In the life of EMO, K Dub, Kingston, and Baby Kace...

Whoa! So much has changed in 10 months...

2012-01-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well...and Baby Kace makes FOUR for the Ward Family!

We are just so in love with our new addition. It sounds awful, but I was a little concerned when I was pregnant that I wouldn't love this new baby as much as I love and adore Kingston. But the second he was born, my heart literally grew three sizes, and I fell madly head over heels for this little guy. I even said it out loud to the nurse...I said, "Oh My Gosh! I do love him!". Who can say what that nurse now thinks of me, ha!

I did bawl my eyes out on the way out of the hospital because Kingston was screaming and crying for his Mama as I was wheel chaired out with Kace on my lap. He just wanted to sit with me. I felt sad that he now had to share his Mommy with someone else. But we are adjusting pretty well to life with two little ones. Kingston now loves to give his 'Baby Bo' kisses and hugs. It just melts me.

I wrote out Kace's birth story in a blurb book in case you'd like a boring read...it's posted to the right. I promise to not wait another 10 months to do a post...

March

2011-03-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Kingston is officially crawling! Hooray for him, exhausting for everybody else. His favorite place to crawl to is the dog bowls. I have no idea why, but he thinks it's absolutely hilarious when I stop him from knocking over the water bowls. He'll lay down right there and just chuckle...It's friggin' adorable.

Here are a few pics from the last month or so...

The cousins playing/being territorial over their toys...

New BIG BOY car seat!

What he does during nap time now...

Lovin' on NANA...

MY NANA!!!!

Their Love/Hate relationship...

Showing off his 'teefers'...

Doing dishes with Daddy...(I teach 'em young)

Before bedtime ritual...Stand at the stairs and wait for Daddy!

Finger Foods are FUN!!!

Living on the dangerous side...

Playing with his girlfriends...Notice how he's not playing with the 'girl' toys, and he's headed straight for the pile of rocks and sticks. Oh Daddy will be so proud.

While Mommy was away.

2011-03-02T14:39:00.001-08:00

Words cannot express how very hard it is for me to go out of town for work. But there is a silver lining; I know how much Emerson enjoys those special moments with the KingBear. If I'm around, Emerson says I 'hog' the baby, so he kind of likes it when I'm gone... Below are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks:

Nope, just a tease...still not crawling. No complaints here though!!

How Having Kids Changes Things...

2011-02-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

I always scoffed at the people who stated the cliche': having kids will change everything. I used to take that comment with a negative tone, but now that I have a precious little babe of my own, I now know that it's said from an overwhelmingly positive place in the heart. So below are a few things that have changed since I had a baby:

#1 - I don't want to die.

Ahem...Let me explain. Emerson and I watched "Life as We Know It" on Saturday, and it hit us both really hard. (It's the movie where the parents of a 9 month old baby die, and they leave their little girl to their two best friends: Josh Duhamel (SMOKIN'!! btw) and Katherine Heigl). This next statement will sound rather morbid; but before I had kids, I never really cared if I died. Ok ok, I guess what I mean is, I would be okay up in heaven enjoying the clouds, music, and caramel brulee lattes, looking down on my loved ones, etc.

But now, I have this overwhelming feeling that I have to be here to watch Kingston grow up, to be there for him, because he needs his own Mommy and Daddy! Nobody can love him like we do!

#2 - Songs mean more.

This is another kind of morbid example, and maybe my head isn't quite right, or maybe it's just the lack of sleep! Anywho, a few years ago a friend of mine died of an accidental death at the age of 22. Yes, it was very very sad, even at the time. At her funeral, her family did a little photo/video montage to the following song; (this is the song, not the video obviously).

I heard this song come on Toddler Radio via Pandora.com yesterday and I just started bawling. I completely lost it. I just kept thinking of that poor girl's parents and how they lost their little child. It hit me on a whole new level. Before, I always just thought about how sad it was that her life was cut short, I never even thought about how it must've killed her parents.

#3 - Ok, on to the lighter ways that babies change things...

Finding time and a sitter to get your eyebrows waxed is a HUGE deal. It's been way too long!

My husband and I actually have stuff to talk about at our once a year 'date night'...

We watch a lot less TV!

I barely shop for my self anymore! But I buy a ton of stuff for Kingston.

Sleep deprivation makes life really silly!

Time Flies!

2011-02-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Kingston will be 8 months this week...Where does the time go! Wow, that makes me sound really old.

He is not yet crawling, but he wants to SOOOO bad! He can take two steps, but then his arms get tired and he crumbles down to his belly, and from there he just rolls 'til he gets where he wants to go. He is still quite the mama's boy, and you won't hear any complaints from me. I absolutely Luh-OVE this stage. He's also really close to saying MaMa. Actually, he says 'mama' but not really in the right sense yet. And he screams it when he's mad...not my favorite stage, haha. He's got two adorable teeth on the bottom, and two, let's just call them interesting, teeth coming in on top. Not sure if anybody else can vouch for some gap top two teeth? This normal??

Kingston is my absolute love! Along with his daddy, of course. Although, I think Em would be happy to be done with the 'mommy/separation anxiety' stage. He's ready for the 'kick the soccer ball around the field' stage.

Below is a few pictures from the last couple of months:

6 month photos

2011-02-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

Long time overdue!! Here are KingBear's 6 month pics...

Kingston's Favorites...MOMMY!!!

2011-01-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

So, of course, right before I have to travel out of town every other weekend for work, my little baby wants one thing, and one thing only...his Mommy. While it breaks my heart and feeds my ego all at the same time, it makes traveling THAT much harder on my poor soul.

I know it's just a stage, and quite an adorable one at that (well, adorable for me, not for anybody else); but I'm just relishing every moment of it. Although, it did make it hard over Christmas since he would immediately cry if someone wanted to hold him...and it made getting his 6 month/Christmas pictures quite a challenge! Pics from that to follow soon...

6 month stats...

2011-01-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

17 lbs 12 oz - 60th Percentile

28 in. - 75th Percentile

Still a big boy, but maybe lengthening out a little, LOL! Although the doctor looked at him and said, well it doesn't look like he's lengthening out! That's because he's still got giant cherubic cheeks and that poke-able belly!! A...Dor....Able, if I do say so myself.

On a sadder note, he has a hemangioma birth mark on his back that we've been "watching" since he was born. But just last month, we noticed a small scab-like mark in the middle of it. We had to take him to a Pediatric Dermatologist to make sure nothing more was going on. As it turns out, (after several sleepless nights thinking the worst) it's an ulcer of the hemangioma. While painful for the little guy right now, and in the worst area possible for when people pick up him up and pat him on the back, it will go away entirely by the time he's five. But I just hate to see my little baby in pain!

Things to be thankful for...Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T16:05:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...I can't believe my five days off are already over. What a whirlwind! My little KingBear did so much; from Black Friday shopping craziness, to his first high chair experience at a restaurant, to meeting Santa for the first time. He thought Santa was oh-so snuggly and could've taken a nap on his burly belly. His cousin didn't quite like Santa as much, but of course it was adorable none-the-less.

