Indiana Christmas Weekend

With us heading out to Utah and then Oregon in just a few days, we enjoyed our own little Christmas as a family of 4 this weekend.

Christmas festivities included visiting the huge Christmas tree on Purdue Campus.

As well as the giant gingerbread house. Brycen loved it...well, all except that we wouldn't let him eat it.

Notice where his little hand is.

Brycen making sure Cian stays warm. Please ignore the spit-up that he promptly did right before I took the picture.

Brycen helping Mommy make Candy Trains. I remember my mom making these for my elementary school classes growing up. I decided to make them as a 'Thank You' for those that came to my baby shower a little over a week ago. Since Cian arrived 3 days before the initial baby shower was planned, it was postponed for a few weeks. It turned out to be perfect. Lots of chatting, snacking, and present opening. I told them not to bring anything, but they did anyway. And the gifts were perfect: diapers, wipes, burp clothes, 2 new outfits, personalized gifts for "Cian"--things that you can use no matter what number child they are. We have loved them.

And...the advent calendars. Brycen has quite enjoyed both the chocolate and cloth and velvet one. The cloth and velvet calendar is one Bryce's mom made and every day, you take out either a object or character to make up the Nativity Scene. So fun.

And then our first, Christmas Day (Sunday). We had a nicer meal Christmas Eve with one of Bryce's co-workers, over to join us. And then on Christmas Day, the traditional Christmas Pajamas were opened as well as stockings, and a few gifts we gave each other. Brycen recieved a bag of Clementines and 2 huge grapefruit in his stocking and you would've thought he was in heaven. Our kid LOVES fruit.

He also received a remote control Mader (from Cars), some DVDs, and a work bench that he helped Daddy put together.

The fun thing this year with Brycen is that he understands so much but at the same time, not. The big box that had his workbench in it, sat wrapped by the tree for a few weeks and Brycen never even attempted to unwrap it or bother with it. He basically saw it as another piece of furniture and it took quite a bit of explaining and directing him for him to realize it was a gift. "Brycen, go grab your last gift. The BIG box. RIGHT there. UNDER your hand". Daddy still had to go point it out to him and when he comprehended what it was, his eyes got so big. It was fun.

He wore himself out and he didn't even realize it. He fell asleep sitting up, on the ground. His eyes would close for a few minutes, his head would bob, and he would wake up temporarily and say, "Mommy, I don't like being dizzy".

Eventually he gave out.

And left Daddy to this.

And Mommy to take pictures. Among my gifts, I received a beautiful pearl necklace, bracelet, and earring set, a watch, and a new camera. My last camera which was given to me by my parents 5 Christmases ago and I have taken thousands of pictures with, has slowly started dying on me. But I loved it. Basic, easy, fast, and dependable for nice quality pictures so I got the exact same camera, but much improved over the last 5 years. A Kodak Easy Share and the love for it continues.

Daddy also received a watch, among other things such as gloves, a razor, and a stainless silverware set, service for 8. He has wanted one every since we got married and some Christmas, obviously, several Christmases from now--we may have a family big enough to use them all. :)

The rest of the day was filled with church, fruit smoothie and brownie making, sitting around the fire, singing, playing, and watching the Nativity movies on LDS.org.

Loved spending the day with my cute little family but we are looking forward to seeing alot more family here in a few days. Merry Christmas!

Party Surprise

When we attended the Annual Ward Christmas Party at church last Friday, none of us knew it was going to be anything, extra-ordinary.

I was sitting at a table chatting when friends, waiting for it to start, when I saw a group of people approach Bryce, kinda sizing him up with their eyes as they approached. Now all week, the talk of Santa appearing at the party was a hot topic and I just knew (even though I was too far to hear) that it is what they were discussing with Bryce. And Bryce being Bryce, I also knew he would be up for it--without even a slight hesitation. It's just his kind of thing. Where as with me, my first thoughts would be, "What about my family? My poor wife serving up dinner with two kids all by herself?"

As they bolted for the door, I called after Bryce and gave him a,"what about us?" look. He knows me well and is luckily pretty smart because he then asked his group of people, "could we do it after we serve up dinner?" That question alone got Bryce back on the good husband list. :)

Apparently the suit runs alittle small and was just perfect to turn this man:

Into this:

Notice: the soccer shoes. My friend later told me that her little girl said, "Mom, that Santa couldn't have been from the North Pole because he had soccer shoes on". Pretty observant children. If we had known before arriving at the church that night, we could've planned better.

But the kids still loved him. Our Nursery calling sure came in handy enabling Santa to call alot of the kids by name, making him even more believeable.

