Ta-Da!

Maren is almost 2 1/2 months, and we finally got some sibling pictures!  We tried it for the first time after our ward trunk-or-treat party when Ezra was distracted by a lollipop.  On Sunday we tried it again, this time with a pumpkin muffin as distraction.  It worked pretty well.  I have great respect for professional children's photographers!  I think these few pictures represent our best out of 25 tries.

 

Little Moments

Last night Maren had a first.  She laughed.  Not a half-chuckle, but a true all-out laugh, and it was in response to Ezra!

Daddy was at a stake orchestra rehearsal, so just the three of us were doing our bedtime routine.  After Book of Mormon reading, we sang songs.  Ezra was very animated and chattering between songs about construction sites, and muffins, and the moose at Cabela's.  Maren was grinning and cooing at him, highly entertained by his silly jabbering.  And then, Ezra did something--I'm not even sure what--and Maren let out the most beautiful delighted laugh.  It was only a moment, but what a moment!  I think better days are coming.  Maren loves Ezra!  Maren enjoys Ezra's company!  Perhaps in a coming day Ezra was realize that Maren is wonderful too.   

Success!

Today I was forced to endure a strange sort of torture--a trip to the DMV with two children.  When we arrived, I pulled number 169 from the ticket dispenser; the electronic screen showed the current number as 102.  After thirty minutes of waiting, a crying baby, and an exasperated toddler, I realized I had grabbed the wrong piece of paperwork.  Dejected, we went home and had lunch.  After lunch, I took a deep breath, cinched up my belt and tried again.  This time we went to a different office, with slightly shorter lines.  

By the time our turn came up, Ezra was ready to burst with frustration.  Three times while I was at the counter, he ran out the front door and into the lobby.  By that time, Maren had had it too.  I had Ezra (the 30-pound bucking bronco) in one arm, while I bounced Maren in the car seat with the other arm.  Somehow, I was also trying to carry on a civilized conversation with the woman employee behind the desk, provide the required paperwork, and put my signature on a piece of paper.

Despite the fact that I looked like a frantic mother with an out-of-control toddler and a screaming baby, I felt like a conquering hero.  We had a successful DMV visit, and it only took two tries!  And, unless we decide to buy another vehicle, it will be a very long time before I have to do that again.

As an added perk, I also got a nice bicep workout.    

Kudos to You

My mom is like most good mothers I know; she is highly interested in the health, well-being, and happiness of her children (whether or not they recognize it as such), but most of the time her efforts receive little praise or thanks.  My mom is also unlikely to toot her own horn.  So, it seems appropriate to toot a horn in her behalf.

My dad and sisters flew in for a quick weekend visit in late September, but my mom stayed for another full week after they left.  She read to Ezra, tickled Ezra, cuddled Ezra, listened to Ezra, and did a dozen other all-star Grandma things for my sweet (needy) boy.  She spent cuddly time with little Maren too.  She cooked dinners, washed dishes, mended clothes, did laundry, helped me run errands, worked in the yard, and watched kids so I could take naps.  We went on outings to the zoo and the children's museum together.  She baked us a homemade apple pie.  She gave me time to go to the temple.

And, she helped me with one of my many wouldn't-it-be-nice-if-I-had-the-time projects.  The kid bedrooms in our house face full west.  The light intensity in the late afternoon even with plantation shutters is intense.  I thought it might be nice to put up curtains, which would help with the heat in the summer and cold in the winter.

My mom happened to have two panels of nearly brand new curtains that my Grandma had made for her house shortly before she passed away.  She was an expert seamstress and the curtains are heavy duty and finely made.  My mom had them stored away for a future need.  She brought them along in her suitcase, just in case.

As luck would have it, the cream and sage green curtains matched very nicely with the existing pastel color scheme in Maren's room.  The other panel, which was also cream and sage green, was retrofitted by my mom with some lovely fine wale chocolate brown corduroy.  (I am in the process of making a new brown, green, and blue patchwork quilt for Ezra that will match the newly installed curtains.)  Not only did she give me the beautiful curtains, which saved me time and money, she retrofitted the curtain for Ezra's room, and then hung rods for them.

