Day 97-100: Anniversary Trip

For our anniversary we took a family trip to Estes Park, the very same Estes Park where we spent our honeymoon. Instead of our cushy bed and breakfast suite, this time we camped...with two kids. It was awesome. Jadyn got overwhelmed with happiness throughout the day when she noticed we still weren't going inside. We ended up with both kids in our sleeping bag each night so we may have looked a little less than desirable half the time, but that's the beauty of marriage. Ya love each other anyways! We hiked, napped, made delicious dutch oven dinners...and it was long enough that we were ready to go home after three days.

 

By the way, next year we are doing a trip ALONE. 

Day 96: Camping Practice

For our anniversary this year, we decided to take the kids on a camping trip in Rocky Mountain National forest, then spend some time in Estes Park. We had our honeymoon in Estes. Jadyn was so excited about the trip, she wanted to practice sleeping in a tent. So she did. She slept in her little tent the entire week before. She also wanted Jaxon to get some good practice in.

Day 95: Jadyn teaches Jaxon a song

Day 94: Cowgirl Boots

Couldn't resist. 

Day 93: When you buy a blow torch...

Creme Brule should definitely follow.

Day 92: Church Carnival

Even later that day...In fact, it was so late it became Day 91

Jaxon rolled over! And I got a video of it!

Later that day...

Jadyn had her first trip to the Urgent Care. This was a totally new experience for me, and totally terrifying. I was planning on going to the temple with some friends that night. She had been a little lethargic with a small fever, but it was nothing scary. She started getting worse and worse. Eventually she was barely responsive except for a constant, tired scream in pain. I checked her temperature right before I was about to leave and wouldn't ya know? It was 105! I sent my friends on their way, let Jace with Jaxon and raced her to the Urgent Care.

I realize she was in no real danger, but I had never seen her like this before. I felt like it was something out of a movie where my baby was falling in a out of consciousness, I was weaving between cars as fast as I could while trying to keep her awake ( I don't know why I thought she needed to stay awake. They always have to in the movie!) I was so scared for her.

The beautiful thing about your kids getting sick is you get a chance to REALLY hold them close. They let you, and you really want to because of how incredibly sad they are. I sat in the waiting room holding her as tight as I could the whole time.

We finally got in with a nurse who checked her ears, announced "Ear infecntion!" Dosed her with some Ibuprofen and sent us on our way. Ha! What I little thing, but it made a huge impact on me. Don't ever downplay your experiences as a mother. They are yours no matter how big or small and they all matter. This one mattered to me.

And now, a little treat for you: a video of how funny Jadyn got after her meds kicked in...

Day 90: Three months old

Hey! I'm only exactly a month behind now! Ok....that's pretty bad.

I really am going to make this private P.S. just as soon as I can muster up the energy to gather all your emails. So far, not happening any time soon. Maybe tomorrow?

Anyways, He is 3 months old! Wow, the time is basically just non existent this time around. I took a little time to reminice back to when Jadyn was three months old. I can still remember me in my mom's family room, propping her up with pillows and trying out various blankets as backdrops as I attempted my first official photo shoot. Granted, I had done a few engagement shoots in college, but I basically just assumed I was my friends' best option considering they had zero $ to their name. It was after I went through her three-month shoot that I decided I was pretty good at taking pictures. I know that this is the story of every Mom to Photographer Mom, but it's an inspirational time to take pictures. The funny thing is, looking back now I really don't think they were that good! But I was so proud then, I took my pink point-and-shoot everywhere.

Jace believed in me enough that he bought me a digital SLR, my dear Canon Rebel that I adore (He also needed it for his photography class ehem!) And since then he hasn't really been able to pry it from my fingers. I have had some amazing mentors and the pleasure of shadowing some phenomenal photographers. In fact, I've learned enough now to know that I really am so small and I have so very much more to learn. Maybe I'll always just consider myself an amateur. As small as my growth may be, it's fun to see that there is some growth. It means it is possible for me to get better.

Do you see the difference?

Day 89: So there's this.

Uh Oh. I lost an SD card. I'm sure I put it in a very useful spot that I would not forget about.

So...this is all I could muster up from today. He's lettin a few snaps down...for cool points.

Day 88: So that's what happened to my day.

Jace went on an overnight backpacking trip with a new friend. He said he'd be home "super early" but well all know that didn't happen. So this is what he got to wake up to.

In all honestly I was happy to let him give himself a little vacation and have some "man" time. We all need a breath of fresh air every once in a while.

Day 87: This kid.

Guys? He melts my heart like no boy has ever done before.

Day 86: My #1 Su Chef

During the first year of our marriage, our roles were pretty intertwined. We were both working and going to school so there was not an assigned housekeeper or cook. We cooked dinner together almost every night and I just loved it. Jace really gets into cooking and I feed (no pun intended) off of his excitement. I have some pretty fond memories of us getting home from our long days of working and getting totally giddy over dinner, which sometimes wasn't finished until 11 at night.

