Jax's favorite movie as of late.

I know I am cut out of this picture a little...which is just fine.  But, please check out the line of hair missing from the middle of Ben's head.  Poor guy!!  This goes ALL the way around his head!

15 Weeks

15 weeks ago this little gem entered my life.

He is so smiley these days.  I can't believe I have had this little guy for that long.  

I love, love, love him.

I just want to snuggle him all day long.

Aren't these two so adorable?  I love them.

Ben is such a little guy with MAN hands and feet.

P.S. Chase is a Tom Brady look-a-like.

My little brown haired baby is losing his hair...just around the bottom of his head.  Chase tells me that it looks likes I gave him a bowl cut.  It looks even funnier because where it is growing in it is coming in blond.

He is a dream come true.

A Little Taste of Family Pictures

My dear friend Brooke did such an awesome job with these family pictures!!  If you need a photographer you need to visit oliverminiej.blogspot.com STAT!!

I can't believe I am the girl with TWO kids.  For some reason it still seems surreal to me.  And, family pictures are quite difficult with little kids - that is for sure.

Beau, Chase, Kent, Tigh, Drew, Paul

Jana, Ben, Char, Jax, Kent

Me, Jax, Drew, Chase, Ben, Kent, Jana, Tigh, Char, Jacaue, Beau, Paul, Skye

A Tribute to Summer

Our warm summer days playing outside are quickly coming to an end.

The new splash park has given many hours of fun to Jax.

I am a little nervous for winter.  I am not sure how I am going to entertain Jax.

Ben is getting so big!!

This is usually where Jax is found at the Splash Park.  He gets in the water a little bit.  Most of the time he entertains himself climbing all over the cement benches.

Today Jax spent more time in the water than he ever has.  How sad that he finally started liking the water when today was probably our last visit to the Splash Park for the year.

If there is one thing Jax likes it is a big gulp of water...no matter where the water comes from.  And please enjoy Milo's  tank top.

Ben is proof that the camera definitely adds ten pounds!!

My mom and Nick even joined in on today's fun (As did Amber, Roen, and Milo who are not pictured).  Nick rode his bike up - which explains the spandex.

There are not many places Jax goes without his Crocs.

Milo was LOVING the water!

Goodbye summer.  You will be SO missed.

GO COUGS!!

Rise and shout the cougars are out!!!

There is something about the air starting to smell like fall and going to BYU Football games.

We just might be fanatics...

Ummm, excuse me.  This is the cutest picture of Chase.  Why is it cutting him off?!  I struggle with blogger photos.  But trust me, he looks so very cute.

Tigh and Jacque - what a cute picture!  They are equally fanatical.

Paul and Drew - we've all convinced our Arizona Paul to be a BYU fan.  And as for Drew, he was singing the BYU fight song in the womb!!

]

Me, Tigh, and Jacque.

Ben is 3 Months Old!!

3 months old

14 pounds 5 ounces

It's official.  Ben is 3 months old today.  I can't believe that it has already been 3 months since I was faking contractions to get myself into Labor and Delivery.  I finally feel like I have my life under control.  Throwing another baby in the fix with a 16 month old was a little rough.  But, I finally feel like I am okay.

Dear Ben, 

You are the cutest little brown haired baby I know. I was a little nervous to bring you home.  I was scared to take care of two babies at the same time.  I was scared I wouldn't be able to give you all the attention you need.  But, I was wrong.  

It has taken almost all 3 months of your life, but I think I finally have things under control.  I know you might not believe it, but I really do try and protect you from your big brother.  He might be a little bit rough playing with you, but he loves you so much!!  We are so happy you are part of our family.

Love, 

Mom, Dad, and Jax

St. George

Last weekend we went to St. George.  It was so nice to get away for a few days.  Ben, of course, slept away a lot of the trip.

I know this picture is blurry, but it is so cute.  I wish that sitting on the couch with remote in hand wasn't a position Chase was in for a lot of the trip, but it was.  Fantasy Football has changed his life!! :)  And, there was a BYU game on so, we had no other choice.

Oh, my two adorable boys!!  So cute.  Well, actually maybe this is a picture of my THREE children.  I wear that nursing cover that is next to Ben enough that it just might start to be considered a third child!  How big is Jax?  He doesn't look like a baby any more.  He is a little boy!  (He is still really proud that he knows what his belly button is.)  And, Ben looks so cute in this picture.  I love it when babies get old enough to start smiling.

