Andy and I took our middle-of-potty-training toddler and our four month old on a two week roadtrip up to Olympic National Park. Camping with aforementioned potty-training toddler and our four month old was no picnic, let me tell you. But, pull-over poops and car ride tantrums notwithstanding, camping with our two little ones was worth it. Continue reading
A jam-packed weekend in June: Aila’s 100-day celebration, Aila’s baby blessing, Father’s Day and moving day. Plus a visit from my brother. Continue reading
Andy and I usually go up to Yosemite at least once or twice a year. It feels like home and we need our fix. If we bring our kids up right, hopefully they’ll feel the same way about our backyard – four hours away is basically backyard – National Park. Continue reading
I feel incredibly fortunate. The stars aligned. I am reminded of the quote from one of my favorite books, The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Continue reading
I have loved getting to know my precious Aila baby over the last eight weeks. She has filled our home with a peaceful, gentle spirit.
We can’t imagine life without her. She is our little tomato, our Squish Ball, our Jellybean, our Stinker and our cute little Barfy. She is a blessing and miracle. Continue reading
In March, the hills of Southern California erupted in carpets of color after a wet winter that followed years of extreme drought. This wildflower “superbloom” happens maybe once a decade; the last one occurred in 2005.
This year’s superbloom began just as baby Aila joined our family and was so spectacular it could be seen from space. I was determined to see this rare and magical display of color. Continue reading
I think often about building a home that will strengthen my children’s testimonies of the Savior. During the holidays, as I strive to create family traditions and memories, I think constantly about balancing the festal and the religious. How can Easter baskets be fun and also teach of Christ? How can I center holiday traditions and activities around Christ, and also indulge in everything else? How can I help my children put the spiritual first and still taste something of Easter in chocolate eggs? Continue reading
As a highly experienced mother of two – three weeks, two days and counting! – I’m starting to realize that almost nothing in the world gives me greater joy than watching my two babies love on each other. Currently that love flows most visibly in one direction: Carter to Aila. But, I’m sure somewhere in her sleeping, pooping, nursing brain, Aila Baby is registering all of Carter’s affections and learning to love because of them. Continue reading
Darling Bao Bao, my precious Boogie,
I wanted to write you this letter before your baby sister came. But, like you, she couldn’t wait to join our family, and she came a month earlier than we expected… Continue reading
6:15 am: Poomergency. Again.
True to form, labor with Aila began with a poomergency. Apparently, that’s how my body likes to inform me I’m about to have a baby. Continue reading
