It's a girl!

I couldn't be more excited to change to dresses and bows!

We're pregnant!

We are super excited to announce that Sammy is going to be a big brother! We can't wait to have another little one! Due on April 13th...

Taking a deep breath..

Well, we made it! 18 credit hours, work 24 hrs + 2 days a week of clinicals.. and my Matty has officially graduated (with honors I might mention) with his Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy. He can now start working in the field. He still has 1 more year to earn his bachelors, but I'm hopeful we're through the worst. Looking at this past year, I seriously cannot believe we made it! There were many of times we felt like we were drowning. But now we can take a deep breath.

You would not believe how much our little guy has changed! He has grown up sooo much! But I have to say.. being 1 has been a tough job. Things you should know about our little stud...

-He is obsessed with balls and balloons!! Everytime we go to the grocery store, I get him a helium-filled balloon and he's satified the entire day or week even.
-He's talking up a storm. His new thing is to say, "I won bite." which happens every single time I eat something.. including vegetables.
-The first sentence Sam learned was from Enrique Iglesias new song, "I like it". He loves to say "I likt it." all the time.
-He'll say, "yeah" to pretty much anything you ask him, except when you ask him if he wants to go nigh-night, then he'll say "no". He even says "yeah" when Matt asks him if he wants a spankin.
-He's a major momma's boy (which I absolutely love)
-He'll lure you in with a kiss, "mmmmmmm" and then shove his baby sock in your mouth. (I have no idea where he learned this, but I do agree he has our sense of humor)
-His baby talk is so stinkin' adorable, "I wuftoo" (translation: I love you)
-He loves jumping on the bed, doing airplane circles, eating popsicles and playing outside.
-He pics all of mom's flowers
-and when you ask him to give you a pretty smile.. this is what he'll do..


I love this little kid to death and I can't imagine a world without him!


Sam's absolute favorite thing this summer has been to ride the "bikt" to the "wee" (park). At the beginning of summer we went to the park every day, until he started throwing the biggest tantrums when it was time to get out of the swing.




Even though Matt has been super busy, we have got to enjoy a couple hours with him here and there and Sam loves every minute with his dadda!


He LOVES his cousin Boston and learns something new everytime he's around him. He watched Boston go down the stairs without holding on and the next day.. Sam was attempting the Sam thing. Recently he learned to lick things. haha


And little Emma! Sam and I were supposed to go visit my sister in Grenada (in June), but American Airlines caused us to miss our connecting flight, which meant another 2 days of travel.. so we went back home. I was going to attempt this 12 hour flight with my little munchkin again, but then they suprised us and came to SLC for the rest of the summer. Sam and Emma got along so well and we had so much fun while they were here.

Riding trax to gateway..

Playing with Maya in the gateway fountains. At first he was not having it.. but soon after we had 4 adults on all 4 corners because he was running around like crazy. Poor Maya wanted to keep up, but didn't want to get wet.

Sammy just loves "Betta". (Becca)

Visiting Aunt Patty..

Well, now that Sammy is almost 2, I figured it was time to take away the binky. Even though I LOVE it sooooo much! Taking away the binky means he's no longer a baby. Suprisingly, it went super well. He cried for 20 minutes the first night and then he was over it. It's so sad because I'm tempted to give him the binky just so I can see how adorable it is. Is anyone else like that?

So we're still alive and doing well. September is going to bring some fun updates. Now that we have some free time, Matt and I are taking a trip to Cancun, then Sept. 23 Sammy is having a "BALL" party for his 2 year b-day (which should include a bounce house), then we're headed off to Disneyland!! I know it's been forever since I updated our blog, but I still keep up with everyone elses and I hope I haven't caused you to lose track of mine!

My little Valentine...

.. made me this

Okay, well maybe his pre-school teacher made it, but I can imagine he was more than willing to help... for about 10 seconds : )

It's the first thing Sammy has made for me and I couldn't be more proud! I'm keeping it forever!

Our long month..

