Merry Christmas!

 Reese loved playing with this Nativity set, but for some reason he would lock up Mary, baby Jesus, and the sheep, in this star lantern thing we have sitting on the next shelf.  Everyday I would find them in there and put them back where they belong.  When I asked Reese why he kept locking them up, he said, "No Mom. Not locking dem up.  Keeping dem safe."  "Safe from what?" I asked.  "From da BEAR!" I guess I'd better go over the actual happenings at Christ's birth with him a few more times haha.  
I love my Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ, and am so grateful for the added peace that is felt this time of year.

Cute lil Elf and Arizona Snowman!

Footsies!

The first time I put Grayce in a footsie outfit, Hayden was very intrigued.  He kept touching her feet and asking, "Mom, why her shoe not come off?" repeatedly.  Then he disappeared back in his closet for a while, and came out holding this red long john outfit proudly (which I'd totally forgotten we even had).  He said, "Now I be same as baby Sisser!"  He sure had fun prancing around the house in his footsies!

We sure do love our sweet little girl!

Hayden is reluctant to relinquish his spot as baby of the family.  He has little fits of jealousy where he tells me to "put baby sisser in her bed", and if he hears her wake up he will run over to me and beg to be picked up, barricading my path to get to her room because he knows I'm going to get her.  We have good days and bad days...the bad ones are full of lots of clinging and whining.  It helps when Reese is at school and Grayce is taking a nap, because then I have one on one time with Hayden and he is such a sweet Mama's boy.  It is such an honor to be the apple of his eye, and
such a privilege
to be his Mother.

Reese and Grayce bonded very quickly.  He is very nurturing, tucking her blanket around her, and shielding her eyes from the sun in the car, and holding her hand.  He will sing to her if he ever hears her cry (he sings "rock a bye baby, rock a bye baby, rock a bye baby" over and over because he doesn't know how the rest of the song goes).  We have a bin filled with rattles and other baby toys.  Reese took each toy out and showed Grayce what it did and set it next to her incase she wanted to play.  In school Thanksgiving week they went around in a circle and said what they were thankful for.  His teachers told me when it was his turn he said,
"my baby sisser".  

Birth of Grayce Dae DeHoyos

Born Friday 11-7-2014 at 3:20pm

7lbs 6oz, & 20"

I had hoped to do a natural -epidural free- delivery this time around, sans petocin.  But at 39 1/2 wks I was impatient, and getting swollen, so at my Doctors appointment I asked him when would be a convenient time per his schedule for me to have this baby.  He said he was working that Thurs at the Hospital and could schedule to induce me at 10am.  Knowing I was hoping to do a natural delivery, he said he could break my water first, and see if that would get things rolling. (I had been dilated to a 3 for the past 2 wks with contractions pretty much every night).  I wonder how things would have played out if that had worked according to plan.  As it was though, the Hospital tried calling me at 6am Thurs morning to let us know they didn't have any available rooms.  I missed the call so Edward and I showed up at 10am and were sent home.  They called us around 6pm that evening to let us know a room had opened up, but by then my Doctor had already gone home, so when we got to the Hospital they placed a gel thing and then basically let us sleep all night long.  At one point in the night I started having regular contractions every 10 min, and asked the nurse if I should get up and walk around, but she said, "Nah, no studies have ever proved walking furthers along labor, so if I was you I'd just sleep." Which I thought was pretty funny, basically they were stalling knowing my Doctor wasn't available to come back in till the following morning.  The next morning they did more gels and I started having regular contractions, was even coupling with some of my contractions (having another contraction before the last one had finished), but I wasn't dilating at all.  The afternoon nurses were funny, said they had hot dates that night so I had to have my baby by 5pm.  They started me on Petocin and being the wimp I am I gave in shortly thereafter and asked for an epidural.  From there I dilated quickly.  They had the in house Dr. come in and break my water.  After that the baby's heart rate dropped with every contraction.  The nurses were just about to try hooking a heart monitor up to the top of the baby's head, when my Doctor walked in.  The in house Doctor had text him and told him I was an 8 and ready.  It was such a calming feeling seeing him walk in.  I had been worried about the baby's heart rate, and was fighting the groggy feeling of the epidural trying to stay alert -but once he walked in I felt a peaceful contentment knowing I was about to meet my daughter and everything was going to be ok.  My Dr. asked how my induction from hell was going, put one glove on, and told me to try pushing.  The nurses squealed when they saw a baby head saying "Wait! We aren't ready! The cart's in the hall!" Dr. Lepetich chuckled and said "Take your time, I'm not going anywhere." Although I wondered if he wished he'd put two gloves on.  Moments later sweet Grayce was out and they had me reach down and grab her.  She is so beautiful and oh so sweet.  I didn't need any stitches this time which is great, so my Dr. congratulated us, and then was off to feed his llamas.  They dried Grayce off while she was still on my belly and then left us alone, which was different but nice.  She is a pro at latching on -started nursing right away.  An hour later they came back in to check her weight and give her her vitamins and what not, and 24 hrs later we were headed home! My Mom came down from Page to watch the boys while Edward and I were at the Hospital, and stayed for a week.  She is such a wonderful help and I was so grateful to have her here!  She always says how glad she is to have a daughter and how glad she is I have a daughter now too =)