I probably could have made curtains, and I probably could have gotten them hung, but it would probably be another six months from now.  So, thanks Mom.  Thanks for the visit.  Thanks for the fun outings.  Thanks for the Grandma snuggles.  Thanks for the naps.  Thanks for the curtains.  Thanks for everything.             

Mohawk Maren

Do you believe me when I say that this is her natural look? 

The more I comb, the more it stands up.  She is quite opposed to any and all hair or head accessories; she turns beet red, shakes her head, and squawks until they are removed.  So, I am embracing the hair, and letting it do its thing.  She will most certainly have bragging rights for coolest baby hair!

More Fun with Family

Before my Dad and sisters flew back home on Monday afternoon, we had a little more family time together.  Ezra craved all the attention from the extra guests.  Interestingly enough, Bear was all but forgotten for most of the weekend.  Why cuddle with stuffed animal friends when you have two lovely aunts, and two adoring grandparents at your disposal?

Our first outing on Monday morning was a field trip to the alpine forest, err...the local Cabela's, just up the road from our house.  We might as well have been in the mountains, the hunting-boating-fishing-camping-shooting everything store boasts an impressive taxidermic wonderland.   We got up close and personal with deer, cougar, bear, mountain goat, wolf, polar bear, and moose--to name a few.  Ezra was awestruck.  He still talks about the moose.

Maren's Baby Blessing

So many wonderful things are happening around here!  Like this:

The last Sunday in September we blessed Maren at church.  There were two other babies being blessed the same Sunday, and since that time, two more women in our ward have had babies, with another due in late October.  Hurray for babies, and crowded mother's nursing rooms.  The more the merrier! 

Maren wore the same blessing dress that I wore as a wee one.  Does that make it vintage?  Certainly nostalgic for my parents, who were able to fly in for the weekend, along with two of my sisters.  Sunday morning was busy as six adults and two little people scurried around our little house getting ready for nine o'clock church.  My Maren soothing-feeding-changing-burping-cuddling efforts were successful.  She was content, drowsy, dry, and free of bubbles when Daddy took her up to be blessed.  Both grandpas, an uncle, and daddy were in the circle for the blessing.

After church we hosted a lunch for Quinn and Mara and their family, and for my parents and sisters.  It felt wonderful to have a house full of family!  We attempted a group picture, which is getting more and more difficult.  This is the best of our seven attempts.  As my mom said, "It's history."  Ezra had to be held in place and tickled frantically to produce any kind of successful result.  Not bad, not bad.
            

After food was a much needed boy cousin romp in the back yard.  Our yard is kind of shabby right now, but I think the dirt, weeds, rocks, and sticks made it all the better for three active boys.  Their antics were highly entertaining!  Here are some favorite candid shots:

Just Pretend

Ezra spends a good deal of time in the Imagi-Nation lately.  His creativity and conversations with Bear and others are so fun to watch and hear.

Ezra likes to "go to work" with bag slung over a shoulder and his "cell phone" (Daddy's shaver cord attachment).  His "work" involves skyping at the computer and talking on the phone.  Bear is his silent and studious co-worker.

Ezra is "working."  The computer is off, but his imagination is not.

Mimicking animals is another favorite activity.

"Ezra tiger.  Roar!"
"Ezra whale.  Splash!"
"Ezra bunny.  Hop!"
"Ezra horse.  Neigh-neigh!"
"Ezra baboon."  He wasn't quite sure how to act for that last one, but seemed very pleased with himself for coming up with it.  Dallin and I thought so too!

 For the past three days, he has been making "mango soup".  We haven't eaten mangos in this house for several months, so the recipe was completely his own.  Give him a mixing bowl and a spoon, and he is in earnest.  His soup kitchen is open to all.  He is constantly perfecting the concoction; he cups his hands and measures out various imaginary additions that are added to the bowl and stirred in (pepper, milk, ham and cheese, among others).  I am one of Ezra's taste testers, and I give my compliments to the chef--he makes a very tasty mango soup.