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice."-Meister Eckhart. I am in tears thankful this year for so many reasons. I'm trying not to make this a mushy gushy post, but who cares...My heart feels all gushy right now :) I have a beautiful baby boy, a husband who truly, truly loves me even with all of my imperfections, wonderful friends, a very caring family, both of us are employed with a roof over our heads, we are seemingly healthy, the caramel brulee latte at Starbucks (YUM!) and so many other things that would just bore you. My excitement for the holidays seems on steroids now that we have our precious little (errr, make that big) baby. Everything seems new again! Can't wait to pick out our tree, put the lights up, finish Christmas shopping, (eeekk! squealing with joy right now just thinking about it all).

Below are a few pics from the weekend:

Wednesdays...

2010-11-24T12:44:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love my Wednesdays. It is generally my only full day off during the week. It's just me and the KingBear all day long. We have a blast giggling, going for walks, getting our Starbucks in the morning, grocery shopping, going to the park, and just hanging out at home reading books! The only problem is that it makes it that much harder to leave him on Thursdays to go to work.

I try my very best to not check email or do any work of any sort. Yes, that means even housework...The dishes stay dirty, the laundry unfolded, the rug unvaccuumed; but I simply refuse to spend my only day with Kingston cleaning up. And even when he's napping, I still don't do the housework. It's the only way I keep my sanity (or at least that's my excuse). The only problem with this is that my poor dear loving husband usually ends up doing all of the housework. Sometimes I don't show it, but I hope he knows how much I sincerely appreciate how much he helps around the house. Thank you Em, for allowing me my special day with our beautiful son.

A bunch of pics from our day at the park...

Water...So cool until it splashes in your face.

2010-11-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite recent pics...

2010-11-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Crazy about cups!! His new favorite toy...

Seriously, every time I'm trying to drink something, he almost knocks the cup right out of my hand!

This poor kid has to wear a bib 24/7 because he spits up every 10 seconds, and if he's not spitting up he's drooling EVERYWHERE!

His cool guy vest...trying to be like daddy.

Sitting Up! What a fun new skill!

2010-11-22T20:39:00.001-08:00

Four Month Nursing Strike...and a very guilty feeling mommy!

2010-11-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

So right at four months, Kingston decided that he would only like to take the bottle and he no longer wanted to nurse. It broke my already working mommy guilt-ridden heart! I didn't just want to quit nursing completely, so I had to sit there and just listen to him scream at my boob for an hour, before he finally gave up and was hungry enough to nurse. This, of course, brought up all of the old feelings of a prior post regarding my guilty conscience of leaving my baby everyday to go to work.

Kingston eventually put down his picket sign and came back to his mommy. I've read that this is a normal occurrence for babies between 3 and 6 months. They apparently don't like to work hard to get food, when they know how easy it can be from a bottle. I'm so glad I didn't give in...I can only pray that I never have to sit there helpless, bawling just as loud as the baby, ever again.

I thought I'd end this post with a blurry picture of us after our war over my boob :) We are on happy peaceful terms now.

PEAS PLEASE!!

2010-11-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

First taste of peas...YUCK!

Wait a minute, more peas please!!

4 Month Stats...

2010-11-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

16 lbs even
26 and 1/4 inches

90th percentile height, and 70th percentile weight...All cheeks and belly, friggin' adorable.

A new list of favorites:

*Any and everything that he sees goes directly to his mouth.
*His toes...nuff said. See item above.
*He absolutely loves being held. He cries when you set him down. And I absolutely love it. I would hold him until he's 18 if he'd let me.
*Walks in his stroller. He just gazes at the trees and the sky with such awe, then he falls asleep.
*Fart sounds...It's hilarious, but probably something we should stop at some point.
*Smiling...He's even started to smile at strangers.
*Peas...He didn't like the first couple of bites, but after that he was all smiles. (Check out the next post for video).

Rolling Over at 3 and 1/2 months...

2010-11-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Trip to the South...

2010-11-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

On October 22nd, Em, King and I took a daring trip all of the way across the country to Charleston, South Carolina...(taking the red-eye on Thursday night/Friday morning + a nursing strike [more on that later] + a 4 month old with no sleep = one tough plane ride for everyone, haha !) But it was definitely worth it. I absolutely love SC...One of the prettiest places on earth, not to mention some of my favorite people. They are always so welcoming and make me feel like I'm right at home. We were there for a wedding of our dear friends, Clayton and Christina. The Dennard's were gracious enough to let us stay in the beach house...Yea, I know, be jealous because it was AWESOME! They have this quaint little back porch (which I called the Arizona room) with swings and rockers galore! Kingston's own little heaven! I loved having so much family around to help with my cranky little guy. Kingston also got to put his foot in the ocean for the first time (actually Grandpa Ward had to splash King's foot with ocean water, but it counts). He slept through the entire experience. But it was adorable all the same.

Katie (our new best friend!!) and Emerson at the wedding.

Our first night out in a LONG time...Yes, that is tequila. Thank goodness they were just little baby shots! (Thad, Em, me, Meredyth, and Lauren)

E and I at the rehearsal dinner...Going on about 2 hours of sleep...Yes, we are rock stars.

Gammy Cyndi and the babe finally takin' a nap...

Bonding time for King and G-pa Ward...

Self explanatory. Why is my face always the most creepy. (Me, Katie, Lauren, and Mer)

Proud grandparents! So sweet!!

We haven't gotten our groove on in forever! So much fun! The band was awesome! A regular Dave Matthews sound alike!

Again, creepy...Mer and Lauren sure look cute. (By the way, thanks Meredyth for letting me steal a bunch a pictures from you from FaceBook)

King and Grandpa hangin' out at the beach house (Arizona Room).

Off to the beach...

Showing Grandpa how King can roll over now!!

My three and a half month old

2010-09-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

How can you not fall in love with those eyes and cheeks!

E and King in their new European outfits from Aunt Mer. Thanks Meredyth!!

Last time we were at the docs, King weighed in at 15lbs. He's a giant, and I love him so friggin' much! He's my squishy wiggly cuddle bear and I wouldn't change any part of him for the world. He loves to try to stand so intensely, that any time he's starting to fuss I can just stand him up and he will immediately crack a smile. He's fallen out of love with his bouncy chair, and now prefers to be held, which I LOVE might I add. I would hold him on my hip and take cuddle naps with him until he's 15 years old if he'd let me. He's also currently sleeping through the night, yippee! And in his big boy crib, can I get a double yippee!!

Blowing spit bubbles on his belly just cracks the kid up (see video link below). He's also incredibly ticklish! I just can't believe how much of a personality he already has. Hopefully he's just like his daddy, and stays a really outgoing/non-shy/laid-back babe. I can't believe how lucky I am; Kingston is such a good baby. He's at the gym with me at least once a week, and barely ever makes a fuss. He will just flirt and coo and giggle at the team girls the entire workout. I am so blessed! I love you my little ShhNUGGLES!

For being an ex-gymnast, I sure feel off-balance...

2010-09-24T22:17:00.001-07:00

I haven't quite figured out the balancing act of being a working mother. Take the quote from "Marley and Me"; "when I'm at work all I can think about is my kids, when I'm at home, all I can think about is work. And I really don't think I'm doing either job very well".

