So Awesome

The first time I was called "Mama" was by the nurse in the hospital. It was pretty weird, but I thought I can get used to that. I always knew that it'd really sink in when I heard Ethan call me "Mama" for the first time. For the past few weeks, I've been saying "Mama, Mama, Mama, ..." over and over again and pointing to myself. He always smiles when I say it to him. Today, he decided to say it back. In fact, he can't see me right now and he's saying it in hopes that I will return and pay him some attention. I love this kid and I love being his Mama!

A Perfect Day

Well, today is going to be a perfect day! You know why? For the first time in over a year I can wear my favorite pair of jeans! They do fit a little differently, but there is no muffin-top and I didn't have to struggle to button them. Just a little tummy toning left and I will be happy with my post-pregnancy shape. My weight is also just a couple pounds off my pre-pregnancy weight which is also exciting. My wardrobe has now expanded to its normal size. Yeah!

Memorial Day

Good news, we are all feeling better. Today was so fun! We started the day with a yummy pancake breakfast that Jared cooked. Then, we attended our ward's family softball game/bar-b-q. It was so fun. I was going to play, but Ethan needed to eat and then I got busy visiting with some of the other moms and moms-to-be. Jared played and he did great! Couple of great hits and plays in the outfield. Here he is getting ready to bat.

And here's Ethan cheering on his dady from the sidelines. Go Daddy, Go!

After the softball game, we headed over to Jared's parents for a barbacue. It was so fun. We got out the inflatable pools and had a blast. Jared and Ethan also had a relaxing afternoon in the hammock.

We truly are blessed to live in this great country. Thanks to all servicemen and women that have served in the past and are currently serving our country. We appreciate you!

Not so fun Saturday

This week's Saturday is shaping up to be a not so fun one! Between the three of us, we have been had vomiting and diahrea since Wednesday! It totally stinks, both figuratively and literally. I did brave the grocery store because we needed a few items. When I went to pay I had forgotten my wallet! I felt like such a loser. I called Jared and he brought me some money so I could pay. My friend Cindy saw me at the store and offered to pay and let me repay her. So sweet of her, but as we were talking, Jared showed up. I certainly hope today gets better from here.

Fun Saturday

We had such a fun Saturday. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos to prove it, so you'll just have to read about it. Jared and I dropped Ethan off at Kevin and Melissa's house around 8:45 AM. We then went to the temple and did a session. It was so great to be in the temple again. We haven't been to the temple in at least 8 months! We promised each other that we would never let that much time go by again. Once we were finished, we picked up Ethan and Nathan so that Melissa and Kevin could go to the temple. The boys had so much fun playing together. Nathan cracked us up because he is such a wiggle worm. It was fun having him over and seeing the two of them interact. When Melissa and Kevin got done at the temple they came over to our house and we all had dinner together. It was so good to visit and be together. A full day, but so fun!

Sicko's

Well, we have all been sick, sick, sick. Upon returning from our trip to NY and NJ (actually prior to leaving), we were all sick. Finally, we are feeling better. It really knocked us out. Life went on and we still did our normal things, but we were definitely slower and crankier.
I can smell summer in the air and am looking forward to feeling good!

New Jersey and New York with details

We had a great time with family and friends while we were up north. Here are some photos to share with you all.

Ethan and Monica. Monica and I became fast friends about 4 years ago and we really enjoyed seeing her again and getting to know her new husband, Joe. They got married a week before Ethan was born, so we were unable to travel for their wedding. Monica nad Joe are building themselves a beautiful life in upstate New York. We really enjoyed being there. Joe taught Ethan how to clap. He slowly opened and shut his hands until Ethan tried it too. We all got so excited about his accomplishment that we broke out in a loud cheer, which scared the poor child to tears.

All bundled up in his winter wear! A very limited wardrobe because he's a Sunshine State baby.Grandma and Grandpa Krause enjoyed meeting their great-grandson. Jared also enjoyed seeing his grandparents. They are always full of great stories from their past. It was wonderful to see them again. And, yes, I missed my chance to see my husband cry! I joke that in the 4 and a half years we've known each other I have never seen him cry. Turns out he shed a few tears when we said goodbye to Grandpa and Grandma and I missed it!
We went to the Popcorn Park Zoo, where large animals whose owners could no longer care for them go to live. Believe it or not the zoo was home to more than just farm animals. There were also lions, tigers, bears! Who thinks they can care for these kinds of pets! Crazy. Here is a goat getting up close and personal.
Grandma and Grandpa Krause loving on Ethan.
Ethan's first trip to the beach. Who knew it'd be at the Jersey Shore and we'd be in long sleeves and hats!
Aunt Marie, Ethan, and me on the Carousel at the Boardwalk. Uncle Ralph and Aunt Marie come here often. We enjoyed sharing this special time with them. We ate the best Philly Cheese Steaks ever, had fun at the arcade, and really got to know them. We had a blast.

New Jersey and New York

We just returned from our trip to see family and friends in New Jersey and New York. We had a great time seeing everyone and it was such a blessing that Ethan was able to meet everyone. Once we're settled here at home, I'll post some pictures and some fun stories.