Batman!

Hayden loves Batman, and will wear a Batman shirt everyday if he can!

Cute Reesey Man

After eating a peanut butter & jelly sandwich I gave him, Reese said, "Tank u for de samwich Mom." Then placing his hands on his stomach and looking down he says, "Oh! My tummy says tank you too!"

Halloween!

Cutest cowboy and police man I've ever seen!

 The girls at work did an 80's theme, except for me -I was a pumpkin :)

I had to sew the face on the shirt while wearing it since my belly stretches out the fabric, and while I was positioning one of the eyes, Reese walked up to the hanging needle and thread and said, "What you doin Mom? Gonna take da baby out wif dis?" He is SO curious about how exactly the baby is going to come out  of my tummy, and every time he asks I just say, "the Dr. takes her out real soft".  When Hayden overhears us having this re-occuring conversation he'll run and get his fake plastic saw and say "I take baby sisser out Ma!" and he'll start sawing at my shirt. 

 We made ghost from a couple of the old RS tablecloths our ward was throwing out.

My favorite part of this video is when Hayden smiles and says "I big hug!"

Primary Program

Reese participated in his first primary program. He looked so cute singing (way off tune) at the practice,  so I was hopeful that he'd be able to repeat the same performance for Edward on Sunday.  However, we have church at 8am, and my boys usually sleep on my lap through most of Sacrament meeting -waking up around the closing hymn.  In an effort to make sure Reese was good and rested, we drove him around Sat night untill he fell asleep (around 8:30pm) and then transferred him into his bed thinking "mission accomplished"!  But like all my plans, it backfired, and Reese woke up at 3:30am wide awake after his nice 7hr nap.  When I woke up at 6:30 to get ready for church, he was still wide awake and started jabbering excitedly to me about how he would like to buy some magic beans, and plant them in the ground, and climb up them, and eat all the giants food. (Evidently he was excited to finally have someone to talk to, and was feeling pretty hungry as well). I hadn't planned to take him to church since I knew he and Edward were up most of the night (this pregnant lady can sleep through anything), but he was so animated, and said he wanted to go to church with me, so I thought "well ok..."
We headed to church as a family, and Reese remained alert until they began passing the Sacrament.  That's when he put his head down and closed his eyes.  I should have just let him go to sleep, but I thought if I kept him up just a couple more minutes, then he could sing his cute little heart out. He went up with all the other kids and sat in the front row and would stand to sing, and put his head down on the rail, and fall asleep, and then when all the other kids would sit back down he'd still be standing there snoozing with his head on the rail.  Eventually he got fed up with all the coaxing to sit down and stand up and just looked plain miserable so I went up and got him and Edward took him home to sleep (but says he didn't actually fall asleep until right before I got home from church two hours later -crazy kid really fights sleeping -has had difficult sleep patterns since he was a baby).  I had a ton of families say how entertaining it was watching Reese with his swaying nodding head and drooping eyes and that he was just adorable sleeping there with his head on the railing, that they couldn't take their eyes off him.  I hope I can be a better Mom though and get him in a healthier sleeping schedule!