These days our roles are pretty well defined. I am certainly on dinner duty, which I am totally happy about. I really love cooking and learning new recipes. Every once in a while, though, Jace will step in with me for Sunday dinner and "I am so freaking tired of taking care of this house!" Dinner. And we go right back to newlywed mode.

I'm pretty sure this picture was not from this actual day, but I didn't want to forget the night we made ribs. Jace picked a bunch of recipes for sides and a very involved recipe for the ribs. He even wanted to made a red velvet cake from scratch. I just laughed to myself as he said things like "This will be super quick." It was an all day event. He babied those baby-backs like they were his own. That sounds creepy. It was such a good meal that we had to invite someone over to enjoy it with us.

Privacy time

It's pretty ridiculous that I have gone back and forth with this because I had it private for a long time. Then I heard a number of people were reading my blog, but they were too shy to ask to be added( this was shocking...comment once in a while people)!  So I made it public.

But then yesterday I was looking through it, adoring my babies and I realized that there are some pictures on there that (though adorable to me and my friends) I may not want to share with some creep eatin Doritos and doin who knows what at 2 in the morning!

So please do not be shy. I am happy to share with anyone who is my friend on FB, or my friend down the street, or my mailman....just not someone I have never met.

I am always surprised by how many people read my blog because, well, you've seen the comments. And only like 13 people are following it. haha. If you do find this blog interesting and would like to continue following my life please send me your email.

Day 85: The Outfits that almost didn't make it.

I had so many good intentions for that family reunion shoot, like taking some pictures of my babies in their adorably coordinated outfits. But...*sigh*

We had to wait until we got home when it was just me. 

 Can you tell I was bribing her with a lollipop if she smiled? I'm not against it, people.  I do what it takes.

P.S. The chair Jadyn is sitting on was made for her by her great-grandpa Clements. 

Day 84: When We're at the Park...

Why must there always be something in your shoe?

 See this kid?

He doesn't even bring shoes.

---just sayin.

Day 83: Recovery

Oh, the back from vacation blues seem to last a little bit longer when you have children. I'm pretty sure I didn't clothe them for days. Just. Too. Hard!

Day 73-82: Family Reunion

I have been waiting to do this post for when I had enough time to give a good fill-in of the Monson Family Reunion...but now I've waited so long I'm just gonna have to jet through it!

 We camped.

 Made a giant slip n' slide in the backyard.

 We blessed Jaxon and EVERYONE in our family was there (everyone that was in Utah).

 Jaxon also got to be held by each of his great grandmas.

 And then we had family pictures.  Though I really despised the idea of me doing them, it ended up being the best option. It was just as stressful as I thought it would be. I guess I just prefer taking pictures of people that let me boss them around!

 But we still got some good ones. I yelled "Family Pyramid" as a joke, but I guess everyone felt some authority in my voice by this time.

Alot were like this...but that's us! Just a blur of excitement. I love my family. It was a great week.

Day 72: Santuary

I was getting pretty consistent with running for a while. My body and mind finally clicked about why running is so awesome. It became my drug to take the edge off. I get rejuvenated from taking even just a half hour away from everyone and learning about how strong/weak I am. It's humbling and empowering all at the same time.

Plus, look where I live. Wide open space really IS all it's cracked up to be!

Day 71: Dogsitters

We have become quite popular dog-sitters. I see it as a perfect set-up because I love dogs, I want a dog someday, but NOT right now! No desire whatsoever. Jace begs everyday for us to get a dog, hence, we take other people's dogs for a week or so then we get to send them back just before I explode because my house is covered in fur.

This week was our neighbor's/very good friend's dog, Cyrus. He is so large, yet so gentle. Basically, if we were to get a dog right now I would want it to be just like Cyrus. He's old, doesn't do a ton, but loves you with that giddy puppy love just the same. He is so good, in fact, that I let Jadyn walk him...or be dragged by him.

Day 70: Back to High School

I got a message a while back from one of the girls I was a leader over in the youth group when we were in Aurora. Her best friend was moving to Canada in a week, so they wanted to do a photo shoot together. I may or may not have teared up a little for them thinking of when I went through the same thing in high school. I can still remember hugging my two best friends good bye and then crying the whole 18 hour drive to Colorado. We're talking Coldplay's "The Scientist" on repeat and me staring depressingly out the window the whole way. I kicked and screamed and was absolutely terrified of falling out of the trio. So for their shoot, I took them to the high school where many of their memories probably took place.
Can you say BEA-U-TIFUL???
I know I didn't look this good in high school...or ever.