I love my little Kingston so very much; and yes, I still cry in the car on the way to work...every morning. And I sincerely think it's only getting harder to leave him everyday. And let's be honest, I'm barely working full time. But I DO love my job (my ASU Coaching job that is, I don't call my mother-job a job...because it's way too much fun). I worked so hard to get to where I am, and my gymnasts are my kids as well; I would NEVER quit on them! But that doesn't make it any easier. I guess I'm just so used to work consuming my life, and trying to succeed in that realm, that I'm not used to my mind being in two places at once. How do I succeed at coaching/recruiting/marketing/choreographing/mentoring a successful team as well as raising a son. Is it possible to do both? Can I let go a little of my competitiveness at work to be a better mother? Do I even need to do that to be a better mother? Does having a time away from him make me a better mother or a worse mother? Does absence really make the heart grow fonder? These are all rhetorical obviously, but if you have an opinion, I'm not opposed to hearing about it...but please remember how sensitive I still am on the topic; refer back to the first sentence of this paragraph for reference.

Which is more important to me...Obviously being the best mommy, hands down, no question about it. Do we need the income? Yea. Would we survive without my job? Probably. Does working make me happy? 90% of the time, yes. Would I regret quitting? Absolutely. Coaching collegiate gymnastics is my dream job. But so is being a mommy. Didn't I work and pray just as hard, if not harder, to be a mommy...

It's not that I'm unhappy or even depressed. I try to cherish every moment I get with Kingston. Every moment is THAT special to me. Would I cherish him just as much if I was there all day everyday, maybe not...Something for me to think about I guess.

Play Pads at San Tan

2010-09-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

Don't mind the creepy guy in the back, haha.

Dad and King chillin' at the playground...

Fun times with Cousin Ot and Aunt Lindsey

2010-09-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

A very special thank you to my sister Lindsey for coming down last week from Tucson (and taking off work, I might add) to babysit Kingston. It was so much fun to come home from work and get to spend some much needed quality time with my nephew and Sis. I wish every week could be that much fun!!

Kingston just loves to watch Otto play! I can just tell how bad he wants to be able to be up and moving around. And Otto is so sweet with Kingston (see pics below)! He always wants to be hugging and kissing the baby. I'm sure he can't wait for Kingston to be able to 'play' as well.

I realize this is an old picture, but I didn't get a good one of Lindsey and Kingston.

Otto giving kisses.

Me an Ot.

Ready for his big boy crib...

2010-09-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

The past few mornings I've woken up to Kingston facing sideways in his bassinet. I guess it's time, whether I'm ready or not, for him to be moved into his own crib...

Love...

2010-09-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

It is truly very scary to love somebody so much...I know I couldn't go on if anything every happened to my little baby. He's got his very first cold, and I know he's going to be fine. But still, makes me so sad to see him suffer even in the slightest.

Don't Ya Know!!!

2010-09-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Aww what a great way to spend a long weekend! My dear cousin, Andrew, got married this past weekend in Cavalier, North Dakota. The whole Muth/Ward clan (Mom, Dad, Rob, Lindsey, Otto, me, E, and Kingston) all traveled up north for his beautiful wedding. It is always such a blast to get to see my grandma, and all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins in Cavalier. It was especially fun this trip since our relatives had not yet had a chance to meet the audacious Otto and my cute Kingston. My Aunt Kelley and Uncle Darryl (Andrew's parents) were gracious enough to let us stay in there house, even with all they had to do! As always they were wonderful hosts who fed us copious amounts of home-cooked food!

I have to say, and yes I'm bragging, that our boys are the best behaved babies I've ever met. There was barely a fuss made out of either one of them the whole trip. They just followed suit of all of their young cousins who are also the most well behaved group of kids that I've ever met. They treated Otto and Kingston just like one of their brothers and took such great care of them. It was so sweeet! Both of the boys traveled so well, but at one point after running on to the plane with Kingston hunger-crazed, half undressed, and in an overflowing diaper, we did almost get kicked off of the plane due to some weird FAA regulation regarding the number of infant life-vests. I'm sure it was just a coincidence that Kingston was screaming bloody murder at the time, haha.

I want to highlight just a few of the many great moments we shared in North Dakota. Obviously, the wedding was just magnificent. Andrew married a beautiful girl named Kari. They are one of those couples where you can just tell that they are best friends and truly in love! In the quiet of the church during the ceremony, Kingston, who hasn't quite learned the art of holding in his gas to be polite, just let them rip! It was hilarious! I look over at Em, whose holding him at the time, and all he mouths is 'HELP!'.

And probably the most memorable moment of the trip was Otto dancing at the wedding. He stole the show. The entire wedding party adopted his dancing skills! I've posted a video of it below. Honestly, the kids got rhythm! I can't wait for him to teach Kingston his skills!

King in his three piece suit.

Getting all bundled up before going outside...COLD!!

Kingston with Aunt Shelley.

With his Great Grandma for the first time.

King and Aunt Lindsey.

Somebody was getting jealous...

The cousins all dressed up and matching.

Kingston with his cousin Penny.

Otto's teaching his Uncle E some dance moves!

What a ladies man...

Otto, Nana, Cousin Julie, Kingston, and Aunt Gladys.

Aunt Gladys hoping she doesn't get spit-up on!!

Kingston being loved on by his cousins Emily and her mom Susan.

Cole holding his baby cousin. These kids were just so sweet to him!

Otto playing ball with his Dad and Uncle E.

Otto and his Great Grandma Muth, enjoying one of the many delicious meals!

Kingston and his Daddy sleepin' in. Kingston slept through the night the whole time we were there! And it has continued at home! YEA!

First plane ride.

Before the trip, getting all bundled up for the trip!

Kingston's Baptism August 22nd, 2010

2010-08-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

Father Welcomes all his children

To his family through his Son.

Father giving his salvation,

Life forever has been won.

Little children come to Me,

For my kingdom is of these.

Life and love I have to give,

Mercy for your sin.

In the water, in the Word,

In His promise be assured:

Those who are baptized and believe

Shall be born again.

Let us daily die to sin;

Let us daily rise with Him,

Walk in the love of Christ our Lord,

Live in the peace of God.

Father Welcomes all his children

To his family through his Son.

Father giving His salvation,

Life forever has been won.

It was a special day today. Our little Kingston was reborn into a life of Christ and Christian faith. The congregation sang the hymn written above before the baptism, and it really touched my heart. Wonderful friends and family from all over came to celebrate this day with us. I know the Godparents/Sponsors that we chose for Kingston will watch over him physically, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. Jill, my life-long best friend, and my sister Lindsey are Kingston's Godmother's. Matt, Emerson's best friend, and my brother Rob are his Godfathers.

Kingston in his adorable white baptismal outfit given to him by his Nana and Papa Muth.

Jill, Kari, Kingston, Meggan, Emily, and Jenna.

Kari, Emerson, Kingston, Matt, and girlfriend Emily.

Being baptized by Pastor Lindemann.

Kingston was all smiles for Pastor!

Papa Muth read aloud Mark 10:13-16 to the congregation during the baptism.

Lindsey, Robbie and Otto during the baptism. Otto kept saying 'hi' to the bell choir. So cute!

Godparents taking it all very seriously.

One of my favorite pics of King with his Daddy.

Mama and baby were pooped after the baptism! We took a three hour nap!