Now in the past, Brycen had been absolutely terrified of the Santa man and made it clear that he had no intentions of sitting on this man's knee this year when I asked him if he wanted to, after Santa entered the room. However, after eyeing the candy canes (and the line had grown huge) he completely changed his mind.

So...we waited our turn, got to know our line neighbors extremely well, and finally got our chance.

It was probably a good thing we were one of the last to see him since after this family shot, it basically gave away who Santa was, but it was so fun.

And even though Santa spoke to Brycen just like Daddy always does, referring to Mommy as Mommy and Daddy as Daddy; Brycen must have been too caught up in the moment because he never caught on. Even after getting off his lap and giving other children a turn, I turned back to look at Santa and while pointing, said to Brycen, "Was that Daddy?" And Brycen's reply was, "Daddy, where?" Haha.

While we waited for Daddy to be done, Brycen refused to leave my side saying that he was scared of the "lion". It wasn't until later that I realized who the lion was...Santa and all his hair.Pretty cleaver conclusion for a little boy that never knew (understood) who Santa was, until now. Since the party, he has learned though.

And he now understands that Daddy was Santa, but it wasn't until a near terrifying experience when I was quickly leaving Brycen with Santa in the dressing room so Mommy could feed and change a screaming Cian, turned into a happy one because Santa took off his facial hair and hat and Brycen exclaimed (while giggling), "Daddy!"

Definitely a memorable night for us all. :)

Precious Cian

Cian did absolutely wonderful for my friend who started up her own photography business and was looking to practice with some babies. And like always, I love looking at the pictures.

The Ds

Dentist and Doctor. The thought of both give me the goosebumps. Always have. Always will. So when you factor in my kids going to these, I'm a stressed nut case. And Brycen went to both last week.

He has always had teeth problems. Some of you may remember a year ago when we had a procedure done that required him being put to sleep so he could get caps on some very decaying teeth. Well, one of those very expensive caps came off back in April and so naturally, we took him back the dentist that performed the procedure to see what he could do--we were really looking for a refund or reimbursement of some kind. Nothing. Well nothing and a child that is terrified of that man (I had to hold him down and pry open his mouth) and really any person in the dentist and doctor-ry fields.

Well fast forward to last week and Brycen's teeth progressively getting worse to the point that he complained one was hurting him, so we knew it was time to get him checked out again. My stomach immediately turned into a knot as I researched our options since we don't have dental insurance. We had gotten a flier in the mail for $39 cleaning and x-rays for every member of the family so I decided to call them up. I was due for a cleaning as well. And since no matter where we go, it seems like most dentists charge a $50 fee to tell us what they think--we might as well get a cleaning out of it. No way were we taking Brycen back to the other guy.

The nice thing about this time a-round is that Brycen is older and can be reasoned with. He tried everything he could to get out of it to the point that he told me his tooth no longer hurt him and he would rather stay home alone with the cat. But after some explaining and bribery (he could pick out an Elmo movie at the library afterwards if he showed the dentist his teeth...we go to the library and do this weekly anyway but it worked for him :), Brycen went to the dentist and did GREAT (well, as long as I sat in the chair with him)! Cleaning, flossing, fluoride, and half an x-ray (most dentists don't even attempt any of these things until 3 years old) he did perfectly--the x-ray was the one that goes around your head and naturally, he freaked out. But who doesn't. I was sure proud of my little man and he was too. And blessed are the people that not only do their job, but.... are great with kids. The dental hygenist was so so good with Brycen. She went above and beyond her call of duty to explain to Brycen what she would be doing and tell him constantly that he was doing a good job. He will proudly show you his new toothbrush, sticker, and toy.

But since this was just a family dentist and we weren't able to get use-able x-rays, they referred us to a pediatric dentist for further examination and definite requirement of sedation for the work Brycen's teeth needed done. So, we headed to the next dentist, the next day. Over the course of 24 hours, I heard lots and lots of good things about this dentist and felt pretty good about it. Brycen, once again, did great and the staff was so good with him. After they examined him, the dentist helper offered to take Brycen on a walk to the toy room (he gladly went, he only does this when he feels absolutely comfortable) so that I could talk over the options with the Dentist. After talking and deciding to take his recommendation of keeping an eye on Brycen's teeth and waiting 6 months until Brycen is older (they really aim to keep the dental experience positive for the children since it is basically, a lifelong experience) and can sit in the chair by himself, I found Brycen playing trains with the helper lady. He was in heaven and asks to go back. I was rather impressed with the whole experience.

