Halloween....

I know...I know...better late than never? I backdated the post, so it's like I really posted it 2 weeks ago, right? UGH! Okay, so Halloween was a busy day. I had my interview. I got offered the job. I took Kira to Kenny while I was at my interview...and then took her home for a nap. Then Kira and I went back to the county building where I was that morning to go trick-or-treating. Really, we didn't go to collect candy...I just went with Anne and her son. I let her have a sucker, and some little cookies. That was all. Otherwise, the candy would have went into mom's belly...and really that wasn't necessary.

Kira and her tootsie pop

She's studying how to open it

Her costume was half off after 2 minutes...and her mouth is stuffed with cookies

What Mom? Let's go home.

So I let Kira have her sucker, and thinking she'll just hold it and wave it around...I just let her play with it. Well, I look a minute later, and she's chewing through the paper. So, I take it from her and she FREAKS OUT. So, I take the paper off, and she's a big slobbering mess. She loved it though.

After that ....we went back home and Becca came over. Kenny was helping his cousin work on his car, so Kira, Becca and I hung out and gave out candy to all of the like 4 kids that came to the house. It was fun though...we watched a movie and assisted in eating the candy that wasn't being given out to the kids. I've been on a sugar high ever since. No bueno.

Blast from the past...

No words necessary. Anyone who knows anything about this day...I hope you laughed until you cried. Oh the fun memories and joys of roommates and childish pranks... :) I miss you girls!

A Few Random Pics...

Kira and Kenny

I'm deep in thought. well, not really... :)

Yeah, we're hot.

I love my baby

Our little family

Kira and her daddy

Two Harts + One

Book Club...

Brooke and Shelby...the only 2 that read the book

Liz, Me, Keelee, Becca, McKayle

Brooke, Shelby, Blair

So, I didn't read the book....but I read the last one, does that count? As always...I love hanging out with these girls. We ate at Johnny Carino's again...this time was much more delightful. I, unlike some others, love the food there. I get this pecan crusted chicken salad. YUM. The bill was over $100 but we didn't have to pay a dime because of the coupons I got from last time, and the others who saved theirs. Yeah, I really need to read the book this time. Really, I do. Maybe I'm on the every other book strategy...so this next one I'll for sure read. I really need to make the commitment. :)

My little baby is getting so big!

Kira is getting to be such a big girl. She recognizes people more. She gets into everything....and tries to eat everything. We have to be careful because she starts to repeat things. She always says "Wass at?" which is "What's that?" She has a little temper. She hits a little bit. She takes her socks and shoes off as soon as they are put on. She's almost...ALMOST going to walk, but she loves to walk with help. She eats all kinds of different foods.... and she can have a whole piece of something and she bites it off herself instead of giving her tiny pieces at a time. She smiles a lot, and when she cries it's big alligator tears. She can entertain herself for long periods of time. She uses a sippycup a lot more now...a bottle sometimes at bedtime. She can throw the ball for the dog. She opens up cupboards and drawers. She pulls her pigtails out when she's tired. She hugs a lot. She can crawl up the stairs. She loves to play with other kids, and she is attentive when watching people, especially other kids. She tries to copy bigger kids, and she's pretty good at it--like climbing up the slide. She's rarely in a bad mood...just if she gets hurt, or is waaaaay too tired. She still throws her food on the ground sometimes, but only when the dog is begging. She is still a daddy's girl, but she loves mom too :). She's got such a fun personality and we are just enjoying being parents and watching her grow up. She has so many people that love her, especially her mom and dad...and I can't wait to watch her continue to learn new things!

Holding Hands

Becca sent me this way cute picture...and this is one of Kenny's favorites. It's kind of symbolic to me when I'm looking at it...We really are there as parents to hold Kira's hand and walk with her through life. Right now she can't even walk yet...but there will come a day when she can, and then later when she won't hold our hands anymore. I'll cherish these days...when she's so little....and hopefully she'll hold my hand when I'm a little old lady and can't walk on my own.

My Cute Family

I had a really busy few days off...well, today especially. Becca, Kenny, Kira and I went to Wheeler Farm and we took some pictures and looked at the ducks, etc. We went to the cheesecake factory. Then Becca and I went to a...Chili cook off I guess at her Ward, and then stopped by a friend's wedding reception. Kira was such a good girl all day long even though she was soooo tired. I have so many fun pictures to post, and I've got to get up in 6 1/2 hours but I couldn't resist posting atleast one picture of my cute family.

Pregnancy Tag

I swear it's all baby...not a donut or peanut butter cup in there. :)

1- Where were you when you first found out you were pregnant?

I was in the bathroom of our basement apartment up on the east side.

2-Who was with you?

I went and checked myself...and ran out to the living room to tell Kenny.