Bear is Ezra's "yes" man.  Ezra speaks for himself and Bear.  The funny part is Ezra changes the tone in his voice slightly when he answers for Bear in the affirmative, as if Bear really were talking with him.  Conversations go like this:

"Bear eat mango soup?"
"Yes."
"Bear poop, need change?"
"Yes." 
"Bear listen story with us?"
"Yes."
"Bear like mac-cheese.  Have some?"
"Yes."
"Bear love Ezra?"
"Yes."

This morning at bath-time, I stepped out of the room to change Maren.  A minute later I heard Ezra choke and sputter on some water.  I peeked into the bathroom.

"Are you alright?" I asked.
"Yah...No issues mommy.  No issues," he said with a grin.
I bust out laughing.  Where did he pick that up? 

Ezra, Bear, and the "little friends" (two small bears, a monkey, a frog, a rabbit, and a rubber duck) hang out in Ezra's crib during nap time.  Often, Ezra wakes up and will play with all these friends in his crib, chattering on contentedly for more than 30 minutes post-nap.  The other day he was so into his play that I walked into his room and stood next to his crib before he noticed me.  He screamed in surprise and then giggled excitedly.

Ezra having a picnic with Bear and the little friends.

Courage

Last year I made a Gospel ABC book for Ezra.  On the "C is for Courage" page, I chose to use this painting of Abinadi before wicked King Noah.  Ezra likes to look at the "courage" page and talk about this special man.  As I have simplified the message of Abinadi to the level of a toddler, its message has touched me more deeply.

We don't know much about Abinadi as recorded in The Book of Mormon.  His life and mission comprise just a few short chapters.  He receives a special assignment to cry repentance to a sinful people.  He reminds them of the commandments of God, specifically the Ten Commandments that Moses received on Mount Sinai.  He bears witness of Jesus Christ in powerful, vibrant words of pure testimony.  His message is almost wholeheartedly rejected.    He is condemned to death by fire for his convictions.

I am impressed by Abinadi's willingness, even when his life is at stake, to fulfill his duty, and hold his ground.  King Noah offers to release Abinadi if he will recall all the words he taught.  Abinadi courageously responds:

 "I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands.

Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day" (Mosiah 17:9-10).

Abinadi must have thought his mission was a failure.  He probably did not realize that the one man who believed his words, Alma, a priest in King Noah's court, would write down all of Abinadi's words.  This same Alma would later repent of his sins, and begin to teach Abinadi's words to anyone who would listen.  Miraculously, Abinadi's single convert helped to bring about 450 people to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  And, he also changed the rest of the history of The Book of Mormon. 

Abinadi's example encourages me to remember these words from the Doctrine & Covenants, "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?  Go forward and not backward.  Courage...and on, on to the victory!"  I hope that I can, and that I will. 

One Month Old: Observations

• Maren is a great eater.  She is probably approaching ten pounds already.  Hence, the chubby cheek smirk pictured here.  She likes to do feeding frenzies, though, feeding off and on in snack-size portions for three to four hour stints that sort of drives me crazy.  
• Her hair is naturally poofy and wavy.  A lady at church asked me if I put product in it--hah!  This low-maintenance momma doesn't even own a bottle of hairspray.  Maren's hair started out black, with some lighter highlights, and has already lightened significantly.  I think she will be a blonde like big brother.  
•   The pediatrician noted that she is likely to be a chatty Cathy based on her variety and quantity of noises: cooing, grunting, whistling, sighing, squeaking, singing, etc.  Big brother is highly verbal, so she is exposed to a lot.  
• She loves faces, as I am sure most babies do.  She will quiet almost instantly if she sees a face.  Maren has also started to track my movement with her eyes, following me as I move or turn.  I imagine that means her vision is improving.  
• She has already started to smile!  Her smiles are brief and usually so quick I don't have time to grab a camera.  Ezra was smiling consistently by 1.5 months, so I am sure I will get a picture soon.  She is also right on the verge of having baby talk conversations.  She gets this look on her face like she has something to say, and wants to say it, if she could only get her mouth to cooperate.
• We transitioned from sink-side washcloth baths to baby tub baths to her great relief.  The washcloth baths were some strange sort of baby torture that made her scream from beginning to end.  She loves the tub and seems very relaxed during her little spa treatment.
• Lately she wants to feed every 2 hours all through the night.  She usually wakes up from her morning nap around 2 pm, right when Ezra is going down for a nap.  (So I usually don't get a nap).  My sleep patterns are all wacky, but somehow my body is adjusting.
• She's a beauty.  We are so grateful for Maren in our family. 