Fun with friends

We do a weekly play-date with our next door neighbor Josh.  

We decided to make a ghost pinata out of a diaper box for some Halloween fun!

Another time I thought it would be fun to draw some "bad guy" faces on some white helium balloons and have the boys get their ninja gear out to get rid of the "Ghosts" for me. ;)  I figured the balloons would pop fairly quickly and it would be a short activity, but the boys actually went at it for 45 min or so, and they keep begging me to do it again! 

 Poor bad guys are getting their cans trashed!

Last month they went to Josh's Birthday Party which was a "Rain Gutter Regatta" 

and had a ton of fun!

Brothers

They fight constantly, but underneath all that competitive animosity, 

they have a deep love for each other and are the best of buds!

Pool fun

The Community pool in our neighborhood has been so wonderful this summer!

It helps the boys get some energy out on hot summer days, and I bob on the side like a giant inflatable pregnant lady ;) 

I have been trying to self teach the boys some swim lessons.

Hayden can plug his nose and go underwater, blow bubbles, and kick on the side.

Reese is getting to where he can swim several feet underwater to me.

I'm still working with both of them to learn how to float on their backs. 

Free fun!

I've signed the boys up for several free classes this summer.  We did a free trial class at "Great play gym", a  free trial of "Lets Play Music" at the neighborhood barn, and attended a free popsicle bounce house party put on by our HOA.  This last Tuesday we went to story time and craft hour at IKEA.  Kids eat free on Tuesdays, and afterwards Reese can go in their "Kid zone" daycare area (also for free) while Haden and I tour the store together.

Hayden LOVES his chocolate milk!

I think because Reese goes to preschool -is used to structured activities -he loves these sorts of events.  Hayden is a little more reluctant and usually just peeks out at everybody from behind my legs. 

Speed racers!

I bought Reese one of these Plasma cars for his Birthday.  Then I borrowed one from a friend for a mutual activity (the Deacons raced against the Beehives), and when Hayden saw me come in the house with the second car he got super excited and clasped his hands together and said, "Oh! Mom buy me a birfday car too!"  It was so sweet and melted my heart, and knowing that he doesn't really grasp the concepts of Birthdays yet and it must be hard for him to understand why Reese got presents and not him, I ordered him a car too.  They have a ton of fun racing around the house together, and I think they will be great for getting some indoor energy out on super hot or cold weather days.

Spurs fans!

Reese found one of Edward's old Spurs hats from when he was a teenager,

and Reese has such a big noggin that it actually fits perfectly!

Colors

We found a new children's library that has colorful murals all over the walls.  Hayden was pointing out the colors he knew and it went something like this: "Red, orange, yellow...color of grass and trees... blue, pink...color of chocolate milk..." I thought it was pretty cute that he improvised associated objects of the same color with the colors he couldn't remember.

Nap time...

Unless Hayden wakes up earlier than usual -I usually don't let him take a nap -especially after 4pm as it throws off his bedtime.  

(And being pregnant my body crashes around 9pm -regardless of whether my kids are tired or not.)

I saw the pantry door ajar, and peeking inside -I found Hayden asleep on the bottom shelf.  He must have thought it looked dark and inviting. ;) 

And the other day he fell fast asleep using his brother as a pillow.

Climber

 Hayden is usually such a daredevil climber 

-I thought it was funny that he got a little spooked coming back down. 

As you can tell from the middle photo -I'm still getting used to my new camera settings.

Reese "selfies"

Brian got me a new camera for a late Birthday present, and I think Reese figured out how to use it even before I did because I found these classic self portraits on my camera roll. =) 

Reese's 4th Birthday!

For Reese's 4th  Birthday we took the boys to Chuck e Cheese to celebrate.