3-How did you find out that you were pregn​ant?​

Well, I had been trying to get pregnant...and I was researching on the internet and realized that I had gotten the days all wrong that I was supposed to be "trying." But, then by the end of my little research session I realized that I was a little late.....so I ran to the store to get a test.

4- What was your first​ react​ion to findi​ng out you were pregn​ant?

Well, I was so nervous and told Kenny I wasn't sure if I was ready to be pregnant so if I came out crying it was because I was relieved....I was so worried. Well...I came out crying anyways. I was so excited!

5-Who was the first​ person you told?​

Kenny...and then Becca. lol

6-Did you plan to get pregn​ant?

Well, yes. I didn't apparently plan very well...but it worked out anways, so that's fun.

8-Did you want to find out the sex?

Yes....I thought it'd be fun to be kind of old fashion...but I wanted to be prepared, and Kenny and I aren't ones to wait for anything...so we found out as soon as we could.

9-What was the sex?

Baby girl, and she's so dang cute!

10-Did anyon​e throw​ you a baby showe​r? Who?

Yep. Becca threw me one for my friends. And, Grandma Hart did one for family. I had to miss my family one though because I was in labor.

11-Did you get any outfi​ts at the baby showe​r that you just knew you weren​'​t going​ to put on your baby?

No not really...I thought it was all cute.

12-How much weigh​t did you gain?

Umm. well. I'll go with 65 lbs. But, it was all muscle...and errr....yeah, whatever. People said, eat what you want, you're pregnant. I listened. What can I say? :)

13-Did you lose​ all of the weigh​t that you gaine​d?

Yes, thank you very much. (pat on the back) So what if it took me a whole year? I don't care. Atleast it's gone.

​14-Did you get a lot of stret​ch marks​?

Are you kidding me? Yes. That's all I have to say about it.

15- What did you crave the most? Anything weird?

Well, yes. I craved anything with vinegar...Like, I always wanted to eat sandwiches with oil and vinager in it. And, I always wanted salt and vinegar chips. I never eat that stuff now, nor did I before. Random.

16-Who or what got on your nerve​s the most?

Well, that's hard. I'd normally say Kenny. But, when I was pregnant, he really did anything and everything for me. If I wanted my feet rubbed, he'd do it. If I wanted whatever food, he'd go get it. He was so patient....I wish I was pregnant again lol. Not. But, really...it was the people at my job that got on my nerves. My boss bugged me. And, the public bugged me. There is a certain amount of patience that you have to have in working with the public. Like, a certain way to be polite, yet still get your point across. Well, one time...at work this lady would not leave me alone...and would not stop interupting me. Normally, I'd ask her to leave several times nicely. I'd nod to the security officers for a little help...and I'd listen for a lot longer. Yeah, well, this one day I had zero patience. All I could say was "GET OUT OF HERE NOW." over and over.... Yeah....I better watch that next time... :)

17-Did you have any compl​icati​ons durin​g your pregnancy?

Well, not really, but kind of. I had to take those diabetes tests ...but luckily I didn't have gestational diabetes. And, my blood pressure got really high...I think it was borderline preclampsia...so that's why I had her early. Well...and let's throw in the fact that I had this crazy spasm in my leg that would hit at random times whenever I was getting out of the car, or out of my chair. It'd hurt SO BAD I'd bawl every time and freak out. I was going to physical therapy twice a week towards the end of therapy to have my leg massaged, my pelvis adjusted, and my back taped. I'm sure I'll have that next time too...I can still feel my leg isn't back to normal.

18- Where​ were you when you went into labor​?

Well, I was at work in the morning, went to my doctor mid morning, went home on bed rest, and got a phone call to go to the hospital to have my baby. :)

19- Did your water​ break​?

They accidentally broke it when they were checking to see if I was dialated...24 hours after they started me on that medicine..whatever it's called to make me have my baby.

20- Who drove​ you to the hospi​tal?

Kenny

21- Did you go early​ or late?
Kira was 3 weeks early. That's okay. She was still really chubby.

22- Who was in the room with you when you gave birth​?

Kenny, nurse, and doctor...and really, I'll never have anyone else in there. It's kind of weird even having THOSE people in there.

23- Was it video​taped​?

What? Negative. No way.

24- Did you have any drugs​ for the pain?Yeah. I had the epidural and then they gave me another bag because it ran out. I have no tolerance for pain. And, when I was in the hospital, I took every pill offered to me. Call me a pill popper. I needed them.

25- What was your first​ react​ion after​ giving​ birth​? I can't remember if I cried. I was so exhausted that I couldn't really think straight. I was so excited just to hold her.

26- How big was the baby? 9lbs 3 oz, 21 inches. Healthy size. Glad I didn't go full term.

27- Did your Husba​nd cry?Yeah...he did. It was cute.

28- What did you name the baby?Kira Hope Hart

29- Did the baby have any compl​icati​ons? Well, Kira was jaundice and had to have the light bed for a few days after we went home from the hospital. She also had a heart murmur, but we only had to stay in the hospital one extra day.