Late Night Blessings

Ezra is sick (again).  The nasty viral infection that started before Maren was born finally dwindled down to almost nothing for about four days, and has resurfaced with a vengeance.  He coughed most of the night last night.  Sometime around midnight I went in with some water.  Ezra was sitting cross-legged in the crib rubbing Bear's back methodically. 

In between coughing spells he requested "songs."  I started with "I Am a Child of God", which he asked me to sing six times over.  Sometime in the middle of "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" Ezra quietly said, "Jesus loves Ezra."  Of course he does!  How easy it is to forget such a beautiful, simple truth.  Oh the faith of little children! 

Daddy came in and gave Ezra a blessing.  I told Ezra to hold still so Daddy could put hands on head, like Jesus.  "Hands on head," he said smiling, touching his head.  He folded his arms and sat perfectly still through the entire thing.  We talked and snuggled some more, and finally all went back to bed an hour later.

Angels attended to Maren while we were occupied with Ezra.  Normally, she should have been awake and needing a feeding at the same time.  Last night, however, she slept three hours longer than usual, and when she did wake up, she fed efficiently and fell back to sleep almost immediately.  Tender mercies.  I am counting my blessings; any bit of extra sleep is indeed a tender mercy.           

My Ezra Boy

When I was in the hospital after delivering Maren, I was surprised at how much I longed to see Ezra.  We had only been apart for one day, but I could hardly wait until he came for a visit with Grandma.  Grumpy toddler moments, notwithstanding, he is my darling boy, and I love being his mommy.  Two years with him has created an incredible bond, something that I have yet to feel with Maren.  He and I have had such wonderful times together!   

I struggle to find that Ezra-Maren attention balance, but books are still a mommy-Ezra favorite, so for right now, at every possible opportunity, we read together.  Reading books is even possible while nursing Maren, which is usually when he feels most in need of snuggling.

Ezra has been much more emotional lately.  He requests, "Hold you"  or "Carry you" constantly.  He also has had more social fears and separation anxiety.  Nursery, which used to be something he anticipated all week, is now a sobbing, death-grip-on-mommy, traumatic weekly event.

Daddy has been an angel during this time.  Ezra has bonded in significant ways with him, which is wonderful to see.  He and daddy have "piano lessons", bike rides, and couch snuggle time watching the news.  On weekends Dallin is a gem to let me sleep a bit more while he and Ezra get breakfast together.

Ezra continues to grow and develop.  He has an occasional interest in trying to go "tinkle".  He makes efforts to "do it by self" (brushing his own teeth, climbing in and out of his high chair, taking shoes off, washing hands, etc.)  He likes to pick out his own clothes, which usually means he wants to wear his burgundy race car shirt everyday, and no pants. 

Although it is very slow in coming, he is starting to make some small connections between his emotions and his behavior.  After I get hit for some provocation of one kind or another (ie, time to get out of the van), he will often say, almost immediately, "Bad choice.  No hit."  On other occasions, Ezra will hit me, and then say, "Mommy sad.  Sorry Mommy."  What a beautiful thing to see progress!

A few days ago my cheap fulfilled-their-useable-life sunglasses got broken by my exuberant toddler.  Ezra and Bear brought the broken sunglasses to me sheepishly.  "Glasses fragile," Ezra said.  "Bear kiss it," which Bear proceeded to do.  (No change in status of sunglasses).  "Bear hug it,"  which Bear also proceeded to do.  "All better," Ezra assured me, handing me the broken pieces.
                

Little Angel

One of my new friends is a professional newborn photographer.  She requested the opportunity to have a Maren photo session.  We went to her in-home studio earlier this week; a magical room filled from floor to ceiling with baby hats, bows, wraps, blankets, and props.  Five hours later we finished.  She is passionate about her work...and oh so patient.  She sent me a sneak peek of some of her favorites.  The full photo-shopped CD will come in a few weeks.

