Brycen's Account

Daddy walks through door.

Brycen: "I peed on the floor today. That made Mommy grumpy. She said, "No more movies!" That made me sad. I got dressed all by myself! I'm getting so big! My shirt...my pants (on backwards)..my underwear (on inside out)... That made Mommy happy!"

"What did you do at work?"

Daddy: Says something about his experiments that Mommy couldn't repeat even she tried.

Brycen (giggling): "What else?"

Daddy: more sophisticated stuff....

Brycen (practically falling out of his chair laughing): "That's silly!"

________________________________________________________________________end of account

Brycen is quite the chatter box, and is giving DETAILED accounts these days, it's amazing what this kid picks up and remembers. But back to the whole peeing on the floor thing...so Brycen waits until the very last second and then runs into the bathroom, "I NEED TO GO POTTY!!" If I'm not in position to drop everything I am doing to assist getting his pants off ASAP, Brycen usually doesn't make it. It has happened three times over the last week. Not a huge deal considering how many times he goes a day and that I usually can drop everything I am doing....BUT, it's getting old. Any advice?

And yet he remains adorable...

Birthday BOY!

Brycen turned 3 on May 9th and enjoyed partying it up.

.  

We moved into our new place just 4 days prior so things were a bit crazy but we managed to throw two BBQs/Parties together and he LOVED having so many "friends" over. He is our little social boy. One BBQ was made up of mostly Dad's co-workers as a "end of the semester" celebration with cake to begin our birthday week. Brycen went around and asked, "what is your name?" to everyone that walked into the door. He then continuously jumped and danced during the entire time everyone sang 'Happy Birthday' to him. He loves the attention (whose kid is this??) and blowing out candles is a current favorite activity. 

One of the co-workers took pictures of the event..I will post later.

For Party #2, we combined with another little boy from church that is 2 days younger than Brycen. We were supposed to hold it at a park but it started POURING five minutes before T time and so we held it at our house. 50 or so people....considering everything, went rather well. I can't help to wonder though, what our new neighbors think of us...

Facts about our Brycen boy:

1. He loves his friend Madden. They have been best buds since a year ago last January when I started watching two of my friend's kids so she could go back to work. I have started watching them again just 1 day a week and Brycen loves it.

2. He has a slight addiction to popcorn. Actually, corn period. LOVES corn on the cob. We went to a local farmer's market two Saturdays ago after family pictures and got fresh Kettle and Caramel popcorn. Delish. I don't even like Kettle and I was practically inhaling the bag.

3. I still can't get the camera out without Brycen requesting to take pictures. He is famous for his finger smudges on the lens...

For this particular picture, he pulled the camera away prior to taking it and said, "Say 'cheese' like this!" He then gave the cheesiest grin from ear to ear. It was adorable.

4. He has a habit of taking one bite out of all pieces before eating each piece entirely. He has being doing this with his personal sandwiches and quesadillas and then I left him outside recently with the bowl of watermelon and came back to this...

 

he sure took a great picture of it!

5. LOVES riding his bike. We tried to teach him last fall before it got cold but Brycen didn't seem to grasp onto the concept until now...it all the sudden clicked and he is off!

6. Willingly was given a shot at his check up. He was due for a second dose of something and he did amazingly! So brave. I'm pretty sure he would do anything that Doctor requested. Brycen loved showing him that he could do things. "Can you climb onto this table for me? Can you lay on your back? Is it okay if I give you a shot?" Brycen didn't even think twice. I was shocked! And to think that I have to bribe him to finish his hot dog...

7. It's pant and short. He will correct the following statement as often as needed, "Brycen let's put on your pants/shorts".

Brycen: "Pant, Mom. There's only one".

8. You have GOT to ask him to dance like a penguin for you. It is hilarious. And I request it often.

9. He is a wonderful helper with Cian. We just got back from our trip to Texas where I flew by myself with the two boys (more on that later). In order to strip both myself and the stroller for security, Brycen sat on the ground nearby and held Cian. All the TSA workers thought it was adorable and asked if they could sit on his lap next. Brycen readily agreed, he is so not shy--it's crazy.

10. He thinks that pretending to be a dog justifies peeing on the back lawn. That brings us back to the whole, "I DO wonder what our new neighbors think of us". 