Jenna, AJ, Kari, Kingston, and Emerson.

The Muth side of the family.

The ladies and the babies...

Papa and Otto.

Otto lovin' on his cousin.

Quite possibly my favorite pic in the whole world.

Great Papa and Grandma with the great grandbabes...

The happy Grandmas.

Em, King, Cyndi, Diane (Matt's mom), and Matt.

Kari, Peggy (Jill's mom and my second mom), Matt (Jill's boyfriend, and Jill.

I love and miss this girl!

AJ with the babe.

Matt with his God Son.

Back to work...

2010-08-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Going to work that first day was torture. Like somebody was ripping my heart out of my chest. I love my job, and I know I want to work in the long run. So I keep reminding myself of that each day. Gammy Cyndi (Emerson's Mom) is watching him while I'm at work which makes leaving him a lot easier! I'm glad she gets to spend time with him while doing us a HUGE favor! Thank you Gammy!

Kingston with his Gammy.

I miss him so much; when people at work ask me how my baby is, I have to choke back tears. The hard part is I know it's not going to get easier because he's going to grow up so fast, and I don't, scratch that, I CAN'T miss anything! Luckily, right now I get to bring Kingston with me to the afternoon workouts. He has a little bouncy chair at the gym, and I have 18 awesome gymnast babysitters that absolutely love our little guy.

2 Month Check-Up

2010-08-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

Kingston's Stats at 2 Months:

13lbs 4oz - 75th Percentile

24 inches - 90th Percentile

He's such a big boy! The doctor pronounced him a perfect baby! The poor little guy had to have his first round of immunizations which was extremely hard to watch. I didn't cry though, yea!! He did fine with the shots the first day, but ran a little bit of a fever the following day. The

doctor also said that at 13 lbs, babies generally sleep through the night, woohoo!! As of right

now he generally wakes up at 2am each night to eat. The doc also said it was a good time to move him out of his bassinet and into his crib. I think Kingston would do just fine in his crib, but his Mama is having a hard time with this! I started work last week and I am going through withdrawals, so I just can't quite let him out of our room just yet. At least not this week.

Poor little guy with his adorable bandaids.

Yes, we kept the bandaids. Emerson saves EVERYTHING. So I knew when Kingston's bandaids were coming off that Emerson would want me to keep them. So I did. What a cute and sentimental daddy.

First Baseball Game

2010-08-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

On 8.17.2010, Kingston enjoyed his first major league baseball game; Diamondbacks vs. the Cincinnati Reds. The Diamondbacks lost, I think? I was a little distracted!! I think Kingston thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! He is such a good baby when I take him out of the house; he truly loves being a part of all of the action.

He also finally got to meet his Godfather, and Emerson's best friend, Matt. It was so good to see Matt and his girlfriend Emily. Kingston loved them both! They were in town from Denver, where Matt just graduated from law school

Kingston holding on to his ticket.

Matt holding Kingston for the first time...

6 and a 1/2 weeks

2010-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Kingston weighed in this past week at 11lbs! He has the most adorable cheeks that I've ever seen. We're still not exactly sure who he looks like, but my mom swears he looks just like me. I think the problem is that Em and I kind of look alike ourselves; and we did as babies too. We both had crazy chubby cheeks, so Kingston was undoubtedly more than blessed in the chubby cheek department! He also has the most magnificent dark blue eyes. I hope they stay that way!!

He has been smiling for about two weeks now, and more and more everyday. His little smile just melts my heart. His favorite games to play (I'm guessing obviously) are 'Hide the Mama'. Where I hide behind his bouncy chair and pop out yelling, 'There she is!'. This always gets a smile. His favorite things to do right now are eat (made obvious by the following pictures), grunt like nobody's business, spit up, stare out windows and up at fans, ride in the car, have his forehead rubbed (which immediately puts him to sleep) and of course fart and poop. He also couldn't live with out his binky, and it has to be the MAM brand. He sucks on that thing like its a drug. And yes, I am worried that he'll need rehab for it before he ends up in 10th grade with it! But for now, it works wonders when he's cranky. He chews it like gum, and lets it hang outside his mouth, then sucks it in really quick.

In the last few days he has learned to blow spit bubbles; adorable. His grunting has earned him the nickname, you guessed it...Grunt. His favorite places to nap are on my lap and in his bouncy chair. He's actually a very independent baby, and likes to lay on the floor or in his bouncy chair, sometimes rather than being held. And yes, this does hurt my feelings...But I know it's a great thing for babysitters and me in the long run. But all I want to do is just squeeze my little boy! At night, he does like to be rocked to sleep! He's becoming a great sleeper and has been sleeping about 5 - 6 hours at night, woohoo!!! Let's not forget how much he loves his daddy too. He will just lay on Emerson's belly and stare up at him, and smile up a storm. That also brings tears to my eyes...His best friend though, by far, is Joey, my other baby. Besides staring at Daddy, Joey is his second favorite thing to look at...

I am truly enjoying spending every second with my new love. I am very worried about how I'm going to go back to work, and leave him. I'm sure he'll be fine, but I'm not sure I will be! So for now I'm soaking up every minute, every smile, even every fart and poop explosion...

A few of my favorite pictures from the last few weeks:

My 'King' of the Jungle...

Best Friends...

My little hood rat...

Daddy's favorite outfit for Kingston...

My little prayin' baby...

Napping on mommy's belly...

All smiles...

Another favorite way to nap...

Kingston's Newborn Pics in a Blurb Book...

2010-07-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

I know y'all are probably getting sick of my blurb books, but I've put Kingston's pics there if you'd like to view it...It's just easier than uploading a bunch of them on to here!

All Because Two People Fell in Love by Paul Kingston Ward | Make Your Own Book

Kingston's Here!!!

2010-07-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here with my two week old baby boy, just loving on him like crazy. When I was pregnant, it felt like I was pregnant for years! But now that he's here, it feels like it all went by so quick!

If you want to read the whole story and see pics from the day he was born and our first week home, I posted my 'book' on the right hand of the blog. It'll probably be a boring read for anybody else, I just wanted to document everything for his baby book...

We are just cherishing every moment with our little dude and I'm trying to get as much sleep as I can. Kingston likes to sleep all day, and party all night which has made for some long nights! He got some newborn pics done yesterday, so I'll post those as soon as I get them!

37 Weeks = Full Term Babe!

2010-06-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this little guy is almost here. I absolutely cannot wait any longer. While I am so excited to bring Kingston into this world, I'm trying to cherish every moment I have with my husband and the life we have before our world revolves around our precious son. And while I feel I've been pregnant FOREVER, it also feels like just yesterday I was crying over a negative pregnancy test. But I wouldn't change any part of it, because it will make having him in my arms that much more special.

In other news, I am 2cm dilated and slightly effaced (the doc didn't give me a specific percentage). But she did say that she felt a lot of hair on his head...I just can't picture what he's going to look like. I have dreams of him, but I can never picture his face!

Emerson and I also got a few maternity pictures done as part of a photo package. This lady will also be doing a newborn shoot which I am SO excited for!

Crib and Other Shenanigans...