Here is my little Maren looking perfectly angelic:

Dethroned

Dethroned: to remove from the throne; depose; to remove from a prominent or powerful position.

As much as I would like to report that big brother is happy in his new status, he is not.  I was hoping for a gentle older sibling to greet a sweet new baby sister with kisses and pats and smiles.  My little Prince Ezra has instead become slightly tyrannical.  Maren is either ignored, scowled at, or swatted at.  If baby is within reach when Ezra is feeling frustrated, she becomes the object to vent his frustration.  Maren is only safe in her crib with the door shut because--as of this moment in time--Ezra cannot turn doorknobs or climb into cribs.

On Tuesday we took our first family outing and found the new public libraries in the area.  I had a children's librarian help me find any book describing the big brother-little sister adjustment.  Ezra has taken to two of them.  Daddy and I read them four times over in one sitting.  But, so far, the positive message has not been internalized in his outward physical actions.  We are hopeful.  I pray all the time that Ezra and Maren will be friends.  Ezra may be processing for awhile.

Interestingly enough, Bear has some kindly inclinations toward Maren.  During his good times, Ezra will come to me with Bear and say, "Bear kiss baby head."  And then Bear will softly touch Maren's head as Ezra makes a kissing noise.  (I am curious what a child psychologist thinks of that behavior!)

So far, Ezra has refused to be in pictures with Maren.  I was able to get a decent picture of Ezra, but only because I agreed to take a picture of Bear too.  What would we do without Bear?  He and Ezra have such a strange love-hate relationship, but for right now Bear is part of the glue that is holding Ezra's fragile psyche together.

 

  

Maren Marie: A Birth Story

My hope for baby # 2 was to have a successful VBAC and to allow my body to naturally go into labor.  I made a switch sometime in late May from a OBGYN practice strongly pushing for a repeat cesarean birth to a midwifery group at a hospital famous for successful VBAC's and a more natural approach to childbirth.  They allowed me to go to the full 42 weeks, as needed, before discussing induction options.  I was nervous on the outset to make a switch part way into a pregnancy, but it turned out to be an excellent decision.

Wednesday August 14 at about 10 am I started having contractions.  Dallin was already at work.  I went about my normal morning activities, working through some early contractions.  The contractions were coming about every 12-15 minutes, and even at that early stage, felt quite strong.  Ezra was busy as a bee all around me.  Around 11:30 am I called Dallin to give him an update, and told him that I might need his help to drive Ezra to his 3:00 pm pediatric dentist appointment.  In between contractions, I packed my hospital bag.  Ezra and I had lunch at noon.  All the while my contractions were picking up in intensity and speed.  Eating lunch was difficult, and with every contraction I had to stop what I was doing to breathe through it.  At 1:15 or so I asked Dallin to come home.  Contractions were 4-5 minutes apart and very intense.  I called Roslyn and asked her to come up to the house to watch Ezra.  I also called our doula and advised her of my progress.  I was so afraid that it wasn't really real labor; I was so worried that I would inconvenience three people that I almost didn't make the calls.  At this point Ezra was just a blur in the background entertaining himself.

Dallin got home around 2 pm and Roslyn arrived shortly thereafter.  We left the house around 2:20 pm and arrived at the hospital around 3 pm.  We drove up to the drop-off zone in front of the hospital.  I made it twenty feet to the entrance doors and had a contraction in the doorway.  The security guards at the front desk saw me and brought a wheelchair.  They wheeled me to the OB Screening room on the first floor where an older nurse greeted me.  "Why are you here?" she asked.  Under different circumstances, her question would have been comical.  (For goodness sake, why do you think?!)  Instead, in the midst of a contraction I eeked out, "I think I am in labor."  Older (grumpy) nurse didn't seem convinced.  She passed me off to the attendant behind the desk, who would help me when she got off the phone. 

Shortly thereafter, I was wheeled to an observation room.  The nurse checked my cervix and reported that I was a healthy 4 cm dilated.  I was rather surprised/disappointed that I was only that far along considering the intensity of the contractions.  I remember thinking that I would definitely be needing an epidural if I felt this kind of pain and was only at 4 cm dilated.  Our doula, Josie, arrived 5 minutes later.  The three of us worked through my contractions together while I was monitored.  About half an hour later, Josie suggested I might be more comfortable in a different position.  She thought it might be easier to stand and lean over the exam table so that someone could apply counter-pressure to my back.  I agreed to try.