Our Baby

With our recent move to a house (stay posted!!), I never got the chance to document our baby hitting the 6 month mark. Cian continues to be long and lean. 90% for length and head, 30% for weight(17 lbs 2 oz). He is so good natured, just wants to be carried along. He LOVES people and will smile at anyone who will smile first. On our recent flights to San Francisco and Oregon, he loved looking over the seats which is basically how we kept him entertained. He would find someone and stare them down until they looked back and then break into a huge grin and do it all over again.

No stranger anxiety yet and with 3 parties during birthday week at our house, that came quite in handy. So nice to be able to pass him off in time of need and may need this upcoming weekend when I'm flying with just myself and the two kiddos to Texas. Prayers on my behalf are welcome.

Cian found his back muscles around 2 weeks ago and can sit up pretty well. Doesn't show any desire to move quite yet and that is VERY okay with me. His hand/eye coordination is outstanding though and he loves to play with everything in sight.

He seems to have been teething for the last 3 months straight but has nothing to show for it. He will gladly chew on anything he can get his hands on. His love for straws and sippy cups runs deep and he has no issues ripping them out of peoples' mouths and shoving them in his own, followed  by intense anger if taken away.

 

Cian continues to tolerate Brycen's tackling and kissing and when happy, finds Brycen absolutely hilarious. 

LOVIN our backyard!

 

The day we moved in, our next door neighbors put this beauty out on the curb.

 

After checking with them, we welcomed it into our new garage. I didn't necessarily plan on using it quite yet since sitting was relatively still a new thing for Cian, but Grandpa (who helped us move) had other plans and put him in it that evening. With the perfect amount of support and freedom (and ease of pushing!) Cian has fallen in love and LOVES to be going places. 

 

And sleeping when not.

Rain boots.

On our trip to San Francisico, we made a brief pit stop to Oregon for Easter! And....necessary dental visits.

Let's rewind back to December, after spending a week and a half with my family in Utah (which I now realized I never blogged about!), we headed to Oregon to visit Bryce's family for Christmas. Shortly after arrival, that night and every night until the dentist chair--very very painful tooth pain kept me from sleeping. I would bawl in bed and count the hours until the dentist could put me out of my misery. So I'm sure you can imagine how grateful I was to conveniently have a brother-in-law and sister-in-law that own their own dental practice in the neighboring community. As much as I have always hated the dentist, I couldn't have been more pleased with the timing of the need for this ROOT CANAL. Not fun, right? So...apparently, pregnancy can be rough on your teeth and/or/combined with spending almost 4 weeks in a non-water drinking country can cause issues down the road. Whatever the reason, I didn't drink nearly the amount of water that I drank when pregnant with Brycen and ended up with several cavaties and a need for a root canal. Pregnant people...drink your water! Brushing teeth two to three times a day didn't cut it for me.

At least that's my theory on it. I have had only 2 cavaties my whole life (and none before the 2nd pregnancy began) and then December rolled around....anyways. Back to the story. Our brother-in-law dentist happily saw me and he is amazing at what he does. I didn't feel a thing (and apparently need 3-4x the amount of numbing material than most)--he made sure I was completely comfortable and I'm still amazed to this day...that I never felt anything. Needless to say, for all my future dental needs...I am flying to Oregon.

So for my root canal tooth, they put a crown on it but it would take 2 weeks to make the permanent crown thus creating the need to fly out again. So we did 3 one way tickets to Portland and then San Francisco and got to spend a wonderful weekend in Oregon. After almost 4 years of marriage and a kind email from Grandma expressing the need for rainboots, Brycen and I went prepared for our first time ever to the always raining Oregon. After all, the weather forcast in San Fran called for them as well.

Yes, loading the airplane in sunny 70 degree weather Indiana decked out in rainboots seemed quite silly but the vision of dry feet and not having to fit them in the suitcases stood reason enough for me.

And then we arrived. To SUNNY 70 degree weather Oregon. Yes, I waited along the arrival curb dressed all in all black and almost knee high rainboots. While people passed in shorts and flipflops. The story of my life.

 

He was way too excited to sleep longer than 45 minutes during our combined 7 hour flights (after getting 6 hours of sleep the night before). So instead, he fell asleep on the way home from the airport and slept through the first hour of Grandma's or until Mommy decided he should wake up and join in on the fun. 