After two back to back days of dentistry, a doctor's appointment was scheduled the very next day. Busy week. Brycen has been complaining for months about dizziness. "I don't like dizzy, Mommy" is a phrase I hear 10-20 times a day and usually I tell him to sit down or a I hold and comfort him. It never lasts long but it was time to get it checked out (Brycen actually requested it). During prior doctor visit discussion, Brycen asked, "Doctor fix Brycen's dizziness?" and when I told him that he would try, Brycen became okay with it. The doctor is conveniently located 2 blocks away and it is the one I had Cian start seeing after he was born. I have been very impressed with him and knew he would do a great job with Brycen. Brycen needs people that will make him comfortable and this Doctor did just that. After examining Brycen and ruling out ear issues (which would have been nice to just have an easy answer and cause for the dizziness), he ordered Brycen to leave a urine sample and have EKG done to detect any heart issues. Brycen did awesome! He first, loved the idea of peeing in a cup and has since told me "he wants to go to the doctor and go potty"--haha! And having 10 stickers placed on his body as part of the EKG procedure helped distract him from the fact that he had to lay on the table without Mommy, and then he had to sit still for 30 seconds...an impossible amount of time to a toddler but he was successful after a few tries. We should hear the results of it sometime this week and we also scheduled a visit with a neurologist. So, we will see what happens. Meanwhile, Brycen continues to say that he is dizzy daily but now follows it up with wants to see the doctor so the doctor can fix him.

I love, love that Brycen is currently comfortable with Ds since I have a feeling that he is going to be dealing with them often.

One of his favorite library books this week. "Just Going to the Dentist".

Brothers

I am still amazed at how good Brycen is with Cian. He is always kissing him, hugging him, and asking where he is (first thing in the morning, during naps, etc.). We had friends over for dinner last night and at one point, Cian was being held and Brycen approached my friend and told her, "You can't take him home with you, he's mine". Haha!

And as much as I want this to last forever, I have a feeling it won't. Boys will be boys. So I find a need to document as much as I can, while I can :)

Brycen was comforting a crying Cian. At times (almost always since Cian usually only cries when hungry) when Brycen's comfort isn't enough and Cian keeps crying, Brycen will say, "Mommy, hold Cian please!".

If Cian begins crying in the car, Brycen will say, "Almost there Cian. Almost there". Isn't it just perfect??!! I LOVE it!

Watching Clifford together one day. Brycen loves being near Cian, always.

Ahhh...we sure love the weekends.

We loved Thanksgiving Break. It involved baking (while Brycen watched his first Macy's Day Parade) and eating some yummy food, being with friends, shopping, and this man being home with us to complete a wonderful 4 day weekend.

Oh and this.

We decided to take on the Walker tradition of setting up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Which the more I think about it, it's really a great tradition. The weekend is perfect for everyone to be home, doing it together while Christmas music and movies play in the background. We also upgraded this year! After Christmas last year, we found a 6 foot tree on clearance for five bucks. So our previous 2 foot family Christmas tree (used for 3 Christmases) became Brycen's tree and we now have this: (Side note: I did the lights again this year... AND used up 1050 lights (that's 10.5 strands of 100)...I think I'm just lights happy or something. It took forever...and two trips to the store).

And since it's our first year with a big tree...we have yet to find a tree skirt to help hide the ugly stand so I used a festive blanket of Brycen's. And while putting it around the tree, Brycen came up to me and asked, "Christmas tree cold, Mommy?" haha!

This little man continues to sleep alot...all day and night (so nice!). It must be a growth spurt or something.

He sleeps so much that Brycen has assigned him a duty.

Brycen's personal shelving device.

During the hour or so that Cian manages to stay awake, for the last three days consistently--I put him down all happy and within minutes he SCREAMS!!

Hopefully, he will learn soon not to tug on his own hair.

And Brycen tries to squeeze his brotherly hugs in as often as Mommy and Daddy permit.

We still can't get enough of him. He coo-ed, smiled, and rolled from his stomach to his back for the first time yesterday--5 and a half weeks old.

Let the Most Wonderful Time of the Year begin!!

The first snowfall today. Photography by Brycen.

And P.S. Quick story. While out shopping on Friday, it came to be dinner time so we went to Texas Roadhouse--I have got to learn how to make rolls like theirs!! So so yummy. Brycen had a dinner of peanuts and we all loved it. It kept him happy and busy while Bryce and I enjoyed Steak and Ribs--delish. And Cian slept through it all. Well, while packing up our leftovers to take home, Brycen requested his own box and preceded to pack away his leftovers as well. Haha! (We only let him grab a few). He sure enjoyed finding and eating them today.