I still did not have a working camera -so this picture that came with one of the rides is the only momento.  Reese is such a sweet sharing boy, if he noticed a kid watching him play a game, he would offer the (random strangers) kid a ball or token so they could have a turn next.  The other day when I went to pick up Reese from preschool, as he was waving goodbye to his class, a little tiny red headed boy ran up and hugged him super tight and gave him a kiss on the cheek.  I'm not sure what exactly that was all about, but I do know that Reese's kind compassionate nature and big heart make him a good friend to have.  Now if we could just get him to be a little nicer to his younger brother...

"Reese's talk"

A speaker in Sacrament meeting said "In a recent talk..."
Reese looks up at me with bulging eyes.
"Reese's talk?  Reesey talk next Mom?"
(Sometimes he refers to himself in the 3rd person)
Smiling I asked him, "Would you like to give a talk?"
He looked very undecided and didn't answer me.
I was just grateful that for a moment he had quit squirming and was attentively gazing at the speaker.

Evidently by the time Primary rolled around he had made up his mind, because when they asked who wanted to give the talk in sharing time the following week, Reese raised his hand.  When I came to pick him up in his Sunbeams class he proudly showed me the sticker on his shirt, and said "Reesey talk!"
(My camera is broken, so a scanned image of the sticker is the best I can do.)

The following Sunday, Reese sat in the primary chairs up front with a sweet smile.  When it was his turn he held up the picture and tried to repeat what I whispered in his ear.  I didn't think it was likely anyone could understand what he said since it was in such a low mumbling timid voice, but Edward was in the front row and he said he understood some of it.  :)  I was very proud of Reese's willingness and courage!

Why Mom?

Hayden goes through the same ritual at least ten times a day.  It starts out like this...
"See owie Mommy?" (meaning the scar from where I had my appendix out)
So I let him lift up my shirt and peek at it.
Then..."See baby Mommy?"
I nod, and he pulls my shirt up further to see my big baby belly.
Then..."See boobie Mommy?"
And that is where I draw the line.  So I tell him, "No, you don't need to see that."
"Why mommy? Why?"


We had a speaker in Stake Conference that was talking about respecting our garments, and he said if we walk around in the privacy of our home with our garments uncovered -that is not showing proper respect.
So I turned to Edward and asked, "What if you walk around naked? Is that also frowned upon?"
I guess I need to change my hillbilly ways -can't just throw my boys in the tub when we get home from the pool, and strip down and jump in the shower two steps away anymore.

Baby Girl!

We are expecting baby #3 and it's a GIRL! 

I'm about 24 wks -due in Nov.

I was having some pain on the lower right of my abdomen, and after talking to my baby Doctor and reading in my baby book I thought it was round ligament pain.  It had bothered me for several weeks if I moved suddenly or coughed or sneezed, but became significantly worse while in Page visiting my Parents. We were all sleeping on an air mattress and Hayden had inadvertently kneed me in the abdomen, so I figured I had further bruised those pesky round ligaments. My Dad and brother Brian gave me a priesthood blessing the following morning, and though I had planned to drive back home that day, I decided to postpone our departure.  That night around 10pm, the pain became so constant and unbearable that I decided it couldn't be pregnancy related (was worse than labor pains) so my brother Buzz drove me to the ER.  My mom was working at the hospital that night and so my Dad called her to let her know I was coming in.  Turns out my appendix had ruptured.  That hour in the hospital waiting for a diagnosis and the subsequent pain medication was the most excruciating agony I have ever experienced.  I found that running my hand under a trickle of water in the sink, and focusing on the feeling of the water on my skin helped somewhat relieve my mind from focusing on the pain.  And I prayed lots! Anyway, to make a long story a little shorter, during the ultrasound the tech thought I was having a boy, which surprised me, because since I was just 13wks my Doctor has been 99% sure it's a girl.  So when I got back home to the valley and they did the big ultrasound I was pleased when they reaffirmed that yes, it is indeed 100% a girl =).  I am so excited to have a daughter and feel a very sweet spirit from her already.  And I'm very grateful to my family for all their help.   My Mom got to be my nurse while I was in post surgery recovery, and my Dad and brother's watched my boys the days I was in the hospital.  Then when I got home my husband and church-ward spoiled me some more with dinners and care.  I've healed quickly, and am so grateful my sweet baby was ok during the the whole ordeal. 