2010-05-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, I finally feel like I might be ready in time for this baby. Em and I spent the entire weekend buying and organizing and laundrying and building! Thank you to everyone who came to the showers, we received such nice gifts! A special thanks to my sister and mom for throwing the most beautiful shower at Stonebridge Manor. This baby sure is loved! Plus it gave me a little extra time to play with my nephew!

I can't wait to outfit our baby in all of his new clothes! I get more and more excited with every passing day. Em said he likes watching me go through all of the baby stuff because I act like a four year old playing house. And as of right now, I really do feel like I'm playing house with my new stroller, crib, car seat, baby clothes, diapers, etc...I was walking our stroller around the house for about an half an hour. I honestly can't wait...The next 6

weeks might be the longest 6 weeks of my life.

Below is just some random pics from the past couple of weeks.

Finished crib...I'm so mad because I accidentally deleted a cute video of my dad, Emerson's dad, and AJ putting it together.

Our friend Angie, who will be having a C-Section tomorrow for her little girl...
The sign at the wonderful Stonebridge Shower thrown by my sis...
Me holding Charlotte at the shower, my belly button is so scary in this picture...
Charlotte and my nephew Otto...Aren't they so adorable!

ASU Bibs made by Debs...
My mom, dad, and nephew Otto...
My sister Lindsey and I at the shower she threw...

I look miserable, but I really have been feeling pretty great...I don't think I wanted to turn sideways, LOL.

Danielle (my college roommate who came from Boston for this), Lindsey, and Jill...

27 Weeks...Third Trimester??

2010-03-25T12:51:00.001-07:00

There is so much conflicting information out there; my iphone app says my third trimester started yesterday, thebump.com agrees, but babycenter.com says it's next week...Anywhoo-It doesn't really matter. I just like announcing the milestones!!

Everything has been going pretty well lately! This lil guy is quite the kicker. I love sitting there and watching my whole belly shake and twitch. He also decided that he hates having is heart rate taken. Wherever the nurse put the doppler-thing, he would very visibly and viciously kick it off!

I'm still a nervous wreck as usual. This pregnancy has turned me into a serious hypochondriac! If he's moving too much I worry, if he's not moving enough, I worry! If I don't keep busy at work I will be consumed by my every thought!!

Last weekend, I was flying home from Denver on a recruiting trip and I swear I was going into labor. I felt very consistent tightening in my stomach for a couple of hours. Then it would stop, and start again! This happened from 11am until about 8pm!! I didn't want to worry Emerson, but I was definitely freaking OUT! I called the doctor, and they told me that it was most likely Braxton-Hicks contractions. Anybody else ever experience these so early?? They gradually stopped since then, but I'm afraid to fly again (regionals are two weeks from now, BTW)!

I love this little rambunctious dude in my belly. Emerson told me last night that he's jealous that I get to feel him move all day long. I thought that was cute. And I said, are you also jealous of my veiny boobs, expanding belly and butt, back pain, indigestion, heart burn, hunger, and no clothes to wear?! He's such a sweetheart, he literally does everything around the house these days. I couldn't ask for a better hubby!

22 Weeks and Counting...

2010-02-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I think I'm starting to look pregnant. I can tell because strangers are now helping me at the airport, haha. At first I thought this guy was hitting on me, because he kept helping me with my bag. But after I sat down, I realized, oh! he must be able to tell I'm pregnant!

I've been inspired to write a little bit about this pregnancy (because of Ruth...thanks Ruth). So this will probably be boring to everyone, but read on if you'd like.

When we first found out we were pregnant, I took the pregnancy test, but I was way to nervous to actually look at the results. We had had that 'negative' test come back too many times, and I couldn't take the disappointment much longer. So, I made Emerson look at it of course, thinking that he would be able to soften the blow. But I knew as soon as I saw his face that we were gonna have a baby. He had the same look that he had on our wedding day, when I took that first step down the aisle. The wide-eyed, I'm-gonna-cry-I'm-so-happy look...It's a face I will never forget.

I refused to let myself delve into the dream world of mommyhood, because I was just so nervous that something would happen. While excited, I just didn't want to get my hopes up until we saw that little bitty heartbeat. So I took it one day at a time, reading into every little symptom or lack there of! I kept wanting to call the doctor and ask questions like..."Why was I really nauseous and sick yesterday, but today I feel fine? Is everything ok? Should I come back in for another ultrasound?!" Emerson was my rock, always reassuring me and calming me the way no one else can. So we saw his lil heartbeat once, and then we saw it again two weeks later, and then I finally let myself start to dream about this little baby!!

Now 22 weeks in, I cry practically everyday because all of my dreams are coming true. I love this little guy SO much. I can't wait for him to arrive, and to see Emerson as a daddy. As of now, I crave mostly sweets and cereal. I have at least 2-3 bowls of cereal a day. It's just that nothing else seems to taste good to me. Oh, and remember Capri Sun drinks?? Well, I have a couple of those a day too. Kind of want one right now :)

My belly button popped out a while ago, right around 14 weeks. Which was weird because I wasn't even close to showing yet?? But now I wouldn't even recognize my belly button since it's morphed into it's own being, which is really scary because I know I've still got a long way to go. Oh dear, what will it look like then??

I'll post pics of my belly in a week or two, once I can get Emerson to take a few of me, instead of me taking them in the mirror.

And the verdict is in!!!!!

2010-02-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

Our Baby is all BOY!!!

A three second clip of our lil guy!

We are just thrilled that our baby is growing just right and is completely healthy! As we all know, I'm a bit of a worry wort, so that definitely eased my mind for now! Now we have to come up with a name, because I swore "he" was a "she"!!

I'll post pics of my belly a little later, once it looks less like a chub, and more like a baby bump, LOL!

Wow...It's been a while! But worth the wait, I promise.

2009-12-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

So the last 6 months have been a whirl wind! I'm loving my job so far. The girls on the team are absolutely awesome. They all work so incredibly hard, and they deserve a successful season! As of now they are looking great! We are struggling a little on vault, but we can match up with any other team on the other three events...

In other news, drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Em and I are having a BABY! We couldn't be more excited! We've been trying for some time now, and wanted to wait to make sure everything is fine before making the big announcement. I am just past the twelve week mark, and I'm actually starting to feel a little better! We had an ultrasound last week and we got to see "Baby Dub", which is the peanut's name for now, kicking like crazy on the big screen. It was absolutely the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Up until that point, I wasn't quite sure I was even pregnant. So I was happy to see him/her alive and well, and seemingly annoyed/excited by the ultrasound!

So question for all you experienced mamas out there, when will I start feeling all of this kicking?! I couldn't believe this little two inch being is living inside of me, and I don't feel it! I am quite anxious to feel that first flutter! I'm probably the most nervous, anxious, apprehensive, worry-wart pregnant lady that you'll ever meet. I'll just be so happy to have this baby in my arms! I know we still have a long way to go! By the way, my due date is June 24, 2010.

Once a Sun Devil...Always a Sun Devil...

2009-07-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

It's been awhile since I've posted, but I've been busy! I applied and got the job as the new Assistant Women's Gymnastics Coach at ASU...I'm very excited and nervous about the whole thing. I found out last Sunday, and started the next day, haha. I've already been around recruiting at the local gyms, and I will be going to Pennsylvania in a week. Talk about a whirlwind month...

