Oh boy

So Olivia has a spitting up problem. I think it's a problem, but my other two never spit up so... I'm needing comfort, info, insight of any kind. Can it be stopped? Am I doing something wrong here? Anyone? Beuller?

Motherhood a.k.a Learning Patience

Last week in church (made it for 2 of the 3 hours!!) we had a lesson on patience. The big P. We got talking about how when we're feeling impatient it's because things aren't on my schedule. That's motherhood in a nutshell. All week long I've been thinking about how impatient I can be, but also how much patience I've learned since becoming a mom almost 5 years ago. It starts with, "when will this baby come?" then, "when will this muffin top go away?". Don't forget the, "when will I get a good nights sleep?". It never ends. I went for a run a couple times this week and there was the new lesson my body is teaching me.... it'll be a while before it feels like my own again.

I can see a lot of growth in Micah and I, but am constantly reminded of how much I have to learn still. At least we're able to stop and take a breath and remember that these moments are fleeting (most of the time). Usually I realize there is really no reason to be stressed or pushy and I am humbled to see how patient our kids are with us as parents.
*Olivia knows and loves her Daddy already. She follows his voice around a room. She's smiling and cooing. She lifts her head during tummy time and is A-Dor-Able!

*The kids learned patience waiting for the ice cream truck. It's silly around here.

Oobleck

Despite my better judgement (this stuff is crazy messy) I made the kids a batch of Oobleck (1 1/4 C. cornstarch and 1/2 C-3/4 C water) and let them play while I nursed Olivia. It was messy, but they loved every second! They seriously played with the stuff for an hour, then went back for more later on, outside that time. This was one of the good days. Thank heavens for those.

Us Lately

4 weeks later...my arms are starting to get tired

we"re leaving the house a little more

I'm really missing my other 2 kids and our old routine

names are getting all mixed up- Olivia- I mean Eden

It's crazy around here, but wonderful. I remember how crazy it was when Eden was born and thinking we might have ruined everything. Those moments never lasted though and now Taj and Eden are the best of friends. Taj gets Eden her gummy vitamins in the morning. Eden gets Taj his toothbrush. They got their first tag team time out a couple days ago, and while it wasn't fun I was marking down in the book of Smith as a first and like that they have each other.

Only In Utah

August 8th is a big day around here. Among other things it marked Micah's 29th birthday and our 7th wedding anniversary. I was pretty much a bum this year. I did nothing for Micah. I didn't prepare ahead and buy anything. I didn't even help the kids make him anything. We're pretty low key about these things anyway, but I really let this one get away from me.

In a meager effort to celebrate we went out to dinner on Saturday. We left Taj and Eden with Nana and once Olivia was all fed we took off. At the end of dinner Liv started waking up. She was hungry. Olivia's only 2 weeks old so instead of letting her cry all the way home we pulled into a parking lot to feed her in the car. Being civilized Micah pulled off to a darker, deserted area of the parking lot. He went and got us some "Red Mango"- so good. While we were all eating a car pulled up next to us. Right next to us. This was strange since there were hundreds of other parking spots open and we weren't even parked by anything. We were curious and started watching. The dad got out of the minivan and went to the back seat where he got a baby out. He handed the baby to his wife who began feeding their baby. Classic. We laughed and thought, "only in Utah." Micah then said it's definitely time to move. I couldn't agree more.

Apricots a Plenty

Freezer jam
Fruit leather

We have more apricots than we should ever try to eat. Come and get it people!

Oh, yeah

Olivia Ola Smith I forgot to mention that yes, our little darling has a name. Well, not so little anymore. She was born 8 lb. 10 oz. , and is already out of newborn diapers. It's amazing what a little leche can do.

Side notes:

* I'm loving the "Belly Bandit". I totally recommend it.

* Having a baby is up there as one of the most humbling experiences. I feel so needy, but more so blessed. I have an amazing support system who have done more than I knew I needed. This has been a beautiful experience and all thanks to them.

* Babies in the summer are the way to go.

* I know I shouldn't watch Shark week, but so help me, it's so interesting.

* What are my preschool options in Hawaii? We're still hoping to be there soon (ish) so I need to get that figured out for Taj--- HELP!