Baby #3

It has been an exciting time at our house.  In May we found out we are expecting our third child January 14, 2014.  We got lucky this time and didn't have to wait long to get pregnant (first try).  I was anxious to know so I took a bunch of early tests but they came up negative.  When I was 2 days late I took a dollar store test and it looked positive so to make sure I bought another target one and it was positive.  I drove straight to Cole's work to tell him.  We called it a "flower" for a code name until we were ready to tell Lexi.  Around 8 weeks we told Lexi.  She was so excited and couldn't stop laughing.  She said she thought Grandma should have a baby too.  She loves to lay next to the baby and tickle it, kiss it, and hug it.  She always tells me how she will help take care of the baby if I'm too tired.  I love that she loves it so much already.  Carter doesn't have a clue what's going on.  He's having to grow up a little because I don't like to carry him and in general make him be a little more independent.  I have had the hardest time with this pregnancy.  I have been nautious and can't stand to eat meat.  I have been super tired, thus my house is a mess and my kids are bored.  We have eaten out way too much but things seem to be getting better.  I am excited to have a baby around again but worry I won't be able to handle everything. 

Elder Succo Returns

Christian returned home from his mission to Ghana.  We had fun making signs and going to the airport to greet him.  We went to JCW's after and enjoyed spending time with our extended family.  It was fun because the weekend I moved back to Utah Christian left so it was fun to think I've been here for two years.  Christian is all grown up now.  I can tell he was a great missionary.  I enjoyed listening to his talk in Church.  He did a great job.

Backyard

Most of Cole's time has been consumed with trying to finish the backyard.  He had to build a 100ft retaining wall, haul in fill dirt, put in sprinklers, add top soil, and finally put sod in.  It has been a lot of work but two weeks ago I finally saw grass out my back windows instead of dirt. 

Dance Recital

I think one of the best parts of parenthood has been watching Lexi perform.  Cole and I had so much fun watching Lexi's dance recital.  We both got a little teary eyed watching her.  Cole got her a flower.  He's such a good Dad.  She did so well.  She was so excited to perform and was by far the cutest up there.  She would even sing the songs.  I loved it.  The last class before the recital they did a little ceremony to honor the dancers and gave them a certificate and wings and crown.  It was cute and Lexi loved it. 

Family Time

We've had fun as a family.  Over Memorial day weekend we went to lunch, had homemade ice cream, and went to a movie.  The kids loved it all. The kids have had fun playing with each other and with their daddy.

Carter

Carter is a handful!  He keeps me busy either laughing or screaming.  He has the biggest personality.  He is very physical and impulsive.  One minute he's hugging you the next he's head butting you.  I never know.  He also likes to snuggle and still loves his thumb and my hair.  I have been working on not letting him have my hair as often because it hurts.  He was doing really well in his bed but when we got home from the cruise he wouldn't stay in it.  He would get out and sleep next to the door.  He would peak under it for comfort.  It was hard because he'd also turn on the light and open up the blinds in the middle of the night.  Eventually Cole figured out that if we left the door open he would stay in his bed.  He knows how to get what he wants.  He pulls Lexi's hair if he wants what she has.  He says "please mommy" when he wants a treat.  He also tells you he loves you to get what he wants.  He asks why whenever you tell him no.  He loves to go to Grandma's and have popcorn and cookies.  He likes to be outside.  We've been working on teaching him to listen to us and it's gotten a little better.  He knows I'm serious when I make a threat and so he usually listens.  He talks well and has started singing.  He even tries to sing during sacrament.  He is really funny and always makes us laugh. 

Lexi

Lexi is now 4 and a half.  She is such a delight!  I feel so blessed to have a daughter..and such a good one.  She truly is my best friend.  She talks to be about everything and has such a fun personality.  She loves to practice being a mother.  She totes around her baby Minnie mouse everywhere and takes good care of her.  She loved pre-school and dance and has missed them this summer.  She just started swimming lessons and is enjoying them.  She always tries to do what's right and expresses love to us all the time.  She loves to snuggle up and watch a show.  Everything is real to her.  She will always ask me where different characters live like Hello Kitty, Mario, etc.  She loves head bands right now and has turned one of her bags into a "church bag".  She's packed toys for Carter in it, scriptures, and paper and pencil.  She is really smart and a lot of fun. 

Carter turns 2!

It is hard when you are trying to remember events from two months ago.  Carter turned two in April.  His actual birthday was on the cruise but when we got home we had a cake party for him.  He got spoiled and loved all of his gifts.  He wasn't a huge fan of his cup cake and hardly make a mess with it. 

Sweet Moments

I've had two sweet experiences with Lexi in the past few days that I want to remember.  When Sister Monson died I talked to Lexi about it and how we needed to pray for the Prophet to be comforted.  We said a prayer together and then went about our day.  Later that night at dinner Lexi randomly asked us how we find our family when we die.  It brought tears to my eyes thinking about how her little mind came up with that question.  We told her that Jesus would find her first and her family would find her too.  Grandma and Grandpa and Mommy and Daddy would all come find her.  We told her not to worry because we would come for her.  It was a very tender moment. 
The second experience happened in the middle of the night while I was cleaning up her throw up.  She was laying on a towel in the bathroom while I was cleaning her throw up off the carpet and door.  It was quiet.  She looked up at me with a big smile on her face and said, "I love you Mommy."  Suddenly cleaning up throw up wasn't a chore.  It was a privilege.  I get to be the Mom to the sweetest little girl in the world.  I love her so much.  She makes me feel like I'm the best and shows more love and kindness to me than I deserve.  I am so blessed.