I am incredibly lucky to get this position, and I hope all of you come out to the meets and bring your kids. Let me rephrase that...I better see all of your butts at our home meets or else!!! We need all of the support we can get. It feels nice to have a job, but I still have to finish summer school in my spare time, find floor music for the girls, recruit like crazy, and still be a great wife, yikes!

I think we'll have a better year this year. All of the girls seem incredibly motivated this summer, and they are working really hard. Much harder than I ever worked in the off-season, that's for sure.

Let's all root for a good season, and please wish me luck!

Cow-kids for a weekend...

2009-06-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Em and I had a great time visiting his parents in Dallas this past weekend. E's dad, Paul, took a job at Southern Methodist University and moved there in January. His mom, Cyndi, is an art teacher and needed to stay to finish out the semester, so we still have her here in AZ for the time being. So we all traveled out there to visit good ole Dallas, Texas.

Paul is renting a sweet condo/duplex home right next to the SMU football stadium. We decided that it would be best if we visited next when there was a football game so that we could take advantage of their awesome tailgating area! We had such a great time. We are truly going to miss Cyndi when she leaves us, and we already miss Paul everyday. It was nice to see where they are living so that we can picture it when we talk to them. Below are a few pics from the weekend...

Me, Cyndi, and Em's Aunt Sandra after getting our make-up done before the Colonial golf tournament...

Out at dinner, Paul and Em decided to try this crazy fire-coffee drink...it tasted like oil to me, but the guys seemed to love it!

Em and I out at lunch at this great italian place...

Em, Paul, and Cyndi at the same Italian place...it was great except that an extremely large black bird tried to take my head off.

I've never seen anyone so ecstatic about a hydrangea bush, haha!

Paul, Uncle Mark, Emerson, Cyndi, Aunt Sandra, Cousin Rory, and me at a great Mexican restaurant called Joe T Garcia's in Fort Worth....DELISH!

School's Out!

2009-05-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yea! It's so nice to finally have a vacation! I am also done working for the summer! What am I going to do with all of my free time...So far I've watched a couple movies, and finished a few handbags.

On Mondays I'm going down to Tucson to babysit my adorable nephew. Last Monday was hilarious because Otto is now starting to go through some sort of separation anxiety and screams and cries when his mommy leaves the room! It's tough to watch him cry! Although my mom and I have found that cheering O-T-T-O while I do high kicks keeps him entertained enough to stop crying, but geesh, it was quite exhausting! But I'm gonna love getting to know the little guy every Monday...I'll leave you with a few pics my precious neph...

Otto and E in their cut-off tanks...hehe.

Jobs, TV's, etc...

2009-04-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for your sweet comments after my big disappointment! I truly do feel better about it all. I've already applied for two different research jobs for the summer and maybe next semester. One of my professors has just been SO sweet and supportive. She REALLY doesn't want me to give up. She's the one recommending all of the jobs for me, and putting in a good word.

Emerson's been a sweetheart too. I don't think he knows quite what to do with me and my glum-ness, haha. But he handles me well, and can usually cheer me up. I told him that I was just going to be a shut-in and never leave the house until I can regain some confidence. And he said, "Sweeite (yes I know...long story on the nickname), you can do whatever you want. I just want you to be happy. Go make more purses!". LOL...

And what cheers a girl up better than shopping? NOTHING... Em and I received part of our tax refund and immediately went out and spent all of it on two brand new flatscreen TV's, one for our living room and one for our bedroom. They are awesome, and we got a smokin' good deal! Most of you haven't been to our house and seen the TV's we had before, so you might not know how exciting this is for us! Our other TV that was lent down to us from E's parents (which we were more than grateful for), was about 15 years old and took up most of our living room! It's amazing what a new flatscreen can do for a soul...

Sorry I don't have any pictures of them, maybe I'll take some and post later.

Negative Nancy is making a comeback...

2009-04-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I just thought I'd inform you that I didn't get into an internship. I logged on last night to find the comment..."We regret to inform you that you were not matched into an internship...blah blah blah". So as of now, my negative nancy-ness is back. I'm giving myself a couple of days to 'grieve', if you will, then hopefully positive polly can make a comeback.

I'm trying to tell myself that the last two years were not a waste, but at this point, I feel like that is the case. Where do I go from here? Good question...I have no idea. Do I wait and reapply next year. Doubt it. So my dreams of becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) seem to be gone with the wind. Also, most of my classmates didn't get an internship either...Really good candidates too! I think the RD world is a worse-off place without us. It's also very hard finishing out the semester knowing that all the hard work didn't pay off.

Sorry for the gloomy post. Check back in a week when Miss Positivity is back...

The latest...

2009-04-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Lindsey, sent me this pic on Monday of baby Otto...It was too cute not to post.

In other news...I find out on April 19th at 11:01pm if I got a dietetic internship or not. I have to log on to this website, where it tells me if I've been placed in an internship. I don't think they could make it anymore nerve-racking, right?! I think my finger will be shaking to much to press enter. Since everyone in all of my classes has applied to internships, and everyone finds out at the same time, April 20th at school is going to be SO AWKWARD...

So in life, I've decided that from now on, I'm going to try to be more positive. I've been such a negative Nancy lately, that I'm really starting to bother even myself. I'm posting this mostly as a reminder to myself. I have so much to be greatful for, I have no reason to be glum. God always has a plan...

25 bags...well 22

2009-03-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

So many of you know that I make handbags. Well back in November, a lady said that she wanted 25 of them to put on consignment at her showcase. So, I had from November to now to finish 25, no big deal right?!? Wrong...I, of course, put it off until this month. Each bag takes me between 2 and 4 hours each to make! Needless to say, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into these babies. I'm dropping them off to the lady today, but I only finished 22...oh well. It was either 3 short, or losing my sanity...I chose being 3 short. My wonderful mother also had to put in a lot of hard work, since she makes the little jewelry items that go on each purse. I've posted some pics of the purses below (they aren't the best pics because I had to use my cell phone camera, our real camera is MIA)...

All 22 together on my purse rack...

This is one of my favorites...

The floral Katie Hobo bag...

The Giraffe Mini...

The paisely clutch...sorry the pic is small.

The Standard Pink Paisely...

My all time favorite...the Zebra Katie Hobo. I'm half hoping this one doesn't sell so I can keep it. Emerson has a different opinion, LOL, he wants to know when he's gonna get a ROI (return on investment).

The Zebra Mini...

Whatever ones don't sell I will be posting on my etsy account if you happen to want one... www.joeyhandbags.etsy.com

Nephew Pic...

2009-03-19T10:51:00.001-07:00

I think this is my favorite pic thus far...Just had to share it!

VEGAS!

2009-03-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I spent the last weekend in VEGAS! And then I got to come back to my Spring Break...quite nice. Except for the fact that it had to end, haha. And I was no where near productive enough!

We had a blast in Vegas though! I met up with Danielle, and two of her friends, Kristen and Amy, from Massachusetts. They all made me want to visit Boston ASAP! In the summer of course, haha. I also had my first experience gambling (not just the slots). And guess what...I won $510 playing roulette! It was awesome, and so easy. Actually, all four us walked away with at least $80. We were LUCKY! I won on my favorite numbers, 1, 3, and 7! Who knew!