Day 69: Morning person

I don't know if this is true of all babies, but mornings have certainly been a special time with both of mine. It is Jaxon's happiest time of day. It must be because of how quiet and peaceful it is. I must say, I enjoy them too. Since he has graced me with sleeping through the night (for now), I happily get up with him between 5:30 and 6:30 and I work out or read while he sits next to me with a big grin on his face.
It's our one-on-one time. One thing I have learned about having two kids is that you still have to find a way to give each child undivided time. It makes them feel loved all by themselves. And it helps me enjoy what makes them unique.

Day 68: Getting strong!

He is getting so strong! I can barely keep him next to me when I hold him now. He's always jutting his head out with all his might so he can see everything.
Also, Jadyn pulls out this little mat he's laying on and announces it is now her turn for tummy time. We "ooo" and "awww" at her amazing head-lifting skills.

Day 67: Meet Jacklyn

I have been encouraging Jadyn to take care of her baby dolls lately to take the squeezes off of Jaxon. As she was playing with her favorite doll, I asked her what her name was. She said "Jaxon" (surprise, surprise). Since the doll is clearly a girl I suggested we name her "Jacklyn" instead. Her two year-old mind turned a few wheels as she looked at me very pensive. Her response was "hmmm, Jack-o-lyn? Ok!"

And ever since, Jacklyn has been her baby. She does everything Jaxon does coincidentally. They even eat at the same time, and in the same way. Oops. Maybe I should cover up once in a while in my house.

 

Day 66: She surprises me.

I left Jaxon on her bed for a second while I grabbed something. I hear her squeal at Jaxon and my heart drops thinking of her trying to carry him off the bed. I rush in and find them like this. It's moments like these that make you realize why being a mom is the best job in the whole world.

Day 65: Welp

No picture. Can't remember what happened this day. If I find a picture, I'll fill it in later.

Day 64: Oops was I supposed to take pictures of the kids?

Well I took them on a photo adventure and found this lovely place. Anyone want a photo shoot here?

Day 63: We got a laugh!

Please excuse my annoying sounds effects and my need to continue making him laugh well after he got the hiccups.

Day 62: We love the Library

We go at least once a week, sometimes twice. Some days, right after breakfast Jadyn will hurry to her room and chant "Get ready, go storytime!" She loves it. She loves books. And it's such a nice way to get out without melting in the sun, AND as a bonus everyone has to be quiet!

Day 61: What most days look like.

This is breakfast, lunch and dinner in a nutshell. While I'm making food, there's Jaxon sleeping through everything and Jadyn never wearing pants.

Day 60: Potty Training

I wish I had some trick for all you potty training Mommies, but I don't know how it happened. One thing lead to another and next thing I know she's struttin around in her "big girl pants" and going in the potty. When they're ready, they're ready.

Ok...Maybe I have a few helpful ideas. They have worked for us at least. If you're not about bribing, this probably won't be your method:
-Take them potty ALL THE TIME! Before every meal and five minutes after a meal. Also, before  you leave the house.
-If they have trouble with the oh-so-terrifying #2, make a big deal out of it. For #1 she get's a skittle, for #2 she gets to pick out of the "Prize bag". It's filled with things she doesn't normally get like really sugary drinks, potatoe chips and toys (Am I depriving my child?) The first time I tried to get her to do the doo doo, I said she would get chocolate cake. It worked like a charm.
-Always bring an extra pair of clothes and plastic bag when you go out. She's certainly had some accidents.

It's not down to perfect consistency yet, but she's got it!

Day 59: It's soooo hot!!!!!!!!

The heat has been A-nnoying. We have resolved to a Popsicle in the pool and cross-dressing Jaxon to be a pretty good day.

Day 58: Daddy Talk

Sometimes, Daddy's have to have a heart to heart with their boys...
Anyone remember when I used to edit my videos? Ya, I don't do that anymore. Tooooo lazy. 

Day 57: Mommy, Jaxon's in my bed!

I hope they're always this excited about each other.

Day 56: Cuteness

Day 55: Who took my Green thumb?

Seriously, I have no plant-sense. Jace collects house plants whenever he can, but if he doesn't water them...well then they don't get watered. I guess I'm just not good at caring for things that don't scream "Feed me!!"...While I was recovering from having Jaxon, my mother and mother in law planted a beautiful garden in my backyard. Luckily, they installed a drip system or those veggies would have been toast. Today I found our first veggies. How exciting!

54: "Oh my Goodness!"

Prepare for the most awkward angle, but the cutest snipet of brother and sister loving each other.

Day 53: Another Nightime Escapade

This girl CRACKS ME UP!

Day 52: Smiles

This boy is smiling up a storm and it melts my freakin heart! He really is a piece of sunshine in our home.

Jadyn snuggles with him whenever she can.