Merry Christmas!

Well, it has been very long since I've updated my blog. Sometimes I think I just want to get rid of it. My life has been very busy with work and school and Alice, so blogging has not been a priority. At Alice's 9-month check-up she was in the 25th percentile for her weight (17 lbs 12 oz) and 96th percentile for her height. She has 6 teeth now and is practically walking (she has taken about 6 wobbly steps across the room on several occasions). She loves to clap her hands, dance to music, play peek-a-boo, wave and give fives. She will even give mommy big, wet kisses on occasion. She doesn't have a huge vocabulary but she can say "hi", "mama", "dada", and "baby." She gets cuter and more fun every day and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. We are looking forward to our first Christmas with her, even if she doesn't understand the concept yet. Below are some pictures from the Wood Jenkins (which no longer exists) Christmas Party earlier this month. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy!

she was fine until she turned around....
absolutely terrified

our little family

the Hewitson clan

My Grandpa

Alma 46:39 "And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they went out of the world rejoicing."

This scripture was read at my Grandpa's funeral and it perfectly described my Grandpa. Not only was he a firm believer in Jesus Christ but he was very happy and was even happy in death. It was really hard for me to see my Grandpa go, but I know that even now he is happy and rejoicing.

It had been years since my Grandpa had been himself, but I will always remember him cracking jokes and laughing at himself. He would always shake my hand and call me "Abby Cadabby." He liked to rhyme words in clever ways and sing funny little songs. Although I don't remember this, he used to get a pen and draw a watch on the wrists of his grandchildren. Today, my dad continues the tradition and does the same for his grandkids. They absolutely love it and think that it's the coolest thing ever.

My Grandpa wasn't always in good health and I remember the day I went into the MTC I was crying because I thought he would pass while I was on my mission. Luckily, he didn't and I got to spend a few more years with him. I feel very blessed that he was able to be there for my wedding and for the blessing of my daughter (pictures above). About a month before he died, Scott and I visited him in the hospital. He was in and out, but when I got there I grabbed his hand and started talking to him. I will never forget the sweet words he said to me: "I just think you're marvelous and I love you!" I am so happy that I was able to tell him I love him while he was of sound mind (mostly, anyway). I will always remember my Grandpa fondly and I will forever feel blessed that I knew him. Although his death was pretty hard for me, I know that I will see him again.

Look Who's Eating!

Well after trying and trying to upload a video of Alice eating, I have given up. Blogger is such a struggle! After watching Alice try to grab for our food and getting a bit disinterested in her bottle, we decided that it was time to start feeding her some semi-solids. A few days before she turned five months, we fed her some oatmeal. It was funny to watch her immediately spit it out and then to figure out how to suck it down and swallow. Boy, was it a mess! A few days later we tried sweet potatoes and then a few days later she had some pears. She seems to like everything and seems to be quite the natural at eating from a spoon! I can't believe how much she is growing up. I must admit, though, that the older she gets, the more fun she becomes. We love our silly girl!

What We've Been Up To

Celebrating Father's Day

Just hanging out

buying and wearing new clothes

watching Eckersley get booed (you just would have had to be there)

going to Real games (please don't judge- it was super hot)

We also just got back from spending four days and four nights up at the Hewitson family cabin near Park City. Of course I didn't take any pictures, but it was so much fun and a much-needed getaway from daily life. We played loads of games, watched movies, went on the Alpine Slide, played mini golf, went bowling, ate out, and got lots of sleep! Thanks to Alice's grandma and grandpa for making it possible and for taking care of her while I got to sleep in! It was amazing!!