 

While Brycen slept, Cian/Daddy amazed all the nieces and nephews with their balancing act.  

 Brycen woke up and joined right in--walking around the farm with Grandpa and putting the brand new rain boots to use.

 The weather was PERFECT for the family annual Easter Egg hunt 

 

 and eating outside for dinner (the first we have ever been able to attend). Brycen had a blast with his cousins. They picked up with where they left off.

 

Notice the candy bag. Each grandkid found roughly 30 (yes, 3-0) eggs, amounting to quite a stash of candy--hey, we happen to like the dentist, might as well keep him in business :)

While Mommy and Daddy sat in the dentist chair, Brycen stayed back at Grandma's with his "friends" (notice all the boots :). All four cousins were born within the same year and (now) really get along well together. This was the first visit that there was more playing than fighting--growing up and being able to communicate has worked wonders. They followed each other around and loved playing in the puddles. 

Life on the farm is sure messy though. Brycen went through all his clothes packed for the week, during the first 60 hours.

 

The two newest additions. Cian is roughly a month older and was born a pound heavier and yet, has been passed up in the weight category. Quite interesting since he eats ALL day. 

San Francisco!!

Ever since seeing my first episode of Full House some 15+ years ago, I have always wanted needed to go to San Francisco. The opening credits of Full House are actually my favorite part, watching them run over that green hill, the row of houses, the ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. So sunny and perfect. Not to mention that I have always had a thing for big cities.

So when Bryce had a conference last week in San Francisco, it was my opportunity and I took it!! The two little boys tagging along was fun--much more work--but fun. It was a fantasic week. Turned out perfect.

Now in planning out any week, I always keep a lookout on the weather--as soon as I can. Meaning looking at the 10 day forecast as soon as my days in San Francisco popped on it. I always want sunny weather, no matter where I'm headed. So when I saw rainy weather (70-90% chance) EVERY day we were there...I was bummed (come to find out, San Francisco is pretty rainy). Especially since it was sunny with zero percent chance up to the day we were scheduled to arrive and starting again the day we left. So I briefly considered cancelling my flight (yes, I was that bummed) but then decided to just pray and hope for the best. Rain can seriously affect so much...the gorgeous views, grumpy wet children..etc.

BUT..... I got my sun!! The first day we arrived, it was raining but it turned into a very light mist that really wasn't too bad. I never used an umbrella and didn't get soaked. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th day (with 100% chance of rain), I woke up to sunshine. Bryce went to the curtains in the mornings (we used the black-out curtains in the hotel room for the boys) and said, "looks like you got your sun!" I couldn't believe it. How could weathermen be SO wrong? Prayers were anwered, for sure.

 

San Francisco had cute parks everywhere and this one happened to be right outside our hotel. Brycen LOVES water in all forms and jumping...so put the two together...he was in heaven and asked to go here daily.

 

Found this $350 beauty on craigslist the NIGHT before our 8am flight (not for that much....of course, anyone who knows me).Brycen's walking speed is a tad too slow for my liking when trying to get from A to B in a big city and he has a tendency to get easily distracted while walking (and I don't happen to notice until 10+ feet away), he then gets tired after a block and two; so combined with his love to ride in a stroller and sleep is why I have been looking for a double stroller basically ever since Cian arrived.  

However, I wanted it to be perfect....and not pay full price. I'm too cheap. Options were few or not existent. This one, though, happened to be a great bargain and have even more than I could have asked for! FITS through any standard door (I must while traveling/visiting basically anywhere without a car...especially when I'm by myself. I was able to grocery shop at CVS, take the boys to restaurants for lunch, and fit in a bathroom stall), independently reclining seats, holds up to 55 lbs in each seat, head rests, infant booties (attached blankets that kept Cian perfectly warm with the San Francisco winds), a RAIN/weather that attached and fit very snug (very, very important for a vacation that called for rain/crazy wind every day), and had under-seat storage and pockets on the back for Mommy.

AND it folds up just like an umbrella stroller. I couldn't believe how perfect it ended up being and there were probably 100+ times while using it that I said to myself, "I am SOO glad we found this!! It has literally saved me!" 