Shark teeth

We took the boys to Peter Piper Pizza.  After helping them win 200+ tickets -the only thing Reese wanted from the prize desk were these "sharky teeth" (which cost a grand total of 15 tickets).  He loves wearing them, and the other day he tried eating a whole bag of doritos chips "cookie-monster-style" with them in.  It was the grossest funniest thing ever.

Thank you!

Hayden was playing in the backyard with a paper airplane I made him.  It got stuck up high out of his reach, till a gust of wind blew it free and it floated back down to him.  He says "Oh! Thank you wind!"

My wonderful Dad!

I am so grateful for my Dad and what a blessing he is to me in my life. 

It's interesting now as I watch him interact with my boys, how many memories flood back to me from my own childhood, and my heart swells with a deeper affection than ever before for what an amazing man he is.  He was very actively involved with our daily routine, getting us to wash our hands, brush our teeth, eat the fruits and vegetables he sliced up for us, and getting us to sleep at night.  As a parent myself now I realize how much work that can be, and am even more grateful for what a good Parent and provider he was to us.  I remember him trying to get us to bed on Christmas eve -and feeding our excited imaginations as he told us that every thump and creak we heard was Santa's sleigh or reindeer.  

I'm grateful for the many times he bribed me with a big gulp from 7/11 if I went fishing or hiking with him (that was the only occasion we were ever allowed to have soda), because I grew to love and enjoy both of those activities.  The last trip to Page we made, my Dad took the boys to the car wash and let them help him, and afterwards they went with him to the barber and each got a lolly-pop, two activities I remember doing often with him in my childhood. I sure do love my daddy lots! 

Snowman

Reese stuck these stopper dots all over his tummy -then came to show me 

"Look Mom! I'm a snowman!" 

The next time we build a snowman I'll have to be sure to include the buttons!

Fun slide!

Boxes don't just make great forts. These two made a fun slide!

Terrible Two's have begun...

 Hayden is just super independent now.  He tried to make himself breakfast (eggs are his favorite) and destroyed a brand new 18 carton. Reese was helpfully pointing out that the bowl (sieve) Hayden had chosen to crack the eggs into, had holes. 

Hayden's 2nd Birthday!

Hayden's Birthday was pretty low-key. 

We invited Brian & Sarah over for fajitas and cupcakes 

(since those are two of the boys favorite people), 

and we had some good old family fun.

We made a spider pinata using a punch balloon -newspapers and paste, 

and I must've layered it on a bit thick cuz it took like a week to dry completely. 

 I figured if I was going to teach the boys to whack something with a bat

 it ought to be something they can feel free to smash in real life as well.  

The boys kept beating it into the ground even after it fell from the tree. 

It took them a while to notice there was stuff inside.

(His cool shades were one of the cheap "Goodwill" pinata prizes.)

One of the presents was this elephant butterfly catcher game -the boys loved it! 

Good party finale before Uncle Brian and Aunt Sarah headed home.

Hayden is such a sweet boy.  He is so eager to please and always willing to help me.  The other day when I drug the cat box outside to change the litter, I turned around, and Hayden was standing there, arm outstretched, holding the pooper scooper with a sweet smile and a "Here you go Mom!" Another morning I woke up to find a dog turd on the living room carpet (some of the joys of having pets), and after lamenting I turned around to find sweet Hayden holding a stream of toilette paper out to me with a condoling "Here you go Mom."  He is so perceptive and smart.  He is very strong willed and I'm still trying to figure out how to handle that aspect of his personality, but along with it he has a hard working determined nature that will enable him to accomplish great things in life. 

I took the boys to Mc Donald's for ice cream the other day, and as they proudly trotted back to the play area holding their gigantic cones, an older Grandpa fellow asked Hayden teasingly "Well thank you...is that for me?"  Without a moments hesitation Hayden nodded and said "Uh huh! Here you go!" as he stretched out his arms to give his cone away.  It took the man by surprise and he commented on what a sweet giving boy Hayden is. We sure do love him to pieces!