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving Week calls for this (in no particular order):

1. Google. I can't tell you how many times a day I use it to find recipes, ingredient substitutions, answers to all my baby and toddler questions, ideas, and general information. You can literally type anything in there. I used it a ton when I was pregnant and researching VBACs. Modern technology can surely be amazing and a blessing in so many ways.

I love cilantro but I never need more than a little bit at a time and it's sold in huge bunches. So I researched (thanks to google) how to keep it fresh in the refrigerator longer and found this idea! It works amazingly.

2. Pictures. I love how they capture a moment in time and create wonderful memories.

3. I love my hot showers. Rare but amazing. First thing in the morning, when the hubby can be home and I know that the boys are being cared for. For a few minutes, I can completely clear my mind of worries and stand under the warm water and relax. I don't know what it is but starting the day off clean and dressed (sometimes it can be a day accomplishment to get out of my jammies without the two boys screaming) really does something to my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Kind of like exercise. If you find the time and energy, it's so worth it.

4. Homemade goodies. Just recently, I discovered the beauty and deliciousness of Pumpkin Bars. A friend made them for a dinner we attended and I have been hooked ever since. Especially after realizing how EASY they are to make and how many they make! One batch makes a huge pan (covering my biggest cookie sheet and then some-aka, almost cake-like thickness). Out of one batch, I can take a huge plate to a social gathering, a few plates to neighbors, and still have several to feed me for a couple days. They are simply amazing and even though I'm not a huge fan of frosting, I have found the perfect Cream Cheese recipe that lightly, lightly frosts the bars while making them completely heavenly!

Another: Chicken Noodle Soup. I could eat soup every day, all year around. Especially homemade chicken noodle. It doesn't matter where I go but if a menu has, "Homestyle Chicken Noodle", I always try it. And I have repeatedly tried making it but as with any meal I make, in my mind I have expectations of what it is supposed to taste like and sadly, my products usually never match up to my high expectations. Only rarely, am I surprised and I'm happy to report that Monday night was one of them! Even Bryce, who taught me to cook and knows quite alot about flavors and spices and will eat anything and everything I make, but is sometimes hard to "Wow" and not a particular fan of soup--enjoyed my chicken noodle. He took one bite and got up from the table saying, "mmm...is this all from scratch?" to come and touch me lightly in the arch of my back as I was serving up my fourth bowl. :) And of course, it was a winner with Brycen. Happy Family=Happy Me. I love easy, tasty meals!!

Lastly, homemade bread. My friend delivered a delicious loaf of wheat bread yesterday and it really was what I lived off of all day. So so yummy. I am going to have to get the recipe.

5. Baby things. Whoever invented the baby car seats that snap in and out of the car was a genius. Cian still sleeps most of the day away and him sleeping in his car seat has given some nice freedom to Brycen and I. We have been able to start attending our regular activities again and it helps a ton that Cian just sleeps through it all. As well as the infant carrier front pack. Cian seems to sleep lighter and lighter as the day goes on (usually around the time I am cooking dinner) and will wake up when placed down so this is how I have been making dinner:

Bouncing while cutting up vegetables should be considered an Olympic talent.

6. Good movies.

Brycen loves watching movies and usually on Mondays, we take him to the library to check out one or two. Once he likes a movie, he likes to watch it over and over. So having the movies a week long period is just the perfect amount of time to let him watch it over and over and return it right as Mommy and Daddy are getting sick of it. This week's movie is Homeward Bound. Does anyone else remember this movie? Makes you laugh. Makes you cry. It's been fun to re-live it. Brycen bawled the first time watching the part where the cat falls in the water, "oh no! The cat, Mommy! Find her!" I still have to reassure him that they will find her every time he watches it. He really gets into the movies and I love watching him, watch it.

The parts that make him smile from ear to ear are so, so fun. Like the ending when the animals come running home. I get the goosebumps every time listening to the music and hearing the actors calling out to their animals as they run towards them, and Brycen can never stop smiling.

Movies, like these, I don't mind him watching while I get dinner on the table.

7. Brycen. I love this kid.

He not only loves his little brother, giving him hugs and kisses all day, but multiple times a day he tells me, "Cian is my friend, Mom!". I love it so much because during the times that I need to change/feed/go get Cian, Brycen usually has no problem letting me do it (rarely: extreme grumpiness/tiredness makes it a whole different story).

And he is growing up.

Dropping Grandma off at the airport.

He entertains himself at the perfect times and is so smart. And just yesterday, I had a very proud moment of him. We had a friend over to play and at one point, the friend pushed him (I didn't see it) but I did turn around in time to see Brycen lightly touch his friend's hand and address her and say, "Don't push me."