4 Months Old

I can't believe that my baby girl is already 4 months old! Every day I am more and more astounded at the things she's doing and at the little person she is becoming. She has been more than a handful in her short little life, but the older she gets the better things become. After months of getting no sleep, I can now say that she is sleeping through the night (although she occasionally wakes up once to feed). She sleeps anywhere from 9-12 hours a night and takes about 2 naps during the day. Although her pediatrician said that she's ready for solid foods, we are sticking with the formula for a while. At her 4 month visit, she weighed 13 pounds 7 ounces and measured 24 inches. She is currently in the 50th percentile for head circumference, height, and weight. Way to be average, Alice! She loves to play with her hands and feet, roll over from her tummy to her back, giggle, and of course eat. Here are some cute pictures that my friend, Karen Martella took of her recently. I was a little disappointed that she didn't smile more, but whenever she gets in front of a camera she just stares at it. Oh well, I guess she's not a performer. Thanks to Karen for taking time out to take these!

Feels Like Home

Well, here I am working into the wee hours of the morning, listening to music, and mine and Scott's song comes on. It got me to thinking....and even crying. I feel like I often take my husband for granted and this song just brought back the reasons why I fell in love with him in the first place. Scott came into my life at a time when I most desperately needed someone. Funny how that works, isn't it? Something tragic in my life had just happened and I honestly felt like my life was over. I said goodbye to the happy, go-lucky girl that I once was and there he was to make me smile again and laugh again and even be myself again. I know everyone says this about their significant other, but I truly mean it when I say that Scott is my best friend and he has been for a very long time. I feel immeasurably blessed that he was there to put me back together again and that I am married to him. So honey, when you read this, know that I love you. Just thought I'd let you know. :)

My Very First Mother's Day

Well, it was the first Mother's Day when I was actually a mother (technically I was pregnant last Mother's Day but I didn't know it yet) and I must say I quite enjoyed it (minus the gloomy, wet weather). Scott got me an Ann Taylor Loft & iTunes gift card. And Alice got me Mario Kart for Wii and a cute little outfit for her. Scott's family even got me a gift card to Megaplex Theaters. It was sad that I couldn't see my mom because she was out of town, but otherwise it was great. I took some last-minute pictures at the end of the day because I forgot earlier!

the girl that made it all possible

"Mommy's Pretty Girl"

Alice's new outfit (don't mind the slobber)

Alice Lately

Some of Alice's favorites lately:

*unfortunately, watching TV

*taking baths (sometimes it's the only thing that can calm her down)

*playing with her "lamby"

*crying & "talking"
*eating, eating, eating

*getting her diaper changed(it never fails to make her smile)

*sleeping in her swing (unfortunately she likes her swing better than her crib)
*watching her hands and grabbing her feet
*pulling hair
*giggling when her daddy tickles her
*arching her back & scooting (she almost scooted right off of her swing the other day)

And now for the dislikes:
*sleeping (she has gotten a lot better since she got her PICC line out, though)
*tummy time (Want her to scream? Just put her on her tummy.)
*getting dressed
*getting boogies suctioned out of her nose
*lately, her binky
*wearing headbands (I still put them on her, though)
*getting in her carseat

Alice's Big Day

Yesterday, Alice was blessed by her dad. He gave a beautiful blessing and everything was perfect. It was so nice to see her in a pretty dress and no PICC line.

Her dress was a bit big, but you couldn't really tell.

We had to wake her up to go to the church, but she didn't seem to mind.

After being passed around from relative to relative though, she was a little grumpy.

She certainly loves her daddy.

And her mommy too.

And boy, do we love her!

We had a nice lunch afterward at my parents' house. Thanks to all who helped out. We feel so blessed to have such supportive friends and family. And we are so incredibly grateful to have a healthy, happy baby.

Goodbye, Mr. PICC line!

What does antibiotics every 6 hours for 6 weeks make?

a VERY tired mommy and baby

Luckily, Alice's CT scan came back completely normal and so we finally said goodbye to her friend, Mr. PICC line. And she finally got to have a real bath!

a little scared at first...

a little better...

quite satisfied!

Our Beautiful Girl

zonked out

getting sleepy

back when she had hair...

a little lost in her carrier

Alice in her crib

look at those long legs!

Alice's 1st day of going to church

she can feed herself

getting kind of chubby there

the naked smile (and double chin)

she loves her mommy

one happy girl

going to the doctor

cozy in Aunt Al's outfit