This is Dan and I at the Hard Rock, in front of Britney's clothes of course!

Kristen, Dan, and Amy at 'Olives'. Dan's pizza smelled weird...

Me, Kristen, and Danielle at the Bellagio? I think? It was black dress night, can you tell.

Just one more of Dan and I...

What a happy two years...

2009-03-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

So Tuesday, March 3rd, was our two year anniversary! I can't believe how fast time flies by...I think the older I get, the more I realize how short life really is. Anywhoo...

So my hubs is on a roll this year! First a surprise on Valentines Day, and then a SPECIAL anniversary geesh! I am truly one lucky girl.

When I got home from class, Em just told me that I needed to be ready to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant. He comes home with a beautiful gerber daisy arrangement, and my favorite wine (Rosa Regales - if you don't like wine very much, which I don't, try this kind, you'll love it!). I thought that was all I was getting, and I was ecstatic about it! I'm usually happy with just a heartfelt card! So we went to dinner at the Yard House (delish! - we'd never been there before). Em called ahead and had a special table reserved, I was head over heels at this point!

Then we got home, and Em told me I had to wait in the car. When I walked inside, he had the top tier of our wedding cake sitting on the table. He called the lady that did our wedding cake, and had her remake the top tier!

For those of you that don't know, I still had our original top tier of our wedding cake in our freezer. And yes, I did move it with us from our old house to our new one. For some reason, I just couldn't throw it away! (Below is a pic of the old cake, haha). So, after we shared a slice of our new cake, I let the original go. But I'm keeping this new one 'til next year!

For my present to Emerson, I wrote him a poem that included songs or lyrics from songs. And then made a matching CD. He did this for me when we first started dating, and I absolutely loved it. So I thought I'd do the same for him. He loved it, or at least he acted like he did :) So all in all, it was such a wonderfully romantic day. Thank you so much baby, you truly know the way into my heart.

In other news, I thought I'd post a pic from this past weekend. We got to spend a little more time with our nephew, baby otto! He is growing so fast, and getting cuter and cuter everyday. He is such a little love muffin! It's extremely hard to be away from him for too long! Sorry the pic is so up close, haha, please ignore my large pores!

25 Interesting Things...

2009-02-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

You've all seen these 'Interesting Things' I'm sure...You just list 25 interesting things about yourself. Doesn't matter what it is, as long as you think it's interesting.

1. I worry about EVERYTHING...For example, I'll say something to someone, and then hours later realize that it could've been taken the wrong way. Then I'll sit and worry about that for the next couple of days until my brain finds something else to fret over.

2. I think I've changed a lot in the last couple of years. I used to be this confident, outspoken, funny individual...and now I'm kind of a shy introvert. While many people may think I'm perky, smiley, and happy-go-lucky, I'm actually very cynical and sarcastic, I just hide it well...

3. I am an eternal pessimist. And Emerson is an eternal optimist. I love this about him, he's the pearly white in my black background...

4. I am extremely book smart, but not street smart AT ALL!

5. I believe Emerson is the only one in this world who TRULY knows me.

6. I am obsessed with the Twilight Book series. I'll be in the middle of class day-dreaming about the vampire-werewolf world..."awww, Edward...so dreamy"...see, I'm doing it again, haha.

7. I am embarassed by the amount of TV I watch.

8. I want kids so bad that it hurts.

9. While listening to the radio (or any music for that matter) I immediately start visualizing a choreographed dance to it.

10. I'm doing this instead of writing a 6 page research paper on how increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids can decrease symptoms of depression.

11. I don't think I'll ever get over my public speaking fear, no matter how many presentations I have to give.

12. I'm very intuitive (meaning that I can usually tell what people are thinking, or how they are feeling). A palm-reader once read my palm at a Halloween Party and told me that I had a "sixth sense" about me. She said that my great ancestor was probably a witch...eerie huh!

13. I believe that real TRUE friends are incredibly hard to find. The older I get, the more I realize how important the TRUE ones really are.

14. I miss swinging giants, doing blind-changes, stalders, and double front dismounts on bars. At night I'll have dreams that I'm doing a double-front half-out off of bars, and it's awesome. I think I could still do it if I tried :) And if I got the chance, I bet I'd be a good vaulter now...not really, but a girl can dream right?!

15. I never dream about doing beam or floor.

16. I wish we lived closer to my nephew...I think about him everyday.

17. I'm more religious than people think I am.

18. I don't work as hard as I should at my job, and while I feel constantly guilty about it, I don't change my behavior.

19. I hate disappointing people and I hate when people disappoint me.

20. Joey (my doggie) and I are extremely connected mentally. And I'm positive that he has a human soul in that little weiner body of his...

21. If I could go back in time and start my education over, I would be a zoologist, with a specialty in elephants...

22. I say the line, "that's what she said" in my head all day long, or sometimes under my breath.

23. I cannot STAND flaky people...If you say you're going to do something or be somewhere, just do it!

24. Even though I'm going to be a dietitian here soon, I still don't eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day...I don't think that's even possible.

25. No matter what kind of day I'm having, shopping ALWAYS makes me feel better...

Joey's Valentine's Surprise...

2009-02-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, our 2nd anniversary is March 3rd. So for Valentine's Day, we decided to not do anything for eachother because we wanted to spend money for our anniversary. So on Saturday morning I obviously wasn't expecting anything...I wake up to the sound of Joey crying downstairs, and I hear Emerson saying "SHHHH....", haha. So I was about to get up when Joey jumped onto our bed with a little box tied onto his collar.

The box was a little big for Joey to drag up the stairs, but isn't he adorable, haha! Emerson knows the way to my heart is through that little doggie. I first opened the card from Emo and it was so sweet (I'll spare you all the mushy details LOL). And then I opened Joey's box, and it was a beautiful necklace from Shane Co. (where our rings are from). The necklace is from the "Journey Collection", which is so fitting for us right now...and that just made me cry more.

My brother, Robbie, also pointed out that it's an infinity symbol in the Math world of his brain...I thought that was fitting too. So later in the day, we were going down to Tucson to cook dinner for Rob, Lindsey, and baby O. While at the grocery store, I just couldn't keep my emotions in check because of the wonderful morning I had had. I started to cry at the store because there were so many Dads and husbands at the store getting items to cook for their wives. I just sat there thinking to myself, wow, these boys really DO love us women.

Anyway, it was a special Valentine's day! I also loved getting to know my nephew a little more too! Sorry I completely forgot to take pics down in Tucson, I'll be sure to post some pics of BIG O soon...

CORE Appreciation Dinner

2009-02-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was the annual CORE Appreciation Dinner for Em's work. This year it was at the Phoenix Zoo, which was cool, except for the fact that the only animal we saw was a GIGANTIC vulture...yikes! I tried to sneak over to the elephants, but we got caught by the zoo ranger, haha.

Anyway, it was a really fun night. It's always great to hear Em's boss talk so highly of him. The president of the company said that the Memorial Union job was the hardest project that he's ever seen. Of course Em was the main Project Manager on this job! What an accomplishment for such a young guy! I'm so proud of him! Here's a picture from the night...sorry it's so close up, but we took it while driving, haha!!

Internship Applications--arghh...

2009-02-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well I don't know how many of you know, but I am in school studying to be a Registered Dietitian. This entails many things...