This picture is cute, but sad.  Jax was SO tired after spending the afternoon in the 100 degree weather at the pool.  And, he was STARVING when we went back to the house.  His little cheeks are so bright red from sweating in the heat!!  He downed this corn-on-the-cob in like 5 minutes flat.

Our trip was fun...even though it pretty much revolved around football...and TJMaxx and Neilson's Frozen Custard.  We didn't even have to stop on the drive home!  Both babies slept and were so good.  Jax, of course, did throw-up in the car.  But, with about an entire thing of wet wipes, we avoided the stop.  Thanks for everyone who came with us (Jana, Kent, Paul, Skye, Drew, and Beau).  Next time we promise we won't allow Fantasy Football rule the day!!

*Two of my pictures cut out Ben!  How rude.  For some reason my pictures are all getting about 3 inches cut off the left side.  Sorry baby Ben.

Ben's Blessing

  

Yesterday was Ben's blessing.  It was wonderful.  However, at about 10:00 the night before Chase SERIOUSLY asked me if we should change his name to Max.  We had debated Max before Ben was born.  But, we went with Ben.  When BYU had a SERIOUS win Chase just thought we needed to honor Max Hall with the naming of our 2nd born. 

It would have been strange to have to start calling Ben Max, but, honestly, I didn't care.  When Chase blessed him I was kind of interested what he was going to name him.  But, he remained Ben.  He is a Ben.  But, I think that our next little boy will probably be Max.

We had SO many people come and support us.  Thank you so much!  We love you all so much.  It was wonderful.  I am pretty sure that we all ate one too many desserts!!

2 days and counting...

Only two days until the big game.  

Pretty sure over the next few months Chase prefers football over me...

Back to School

If it wasn't for my blasted computer, you all would be up to date on my life.  However, since blogger hates when I try to upload pictures, I haven't posted anything.  Poor little Ben hasn't received near the blogging attention Jax got in his first 2 months of life.  But, I promise I love him just as much!!  Soon I will figure out how to force my computer to upload some pictures.  Until then, you are left with my thoughts...

School starts tomorrow.  Teachers went back to work on Monday.  I have been having some strange feelings about this school year.  When I was pregnant with Jax during the last school year I taught, I counted down the days until my due date.  I wanted that little baby to be here.  I wanted to be a mom and stay home and snuggle him and rub baby lotion on his little squishy body all day long.

About 3 months ago, I considered going back to work this fall.  I looked and applied for some 1/2 time teaching positions.  I thought that teaching 4 hours a day would be good for me and not too big of a deal for my 2 little boys...they would nap through some of it anyway, right?  Well, after I went to an interview, Chase told me that if it was up to him there was no way that I was going to teach school.  Even 1/2 day.  Our little boys need me to take care of them.  So, I decided against it.

Actually, I feel really good about not teaching school right now.  I am sure the day will come that if I want to go back and teach, I will.  But, I just didn't feel like now was the time for that.  My babies are little.  They need a mama home with them.  And, I want to be home with them.  

But, this week, for some reason, has been hard for me.  I have felt a little left out of the loop.  I have talked to some of my teaching friends and feel like I miss the public school atmosphere.  I miss the hilarious things that my 6th graders did.  I miss the funny stories I came home and told Chase from the school day.  I miss the friends I made teaching.

Tomorrow is the first day of school.  Part of me wishes that I was going to be wearing my fluorescent orange vest being the crossing guard at 7:45am while my students walk to school.  But, deep down I am so glad that at 7:45am tomorrow I will probably be snuggling my little Ben waiting for Jax to wake up with a big smile on his face reaching for me with a big hug!!

HELP!

It's official.

I'm about to lose it.

I feel like my ship is just about to sink.

Ben has thrush again.

Thus, I have thrush again. 

I have never been more miserable.  Ever.

When he is hungry I fight back the tears.  I don't want to feed him because it hurts so badly.

He also doesn't want to go to bed until at least midnight.  This isn't that great when I have to be up, ready, have Ben nursed with him and Jax in tow, and off to work at 8:00am three days a week.