At about 3:45 or so I changed positions, and felt an immediate change in intensity and pressure.  Gravity was at work!  I could hardly breath without gasping in pain.  And during that first contraction in the standing position, I felt the urge to push.  Thankfully, Josie had enough experience to recognize the shift and scurried out the door to find a nurse.  Older (grumpy) nurse was notified; she was again rather unconvinced of the urgency of the situation.  A few minutes later, a different nurse came in rather casually and suggested that my cervix be checked again.  With every contraction I wanted to push, and the nurses finally recognized that baby was coming.  A stretcher was wheeled in, and somehow, I made it
onto the bed.

We rode the elevator up one floor (pushing urges continuing) and into a labor and delivery room.  Due to some sort of scheduling quirk and an otherwise quiet afternoon, I had five attending midwives and a few nurses!  As soon as the stretcher was aligned with the delivery bed, I suddenly felt something pop out of me.  There was a small moment of panic--no, not the baby, just my bag of water.  The water bag was punctured and I moved to the adjoining bed.  (Things had happened so fast that I was actually still in my own clothes at this point).

The contractions had started to fade, and now instead, the overwhelming desire to push.  It was probably about 4 pm.  My troupe of midwives were oohing and awing over baby's quantity of hair as her head started to crown.  This was highly motivating!  After the work of contractions, the pushing was actually somewhat of a relief because I had some control over how and when I pushed.  Baby was born at 4:18 pm.  I was able to hold her on my chest immediately, umbilical cord still attached, until the cord blood stopped pumping.  It was amazing!  Within a half hour of birth she was nursing.

The entire experience was full of the unexpected.  I was surprised that my body actually went into labor on its own.  I was unprepared for how quickly it all happened; something akin to a runaway train ride.  I did not anticipate that the entire birth experience would be completed in six hours.  I had quietly hoped to have a natural birth, but never dreamed it would have to be that way because of the speed of the process.  Despite all the unexpected elements, it was truly a beautiful, positive, fulfilling experience.      

This Season

Yes, I am still here.

The last month has been an interesting season of life, and I must acknowledge the many, many helpers in the process.  My mom is at the top of the thank you list.  She was grunt laborer, chief engineer, home improvement extraordinaire, and Energizer Bunny all in one.  We could not be where we are without her help.  My sister Emily was amazing too; she has some serious girl power, and has more tenacity and work ethic than most teenagers I know.  My dad, my brother Aaron, and my in-laws have also stepped in with much needed support and assistance in our transition.  

In the last month or so we closed on our first house, gutted much of the main floor and upstairs and dealt with two weeks of contractor improvements.  Amid all the dust, grime, smells, and clutter, we slowly restored the house to move-in ready, and packed and loaded our rented moving truck.  We moved in, and slowly unpacked and organized an entire house worth of stuff.  After at least twenty trips to Lowe's/Home Depot, a lot of elbow grease, and too many late nights, we finally started to feel at home in our new place. 

After a few quiet days of bliss in our new home, all three of us came down with a nasty viral infection (did I mention I am still pregnant at this point?)  I pulled out every home remedy/safe-for-pregnancy concoction I could come up with, and after five days of misery, started to feel better.  The very next day, I went into labor.  Isn't Heavenly Father's timing amazing?  I never wanted to be twelve days overdue, but those extra days meant a house in good order, and a body strong enough to fight a nasty infection, not to mention energy enough to bring a baby into the world. 

We are home now (what an amazing thing that is!) and transitioning again.  Ezra is processing, still fighting a lingering, aggressive cough and ear infection, and trying to understand the implications of new baby.  Dallin has had a resurgence of his infection and feels worse instead of better.  He has been super-dad and Ezra entertainment since we left the hospital.  I am blurry-eyed, sleep deprived, and awestruck.  Our family feels more complete with Maren's arrival; somehow she fills an empty spot that I didn't realize existed.  Her needs are simple to fulfill, and despite being exhausted, it gives me joy to be in this newborn phase again, and bond with her little spirit.