1 - Basically get another undergrad degree in Dietetics (or fulfill the Dietetic coursework, which is one class short of another bachelors)

I will be done with this in May, well actually July because I have two online classes that I've been saving.

2 - Finish a 10-month (full-time) unpaid dietetic internship.

This proves to be quite difficult, since there is only one qualified internship in Phoenix (two in Tucson) and the one in Phoenix only accepts 4 people. So needless to say, my chances are not great. Especially since they look at experience. The only thing I have going for me is my GPA. But I have to stand out as one of 4 in over 200-300 applicants.

3 - Pass the RD exam.

Applications are due by February 17th. This has become the greater stressor in my life right now! So you ask, what am I going to do if I don't get in...Good question. I'm hoping to get a job in the Dietetics field, and work for a year, and then apply again with more experience. Who knew that becoming an RD was so difficult. It's not like it pays a lot (I definitely made more as an accountant)!

On a happier note, I am posting some pictures below of last weekend. The first one is our friend Josh and his new girlfriend, Jen (who I extremely liked! Josh is SOO much better behaved with a gf around, haha!)

This is Em driving to the FBR, I couldn't take any pictures of the FBR because you cannot take your phone or camera inside. Although Em snuck his inside in his shoe. But looking back, he probably shouldn't have considering I dropped it in my beer, whoops!!

Doesn't he look cute in his sweater vest...

So how have I done so far...

2009-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well, you will all be proud to know that I have already worked out twice this week! Yea! And I've also decided to switch gyms from 24hour to Coyotes Athletic Center. The Coyotes place is LITERALLY a block from our house, so I think I'll use it more. Em will continue to work out at 24 because it's closer to his work. We don't really see eachother while working out anyways, I only like to spend 30-40 minutes there, and he could spend ALL day there. So then I just get annoyed and end up stretching for 30 minutes, haha. I'm really good at stretching!!

As a side note, I didn't realize how out of shape I really was! I was only lifting 10lb dumbells and I could feel it by the 10th rep! Then I tried to do some pull-ups (I was going overboard at this point, yes...) and I could only do 3. Let's put this in perspective. In high school, I once did over 50 pull-ups in a contest to win an ARMY t-shirt...haha. Wow, I was such a beef-cake.

FBR Open 16th Hole...

2009-01-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

So if you've not taken the opportunity to attend the FBR Open, take a minute and add it to your 'Bucket List'...

Kari and I have been to the Open the past few years... I typically get the great opportunity to sit in the Box seats during the week and then on Saturday we go with large group of friends and sit in the Grass by the 16th Green. It is a sight to be seen, thousands of people mostly our age drinking Bloody Mary's in the morning and Beer all day... Booing incessantly if the Golfer doesn't make the Green.

I was there yesterday at the 16th Box Terrace, I saw 4 Golfers chip in off the green... The Crowd goes wicked nuts...

There is a great tradition, if the Golfer doesn't do well of tossing his ball into the Crowd... The Crowd immediately chants "Throw it Back... Throw it Back...", then the Fan Lucky enough to catch the Golf Ball complies. Actually this happened to a friend of ours. The quietest individual, Chad Zaabadich, on the planet was yelled at by a thousand people... He of course complied. Then Security tried to come and have him kicked out, then the Crowd started to Chant, "Let him Stay, Let Him Stay..." I can say it was one of the most HILARIOUS days! Adam Merino came into town for the Super Bowl so we took him to the FBR... Matt... I guess I shouldn't tell the Matt stories... Too embarrassing for him.

Anyways... this year the TPC (a.k.a - AJ's Evil Work), has completely enclosed the 16th Hole, which limits the number of drunk people booing, cheering, chanting, booing, etc. also means we will be forced to arrive extra early to get seats... See below photo.

I think we will still have fun though... It's an activity I hope Kari and I get to do every year for the rest of our lives... Or at least or lives in AZ...

-EMO

Working Out...Motivation please?

2009-01-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided yesterday that I'm going to start getting my butt to the gym again. I actually miss working out. I took all Christmas Break off but I now feel ready! I want to get in the habit before I get too far in to the semester so that it becomes routine for me.

So I hate cardio. But if I have something to do while cardio-ing I can usually stick it out. Therefore, I decided that first, I will finish reading "Eclipse" (the third book from the Twilight series).

I have to promise to read this instead of a text book because I believe that will help get me to the gym. I know what you're thinking...how are you going to read while cardio-ing. But, I never said I was going to push myself real hard. Getting to the gym is the first step, lol.

By telling all of you, I'll feel an obligation to workout. Goal for the next couple weeks is to get to the gym at least 2 days a week. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but I'm not training for a marathon here people, I'm just trying to stay healthy!

Really...Really???

2009-01-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you watch Saturday Night Live still, but Em and I do when we're home on a Saturday night...Yes I know that's lame, haha. Anyway, they do a segment called, "Really....Really?" Here is my "Really...Really?" segment from last week.

So Danielle and I walk out of the house to jump in our car and leave to go shopping. There is a white minivan parked directly blocking my driveway.

Let me make the point that there WERE other places to park that would not block a person's driveway. I look at Dan and I say, "REALLY?...REALLY?". As many of you know, we live very close to the "tot lot" or playground for you lamens. So I walk over to the tot lot, and ask..."Does somebody here drive a white minivan?". A ditsy lady walks over to me and says "Yes, why, did I block you in???". Uhhh, yea... So she obviously knew that she parked the way she did. Or as Danielle put it, maybe it always happens to her, haha.

Once again, I say...Really? Really crazy hairbrained lady...

Feel free to post any "Really!?!" moments you have experienced.

A weekend with our BOSTON friend...

2009-01-20T08:46:00.001-08:00

So the last weekend of my break was a blast. Danielle came to town Thursday night, and we went to Four Peaks for dinner...sweet! Then Friday we spent the day at the White Lotus Spa getting a facial and a massage. SO RELAXING. Except I had a monster zit on my face that the lady spent most of facial working on, haha! That night we went to the gymnastics meet, where the ASU girls bombed floor...that sucked.

So Friday night, Dan, Em, and I went to a bar called Rula Bula in Tempe. There was a great live band and a lot of dancing...well I was dancing at least (by myself on the dance floor). It was rather embarassing.

All in all, we had a great time. The pics are from last night at Cantina Laredo.

Dan with her delish margarita! You can't get those in Massachusetts!

Luckily you can't really see my zit (which I named Jenny) in this pic haha.

Meet my nephew Baby Otto

2009-01-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'll start out with the cutest pic ever...This is Otto impersonating his Uncle Emerson.

Emerson always wears his beanie a little over his eyes, and he flashes the "sun devil fork" in every picture. So I thought this picture was perfect!

The Ward FAM!

2009-01-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Well I decided to start a family blog, even if it is just Emerson and me! Hopefully I'll have enough to write about! I just love reading everybody elses blogs so much that I thought I should start one of my own.

So here it goes...Today I am so excited because one of my best friends is coming to town! You all remember Danielle! My roommate from college, when we lived in the horrendous Erie house, haha. Wow, that house was such a mess! But it was some of the best times I've ever had...And a lot of that was due to Dan!

This is a pic of Dan in my wedding.