That's early when you have no sleep.

And did I mention poor little Ben has the worst gas on the planet?  His little colicy belly is making him hurt.  His crying when the his belly is tense is making me hurt.

Now, as for Jax he can't live without Mickey Mouse.  He has figured out where the TV power button is.  If you even think about turning it off so he doesn't watch TV all day long he throws a fit.  Body thrown on the ground, crying.  Wonderful.

This having two babies thing is a lot harder than I was anticipating.  Every night I pray that I will be more patient and that I will be able to figure this thing out.  

But, as for now I am tired.  I am in serious pain from thrush.  Help!!

This little guy...

is ONE MONTH old!

I can't believe that Ben has already been here for a month!  If you would have asked me two weeks ago how it was going, I would have maybe told you that the last few weeks had been hell, but thankfully I can now say that life as a family of 4 is wonderful!

When Chase got Swine Flu about 2 weeks ago, things got a little hectic for me.  I had to pack up both of my little boys, myself, and about 9 bags of diapers, clothes, bottles, toys, etc. and go stay at my parents for a week.  The first day we were there I realized Ben had thrush.  He had also, through nursing, passed it along to me which made nursing MISERABLE!  Although I got lots of help from my mom, it was still really hard not being in my own place and Jax not having his own bed.  Finally, we came home.  

The next day Jax seemed to be on his death bed.  I took him to the doctor who said that he for sure had Swine Flu.  He didn't have me take him to the hospital for the official test because he said it wasn't all that accurate and was painful.  But, he said that since Chase had just had it and with all Jax's symptoms he was pretty much 100% that it was Swine Flu.  Then, the doctor gave me the terrible news that Ben needed to be isolated from Jax.  They were much more worried about Ben getting it than Jax.

Chase obviously had to continue going to work so, I had to be with my poor little sick Jax.  We couldn't send him away to get others sick so, I had to send Ben to Chase's parents house so he wouldn't get sick.  It was terrible!  I bawled the whole drive over there, when I dropped him off, and the whole time I drove back home.  I couldn't believe that I had to leave my little 2 week old!  Also, I am nursing him, and he had never had a bottle in his whole life.  I hadn't had any advance notice to pump milk so, I dropped the little guy off with a bottle and can of formula hoping he'd take it.

Chase's mom did such a wonderful job with Ben and letting me know how he was doing all day long so that I wasn't too sad.  Jax woke up every hour that night.  But, in the morning he was 100% fine.  No fever.  No congestion.  No throwing up.  Happy as can be.  As the morning went on I was so confused how he could be feeling so good already.  I called the doctor and explained.  They told me that there is no way it was Swine Flu then because symptoms do not go away that fast...as I knew since Chase was on his death bed for a week and then SO weak for the next 5-7 days.  That night, Chase and I went to pick up Ben.

Now, Jax is sleeping through the night, Ben no longer has thrush, Chase has fully recovered from that blasted Swine Flu, and I am feeling SO MUCH more relieved than a few weeks ago!  It has been a little bit of a rough start for little Ben.  But, now that the dark sickness cloud that was hanging over us has left, things are great!  

Ben is the sweetest little baby.  Finding out I was pregnant with him was quite the surprise, and not just because I was already 18 weeks along!!  But, I am so grateful that I have him - even being so close to Jax.  I think him and Jax are going to have so much fun playing together in the years to come.  Ben is SO tolerant.  Jax loves to hug him.  Jax doesn't exactly understand the meaning of being soft yet, but Ben just takes it like he wants to be friends and will suffer through a little roughness if he has to.

I am so happy that as the month has progressed things have gotten better.  Let's just hope this goodness continues for the months to come.

3 Weeks Old

My baby Ben is 3 weeks old.  The last 3 weeks have been so wonderful and so hard at the same time.  Ben is the sweetest, best baby.  He is perfect.  I love holding him when he is swaddled tight in a blanket.  I love when he lays on my chest and falls asleep.  I love his full head of hair.

The last 3 weeks have been everything I could have ever imagined.  But, they have also been harder than I ever imagined.  Not only am I tired and feeling pretty frazzled (not to mention dealing with a bout of Swine Flu in the middle of everything else), I have never felt so much guilt in my life.  I am SO happy that Ben is here and know that Jax is going to love his brother and love having a playmate.  However, I feel so guilty when I am holding one of them or giving one of them attention while the other is left alone.