And so, we carry on, one day at a time in this new season.       

My Growing Boy

My weeks of prepping Ezra for the return of his grandparents from China was tremendously successful.  We had many, many, many conversations about their arrival, looked at their picture constantly, and talked through the homecoming scenario.  They arrived home late on Monday July 1 and Ezra got re-acquainted with them the next morning.  There was some initial shyness, a little bit of hiding behind my legs, but it was short-lived.  By bedtime that night, he wouldn't go to sleep without goodnight wishes from Grandma and Grandpa.  The transition has been beautiful. 

Ezra especially enjoys Grandma's company, and calls to her anxiously even if she goes upstairs just to brush her teeth.  He likes to know where they are in the house and what they are doing.  And when we wake up before they do, it is a trick to keep him occupied until they come down for the day.  We are so grateful to have them home again safe!

Grandma has been a special friend for Ezra and a godsend for me in these last few weeks of pregnancy.  Ezra has gotten a little too comfortable with the we-live-next-door-to-a-park bit, and RUNS in that direction at every possible opportunity.  This mama can't run anymore; lame duck waddle probably describes it best.  Grandma has been available and willing for many a park chase in these last few weeks, which has been wonderful.  "Stop" and "wait" don't register very well with the little guy...yet.

The Ezra personality has been asserting itself more lately.  I am impressed with his willingness to try more.  For example, he has less fear and greater confidence on park playground equipment.  A few night's ago we went to a community pool.  He had about 30 seconds of apprehension, and then waded right in.  Dallin helped him "swim" on his tummy, and he kicked his legs and paddled his arms like a champ without any prompting.  At the local splash pad park Ezra screamed and giggled and beamed as he put his whole body in the water.

We also struggle somewhat in knowing how to work with a little boy with a strong personality.  Throwing is his way to act out right now.  Food, toys, clothes, etc. become projectiles when he feels frustrated.  Time outs and talks about other better choices don't seem to be making much of a difference, but we keep trying!

At other times, Ezra is such a tender little spirit!  He often requests "sing songs", which are usually Primary songs.  He will listen carefully to our nightly Book of Mormon reading, often repeating words.  He will help me pray (copying the words I use).  He loves to snuggle, is quick to give hugs and kisses, and will sit quietly through a stack of books.   

Ezra loves nursery, riding in the new van, goldfish snacks, and any toy with wheels.  Seeing a mower, digger, bulldozer, train, or garbage truck is cause for celebration.  His verbal skills are impressive; his desire to communicate is strong.  He remains a truly loyal friend to Bear.                     

Special Visitor # 2

I am feeling pretty spoiled--a second sister came for a week-long visit!  Circumstances were such that the majority of her trip fell under the category of help-older-sister duty. 

Lauren was a much needed aunt in such unappealing tasks as entertaining/chasing down a toddler for nearly an hour at the DMV (it's a long story...)  One morning she took Ezra on a walk outside and fed him lunch when I zonked out on the couch.  She washed lots of dishes and accompanied me on a dozen errands, including spending a whole morning watching Ezra and three other kids while I visited a friend in need.  She even gave me a pedicure (relaxing background music provided, and all!) 

Thanks to her, we were able to give our full attention to our three-hour home inspection (yes, we are finally under contract!), and be understanding when dinner didn't happen until after eight o'clock at night.

We did have a little fun, too.  Ezra will long remember the mango popsicle from Aunt Lauren, which eventually melted into a mushy mess covering his face, neck, both hands, both forearms, and shirt front.  Another evening, we all shared some Blue Bell ice cream; Ezra and Lauren enjoyed theirs in the sun-room.  Now, when dinner is finished, Ezra will ask hopefully for "ice keem"--and then want to eat it in the sun-room.          

A Note for You

Dear Dallin,

Thank you for being my sweetheart.  My days are so much better with you by my side.  Life has been a little harried lately, but what a blessing to know you are always there as helper and friend.  What wonderful things are ahead of us, especially when pursue the course side-by-side, hand-in-hand. 