No crying. No running to Mommy. And no pushing back (Brycen is not known to push back but I know from being in Nursery that pushing back is a common thing to do in response to be pushed...he is known to do the other two things though). He handled it himself and I loved it.

He also requests daily, "Mommy, hold me. Mommy, hug!" Usually at inconvenient times but when done, become perfect moments when I stop everything I am doing and (at times) hold both kids on my lap.

And with proper sleep....he is the happiest kid I know. He loves to sing, read books, help Mommy cook and clean, go places with Daddy, and play with his friends. At least once a day he says, "Mommy, I want to see my friends!" And he loves to cuddle and still be held at nap and bedtime.

8. Playdates. Like mentioned above, we had Brycen's friend come over to play and it so happens that Brycen's friend's mom is one of my dearest friends here. The kids played and we talked. I LOVE talking, especially when her and I get along so well. So fun.

9. Cian. I love love his little cry. Even a month later, he has it. It doesn't matter where we are, if he cries--heads turn and we hear, "Awww!!! That's a new one (meaning new baby)! How old is he??" I love his littleness.

A whole different experience than with Brycen. I love seeing his blue eyes after hours of not seeing them, napping all day does that. And I love his contentness. If he is fed, not tired or gassy, he is very content to be put down. I also love the smell and feel of his skin. I could kiss his cheeks all day and love how he curls up next to me when I'm too lazy to return him to his bassinet in the middle of the night. Oh and his brown hair. 50/50 chance of either red or brown hair. Love having one of each.

10. VBAC.

I honestly, love that I have been able to experience both a c-section and a vaginal birth. Both experiences resulted in healthy baby boys and I am so thankful for both options. And as having done both, I can now attest that everything I have heard about the two are true. It's amazing that when the body is able, vaginally is so much healthier for the body because the female body really knows what to do and will do it on it's own. My milk came in so much faster (Not sure this has anything to do with it: but Cian came out knowing what to do and nurses so much better and faster than Brycen ever did--a much, much better and easier nursing experience), my uterus contracted nicely and I overall, feel great (even though I had a great, great easy recovery after my c-section). It was also so nice to eat whatever I wanted the moment they returned me to my room after giving birth vaginally--no clear liquid only diet for the first 24 hours. To be able to vacuum my house when needed during these 6 weeks after giving birth is a nice bonus as well as returning to volleyball with my mom before she left and attending couple's volleyball within two weeks (I'm not sure doctors would have approved but I felt great and loved getting back to things so quickly). I do believe it takes awhile for any body to recover from giving birth but it was so nice to just have to recover from birth and not from having a major surgery as well.

However, after saying all that, I'm so glad that having a c-section is an option because I'm not entirely convinced that Brycen could have come any other way...just look at his head! And during the time that I thought I would just go through with a c-section my second time around, I loved, loved the idea of choosing the birth date,having no labor pains, and the whole experience lasting 2 hours max--if all went well.

11. Bryce. He knows me. And knows me well. He worries and cares about me so much. I'm still convinced that the flowers he sent me over a week or so ago (and they are still sitting on the table besides my computer--looking beautiful) was because he was so worried I would get depressed after having Cian. And honestly, I was scared of it too. Baby blues are hard and I'm not sure if they are entirely preventable.Hormones can be crazy business. But I'm glad that even though I can be emotional, I consider myself a very happy person--even after giving birth a month ago. And even when I have a bumpy day here and there, it all seems to melt away when Bryce comes through that door at night.

12. The Holidays: Family. Friends. Food. Snow.Christmas Movies. Skiing. Fires in fireplaces. Ice skating. Hot Chocolate. Christmas Music. Jolliness. Making cookies and treats. The Savior. All of it individually and collectively creates and brings a wonderful spirit that I love so, so much.

13. The gospel. The light and life that brings true happiness. It guides me. Blesses me. And completes me. I find answers, patience, peace, and love that only comes with the knowledge that the Savior lives and died for me and if I do my part, I can live with him, my heavenly parents, and my earthly family again. For all eternity. A truly wonderful promise that I want nothing more than to be fulfilled for everyone. Everyone deserves to know the truth, find happiness, and be sealed forever. I feel so blessed to have been born into the gospel, having a chance to know these things for myself and I'm hoping to do more to share it with those around me.

14. Our home. Keeps us safe, dry, and warm. Where we learn together, eat together, play together, and be together. I am so thankful for a hard working husband that enables me to stay home with our boys. It is a priceless gift and experience and through my thoughts and actions, I strive to make it our little heaven on Earth.