When I hold Jax, I feel bad that Ben isn't being held.  When I am holding Ben, I feel like I should be playing with Jax.  The guilt has for sure been the worst part.  I have a feeling this guilt is going to come back every time I have a new baby.

But, other than the guilt, these last 3 weeks have been amazing.  I never thought I could love a baby as much as I love Jax.  But, the second I laid eyes on Ben, he stole my heart the exact same way Jax did.  It is amazing how my capacity to love grew so much so fast.  

Baby Ben, we are so happy you are part of our family.

Brooke is one amazing photographer!!!

4th of July

My little Salt and Pepper boys

This 4th of July I busted out my new double stroller and we hit up the Hidden Oaks parade and breakfast. It started at 9:00am. I honestly had to get up at 6:30am to nurse and get myself, Jax and Ben ready. Early activities aren'y very easy with 2 babies.

Most of the parade going crew eating breakfast...Milo couldn't turn to look at the camera because he was too busy eating a whole pancake!
Chase and Jax

Proof that Ben was showing his patriotism at the parade.

Jax couldn't have had more fun walking around the neighborhood park and playing on the swing set. Party!

Me and Jax. Jax thought these horses in the parade were the coolest thing ever.

Swine Flu

Well, it's official. Chase is a confirmed case of SWINE FLU! Last night Chase started feeling sick. In the middle of the night he was soooo hot. I don't know what his temperature was, but I am pretty sure it was probably dangerously high. He woke up and got ready for work. He kept saying how he should call in sick, but ended up going anyway. At about 4:00 this afternoon he couldn't take it anymore. He went to the doctor and was tested for swine flu....and he is a confirmed case.

Having two kids under 2, hanging around the swine flu is not exactly ideal. Chase's doctor said that he should not be around Jax and Ben. So, I had to pack my bags (and I mean BAGS...it takes a lot of gear to handle two little babies). Chase will be contagious for 5-7 days. I had to take Jax and Ben and go to my parents. We have to keep our distance so that my two little squishies don't get really sick. And, don't worry because I started to cry when I had to leave my sick little Chase at home all alone to try and recover...and hopefully not die!!

So, wish us luck. Poor Chase is MISERABLE. I really hope that it doesn't spread through the whole family. Poor Chaser...

Happy Anniversary!

Today Chase and I celebrate being married for 3 years!  Yahoo!!

In 3 years 

we have had 2 kids....wow...

and we have become best of friends!

I seriously can't believe that we have been married for 3 years!  But, at the same time when I think about it, it feels like I have been with Chase forever.  We are seriously the most perfect match.  (Don't gag.)  Everything he is not, I am.  Everything I am not, he is.  My weaknesses are his strengths.  His weaknesses are my strengths.  I feel so lucky that I ended up with him.

I can remember every detail of this day 3 years ago.  I remember getting ready, waiting for Chase to come pick me up to go to the temple, getting to the temple late, and looking at Chase across the alter.  But, the thing I remember most is how HUGE of a smile Chase had the whole day.  Every time he looked at me his face was totally lit up.  I remember seeing how happy he was and knowing that no one had ever loved me more.

At our luncheon I remember my dad talking and telling Chase how happy he was that I found him because it was so obvious how much he loved me and that you could tell how much he loved me just by seeing him look at me.  I am so lucky!  

I feel like I am married to the most wonderful person in the world.  He is perfect.  Really.  He has every quality someone could ever wish their spouse to have - and he is HOT on top of it all!!!

The last 3 years have been wonderful ~ even with their ups and downs.  All I know is that we better not have two more kids in the next three years!!

Jax's Newest Loves

Poor little Jax has realized that there is now another baby in the house.  He is actually doing really well and doesn't seem too sad.  For the most part he just ignores Ben, giving him an occasional kiss, hug, and even one hit right in the face.  He has for sure made a transition from being a true mama's boy to being a daddy's boy.

Jax, however, has been doing his best to try and claim some of Ben's stuff.

Jax trying to squeeze into Ben's car seat.

Jax gathered a bunch of his toys and put them, and himself, in Ben's Moses basket.