Indoor hotel swimming pool is always a nice perk. Except for in this case, Daddy forgot that Brycen doesn't know how to go underwater. How could one forgot such thing? Not sure, Daddy had Mommy and Brycen freaking out. Luckily, we easily forgive and move on. 

Hotel bathtime.Our tan and not so tan kiddos.

The view from our hotel room. I LOVE city lights and found myself standing by the window as often as I could. 

One of my goals was to ride on one of these....(just like on Full House, of course!). It sadly, didn't happen but I enjoyed watching them. $6 one way, per person sounded a bit steep and plus, they were SO crowded. So...maybe next time.

Another gorgeous little park waiting for our visitors. Brycen was waving at an Asian man walking by. He waves at all sorts of strangers. Some times I'm not sure whose kid he is. That is not a Christi or Bryce thing to do. So kinda fun to see him be so friendly.

Our visitors!! Drove the 12 hour drive each way (but due to snow and car problems turned into nearly 23 hours each way) from Utah to be with us for 28 hours

(This trip was Uncle Dallin's first time holding Cian...apparently, he never got his chance over Christmas break--whoops!)

My mom and two younger brothers coming made adventuring more than a few blocks from our hotel possible. Sights in San Francisco are pretty spread out--creating LONG walks to and from or the need for either personal or public transportation. As much as I love my double stroller--in order to fold it up to ride, it's a one person job. So one person was in charge of Brycen, one held Cian, and one held our 2 bags so that I could fold up the stroller---NO way I could've done it by myself. Thank you family!!

On Alcatraz Island with the city behind them.

Both boys had fallen asleep towards the end. Which was perfect because it was SO windy and started to drizzle. They were dry and cozy...lovin the stroller.

Pier 39. Delicious sea food. Amazing fish and chips and Salmon sandwich!

We also saw the true San Francisco celebrities--all the sea lions. Didn't get a good picture of them but Brycen loved them!

After Pier 39, we headed back to the car since it was getting dark. As soon as we got into the car, it started to POUR. Great timing to head back to the hotel for a swim and accidentally drive the wrong way down a one way street :)We weren't the only ones..

The second and last day our visitors joined us it called for 100% chance of rain and as you already know, we awoke to this:

So we hopped on a hop-on-hop-off bus to see all the many sights we still wanted to see in just a day. The top deck is the way to go...it was so windy though. Good thing Cian napped the first bit.

The city building.

LOVE this picture of Brycen. Notice his cable car souvenior. It has a bell and rolls by itself. Loved by him and me :)

One of the feature presentations.

Crossing the bridge. SO SO windy...it woke up Cian and he was screaming...so we hopped off, thawed, and had lunch.

And then walked back over the bridge. Very windy but perfect as you walked. As for the two boys, it was nap time and they enjoyed their sauna underneath the weather cover..and were OUT! 

Reason #86567 that I loved our visitors: Brycen's feet literally never touched the ground, the uncles either carried him or he was in the stroller and then the uncles fought over who pushed the stroller or held Cian. I really wasn't sure what to do with my arms.

The city from the beginning of the Golden Gate Bridge. A very good distance from everything.

 

The uncles also managed to get the front row on the bus on the way back. Hello perfect! See the sights, out of the wind. Brycen and Cian were happy, everyone was happy. Cian ended up falling asleep he was so content.

Saw this adorable something while on our tour.

What's a city without a Chinatown?

After our tour, we walked the crookedest road in the world.Uncle Isaiah is determined to live here some day (he loved San Francisco!) which...will make our future trips a ton easier.

AND saw this. My trip WAS complete.

What ever happened to predictibility?
The milkman, the paperboy, evening TV.

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go (there's a heart).
There's a heart
A hand to hold onto.

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go.
There's a face
Of somebody who needs you.

Eveywhere you look,
When you're lost out there and you're all alone,
A light is waiting to carry you home,
Everywhere you look.
Everywhere you look.

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/fullhouselyrics.html

And headed home. 

Left 18 hours after my mom, live 3X the distance away, got home 30 minutes after her. LOVE plane travel and wonderful travelers. As well as an awesome mom and family. Not to forget, I very intelligent husband who applies to these conferenes to present his research material, making this all happen! His professor flew out for it and Bryce did an amazing job. What a week! 

.....And now I need to find/watch Full House, season 2.