Well, we are adjusting to this busy life. Matt is doing very well in his classes, but is seriously worked to the max. I've been working for the same lawfirm coming up on 3 years and they have been awesome to work with my schedule. Sammy is starting to adjust to his 2-day a week daycare/babysitter, even though mommy isn't adjusting so well. Sammy is so full of energy and always keeps us going and going. Until last week the poor guy had a temperature of 103 and all he wanted to do was lay on me or Matt for 4 days straight. It was so nice to get all the snuggles, but I was getting freaked out when I couldn't control his temp. So I took him to the doctor to find out that he had Roseola. So the day I finally get a break from all the toys and kitchen utensils being scattered around the house, things being thrown at me, and/or screamed at... I totally missed the little mischief makin' side of him and his personality.

He's doing much better now, but look how sick :(


Sammy had his 15 mo check up and as usual, was in the 100th percentile for height and 75th for weight. I wonder if he's gonna be taller than Matt (6'2)? The Dr. told us that we should start letting him feed himself with a spoon.

Hey - I think he's doing really good! I see 2 spaghetti-o's on that spoon!

Here are some random pics from the last month... We had to use a different dvd player to get this movie to work and I guess Sam thought it was his stepping stool.


I took him to the park and he was terrified of the slide. Look at him holding on for dear life!


This pic cracks me up. He just walked and walked and walked around the park. Looking at this picture just gave me a visual of him going to kindergarten. Ahhh.. they grow up to fast!

The future Dr. McSteamy and Ms. Longoria?

I know Natalie doesn't update her blog so I can't help but throw in a couple pics of Maya. She made me laugh so hard because she was carrying this firetruck around the house (up and down the hall). The funny part was when she was huffing and puffing trying to get it on the couch.

Anyways - I am so excited for Valentine's Day. It's my once-a-year chance to see a chick flick with Matt. And guess what I'm making him go see?..... DEAR JOHN. I am a major sucker for Nicholas Sparks stories! So until then.. HAPPY VALENTINES!

Why do things have to work out that way?

For one full year I've had Matt to myself.. he's been here for EVERYTHING. On January 5th, Matt started his classes, which is also the same day I said goodbye to my sweet Aunt Patty. I waited until 10PM until I could get a hug and have his shoulder to cry on. I kept him up way too late since he had a 12-hr shift to work the next day. Then at 2AM I noticed our heater wasn't working and the temp in our house dropped to 60°. I didn't dare wake him since I knew he needed his sleep. Luckily we worked out the heater problem the next day. Then yesterday I got the stomach flu. It was my worst nightmare.. taking care of a 1 year old while hugging the toilet for a 24-hours. Not to mention getting smacked in the head with a wood train set a couple times while resting on the couch. The point is.. I really wish Matt was here to get me sprite, entertain Sammy, and tell me I was going to be okay. But he had class and half way through, he called and told me that he had the flu too! Why does everything happen all at once? This January has really sucked and I miss my Matty!

By the way - thank you all for your kind words and sweet comments on my last post. They mean so much!

My beautiful Aunt Patty

The heavens are certainly rejoicing today as my sweet Aunt Patty returned home. After a long battle of breast cancer, my aunt passed away this morning in her sleep. Normally I don't like sharing my feelings for the whole world to read, but I feel inclined to write about my aunt. She is truly the most amazing person I have ever met. Throughout my life, she has always been there as a second mom, a shoulder to lean on, cry on and always gave unconditional love. Her example on this earth has impacted me in more ways than I can describe. From the time I was a child, she showed me how to have fun and enjoy the small things in life. And when I became a rebellious teenager, she sent me messages and notes as she felt prompted, to help me along the way. Anytime I was struggling, she was always there to help. She has always been close to our heavenly father and her faith undeniable. She was a wonderful wife and mother and I hope to one day follow in her footsteps. She is my hero and I miss her deeply.

While doing treatments at Huntsman, she found a quote to share, "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." I know she will always be close to my heart. To my sweet angel and hero... 'til we meet again. I love you.