Once again, Jax is trying to claim this Moses basket for himself.

And, yet again.

................................

Jax's second new love is TV - specifically Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  We have to DVR the episodes!  He will walk up to the TV and point the remote until it is turned on.  I have to leave my house often just so Jax isn't watching TV all day long.  I know that little kids watch cartoons, but I have been feeling guilty letting him watch TV so much.  But, he absolutely LOVES it...and I need a babysitter while I am nursing.  Terrible, I know.

Jax's favorite spot.

This new love is doing NOTHING for his posture!

Introducing...

Ben Kent Gunderson

June 25, 2009

2:58 am

7 lbs. 8 oz.

20 1/2 inches

Jax holding Ben for the first time

Ben leaving the hospital - He is SO tiny in his carseat!!

Me and my TWO boys!!

(I know I look haggared.)

First Family Photo

Proud Daddy

Baby Ben

Okay, it is time to tell you all Ben is finally here...and has been for 8 whole days!!  I have been wanting to share his cuteness with the whole world, but my stupid computer is struggling to add pictures to my posts.  (Any technical advice is welcome.)  And, who wants to hear about a newborn if they can't catch a glimpse of how adorable they are?  Well, I figured I'd post anyway.  But, I WILL figure out this picture thing shortly.  But trust me - he is worth the wait!

I was scheduled to be induced Wednesday, June 24.  But due to some huge baby boom, they were too full to induce me.  When the hospital called me with that news it took everything in me to hold back the uncomfortable, highly emotional, 9-months pregnant tears.  But, lucky for me, I went into labor myself that night.  The hospital then didn't have a choice!! 

Ben was born at 2:58am Thursday, June 25.  My contractions were MURDER for about an hour because the hospital didn't really want to keep me.  They didn't have one, single room available in mother/baby and were trying to keep any "fakers" out of the hospital.  So, they made me suffer in an evaluation room for an hour.  I was pretty much the screaming/crying girl on the movies and called a nurse to save me after only 30 minutes.  Poor Chase just sweetly held my hand and looked at me not really knowing what to do to help.  He was so sweet.  I had progressed enough in 30 minutes for them to believe me and let me stay.  Thank goodness!!

I got an epidural just in the nick of time because the anesthesiologist was called in the middle of my epidural to go to a C-section.  He finished me, thankfully, and left another poor girl in labor waiting for him to go and do a C-section first!!!  Poor girl!!  Lucky me!!!!!!

After I was fully medicated (thank goodness) it was a breeze!  It went so fast.  After literally 2 pushes Ben was here. 7 pounds 8 ounces.  He is absolutely perfect.  He somehow has a full head of dark brown hair and tan skin.  I was shocked!  Since Jax is so pale and has white hair, Chase and I were a little confused that this little dark baby was ours!

He is so tiny, precious, and TIRED!  I forgot how much newborns sleep.  But, please stay tuned for pictures.  He might be tied (with Jax of course) for the cutest baby ever! 

Good Things Utah

Last week I went with my mom, sisters, cousins, and aunts to a recording of Good Things Utah. The show is kinda lame, but it was definately a good time once we busted out our cameras.

Sondra, my mom, and Lori preparing for the morning news.
Chey, Me, Katie (Please forgive my figure. I am having the baby in one week...)
My lifelong dream is fulfilled in this photo. I guess now that I have sat in this seat and pretended to be a news anchor, I can check it off my list.

The whole crew including the stars of the show.

Me, whatever her name is, Karen, my mom, Reagen, Katie, Chey.

Good Things Utah...Where the good things are!!

The Date Is Set!!

Well, I decided that being induced is the thing for me.  I have been really torn about whether I should set the induction date or have mother nature decide the day that Ben will join our little family.  Induction won.  

I feel like the last month or so of this pregnancy has been a roller coaster, and my leg hurts!!  I am just ready to be done with this and move on the the next event.  We have a family reunion with the Gunderson's that starts the day after I could officially get induced.  And since we hardly ever see most of them because they live out of state, I am going to suffer through an extra 4 days so we can see everyone.

My induction is only going to be 2 days before my due date, but since I went 5 days over with Jax, I am more than alright with it.

June 29, 2009 is the big day!!

28 days and counting....