All my love, Liezel 

We Love Daddy

Fathers and the Priesthood

Each week, I prepare a Sunday School lesson for the young men and women ages 14-15 at my church.  The new youth curriculum (implemented in January) uses a monthly topic, and a weekly question to consider in lesson preparation.  In the month of June, we have been discussing various aspects of priesthood and priesthood keys in my Sunday School class.

With that topic as backdrop, I have approached Father's Day with an entirely new perspective.  I have recognized, more than at any other time, how fathers and priesthood have been beautifully and consistently intertwined in my life.  My dad provided me with one of the greatest gifts: the gift of presiding in our home as a worthy priesthood holder.   

The priesthood is the power and authority of God, given to worthy men to build his kingdom on the earth.  The priesthood authority and power is especially meaningful in the home.  As a Melchizedek priesthood holder, my dad was authorized to give me a name and blessing shortly after I was born.  He baptized and confirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was eight years old.  When the need required, my dad was willing and able to give me a priesthood blessing for healing or comfort.  Before a new school year, my dad always gave us a special blessing to prepare us for the challenge ahead.  When I struck out on my own, and moved to Georgia for my first job out of college, my dad gave me a blessing that proved to be a priceless road-map full of direction and counsel for that unique stage of life.

When I consider the role of my father in the home of my youth, and the priesthood power and authority that he has, words such as safety, consistency, peace, and comfort come to mind.

My life continues to be blessed by Dallin, as the worthy priesthood holder in our new home.  He is my companion and helper as we work together to teach and love one another.  Ezra has begun his life under the same priesthood safety net, and he is enjoying the blessings of an eternal family.  Dallin is providing that needed example of priesthood service for Ezra, and so the legacy continues on, father to son. 

Special Visitor!

My sweet sister favored us with a week-long stay--just because!  Ezra was quite pleased with the extra attention.  Aunt Molly was an immediate hit with the little guy.  He was most anxious to be in her company all the time.  Often his first words in the morning were "Molly wake up?"  He got slightly distressed when she used the bathroom, took a shower, or needed a little alone time.

Molly was ready and willing to read a bucketful of stories (numerous times) and take Ezra on extra walks outside.  Not to mention her cool noises, contagious laugh, and winning smile; what a perfect aunt! 

Despite the blistering heat, our little threesome enjoyed a library visit, a tour of the local duck pond, neighborhood walks, and a trip to the city zoo.

Molly was a gem at filling in at home too: helping with dinner prep, cleaning the kitchen, and starting laundry loads.       

Over the weekend, Dallin joined us for an evening walk through downtown Golden.  The temperature was perfect, the walk along the creek perfectly relaxing.  We happened upon a local park and Ezra got time on swings and stairs and left quite content. 

Our evening was complete with some frozen yogurt (which we ate while being serenaded by the shop owner via penny-whistle).  Ezra tried the surprisingly sour watermelon and blueberry frozen yogurt and gave a classic full face pucker; it was precious.

The next morning we visited the botanic garden downtown.  Currently, the garden is featuring a dozen or more sculptures by local artists.  The lilac/peony/iris garden was ablaze with color and fragrance.  Ezra thrilled every time we found any kind of water body.  We tried for another circle gate family picture, but Ezra was all wiggles.  He did sit very still, though, for some shared paninis from the garden cafe.     

Now, several days post-Aunt-Molly visit, Ezra still goes into the little room set up for her and sits on the bed.  "Molly bye-bye.  Molly home," he says wistfully.  Come back and visit anytime!  We love you!

Memorial Day

We hosted a little BBQ for the holiday and enjoyed lovely weather, terrific food (leave it to Mara to wow the taste buds!), and time to relax with family and friends.  Pictures of our afternoon: 

 

Ezra having a turn on the much-coveted bike (our only cousin squabble was over sharing the bike)

Troy and Teancum

Warren and Quinn

The perpetually smiley Gabriel

Tanya and Warren

Kick dirt, throw dirt, eat dirt...you know, the usual!

Teancum

Dallin and Troy and backyard soccer

Mara and Gabriel (notice the evidence of dirt eating!)

Dallin and Alissa