30- How old is your baby today?She's 13 months

31- When is the next one comin​g?

Wouldn't you all like to know? Ha! Well, I'm already 31 so I can't wait toooo long. But, given how tiring being pregnant is...and how my patience level is severely affected...I think I'll wait until next summer to try. Oh wow...that's coming soon I feel like. I'm not sure, but I want another one for sure!

32-​If you could​,​ would​ you do it all over again​?

Of course....

I tag everyone who can tell about their pregnancies..It was kinda fun to relive that day. :)

Friday afternoon relaxing

Sitting so nice...

getting ready to shove a fistful in her mouth....

Two of my girlfriends came over with their kids and we hung out this afternoon. We played at the park, and while us ladies chatted and caught up the kids ran/crawled around the kitchen and living room. We ate a whole bag of fishies, a whole box of granola bites, and a box of fruit snacks. :) Thanks ladies for hanging out...we, of course, will do it again soon...but maybe let the kids all eat the snacks next time.

It's Reversable!

It's dark...

It's light....

It's both....

Can your hairdresser do that.....? SNAP.

The Gate

Yep...she's got one sock

Kira standing at the gate

The other day when I saw Kira standing at the gate that keeps her from going up the stairs....I laughed to myself. She was standing there like those kids that were trying to get into the Willy Wonka factory. She will stand at the gate and stare up the stairs like that gate is her ticket to freedom, and her ticket to a whole other land. I wonder when she'll realize that there really isn't much exciting up there. The food, her toys, and everything except her crib is down here. She's so adorable though. So, so cute. And really...if she entertains herself by standing at the gate...I'll take it. :)

Chillin' with the Richards

MaryAlayne and I

MaryAlayne


Proud Mama and Baby

Emma, Derek, Angela, MaryAlayne

Kira resting for a minute

Kenny, Becca, Kira and I went to Angela's house to hang out for a while. We ordered pizza, watched t.v., and while the boys talked hunting outside, the girls caught up on each other's lives. Kira and Emma played all night long. Kira was up until after 10 and wasn't even cranky. We all took turns in their massage chair...yeah..now I want one so bad. It was fun, as always, to catch up and hang out. Thanks Ang for letting us hang at your house again. :)

My Other Blog

Yep. It's time. No, No I'm not going Private on my blog. Well, this one that is. I've decided to use one of my other blog addresses as a more "creative outlet"...and I've decided this for a few reasons. The following is about my blog. Read below, and if you'd like to have access to read it...send me an email at steph_22_hmm@yahoo.com or leave a comment with your email.

If you're easily offended, don't ask to read it.

If you're wanting to just snoop in my thoughts and feelings because I'd never tell you them myself...I probably won't give you access. But, if I do give you access and all you're doing is snooping....have at it....you lucked out.

If you're wanting to judge me, I don't care. Guess why? I just don't care. But, I don't really want to hear what conclusions you've come to about me by reading what I write.

If you're wanting to give advice: sure comment. If you're wanting to comment just to comment: sure..comment away. If you have nothing to say...that's also fine with me. :)

If I've invited you to read it...or you've asked to read it...and I let you read it...its because I trust you with my random thoughts, or feelings. Especially anyone I work with-- I made this blog private because of the position that I have...and of course where I work...so just be mindful that this generally isn't for the watercooler discussions.

I decided that my blog originally for my family and friends to keep up to date on my baby, etc...didn't really need to have random things that either people 1. don't care about, 2. don't know how to respond to or 3. really has nothing to do with my family...just stuff that I feel like writing or venting about.

If I don't really know you....you can still read it, but I'll have to know your email to give you access. It's more to keep people that I for sure don't want in it, out of it. Does that make sense?

This blog is my outlet. My "safe zone." I could just make it private like a journal, but I already have one of those...and sometimes I just like to write creatively and see where it takes me. Or sometimes I just feel like being random, and don't feel like I should on my family blog.

This blog will have no rules. It will have no theme. It's just an outlet for me before I drive myself crazy.

Picture Tag!!

Brooke tagged me with this picture post! Here's what you do: go to the fourth folder of your pictures, and post the fourth picture and tell about it!

Of allllllllll the folders on the computer, the forth happens to be the only folder that's Kenny's. I have like 15--he has 1. This is a picture that Kenny took of a drawing he did a couple years ago. Kenny's really talented with drawing, etc. I'm not really sure who this guy is, or why he drew it..but I think it's pretty cool. :)

Apparently, some people aren't really into the tag thing...I mean...I think it's fun to be tagged. It gives me something different to do. So, I'll tag anyway, and see who plays.

I tag: Julie Smith, Jody Johnson, Angela Madsen, Becca Cox

Grandma comes to visit.....for 45 minutes!

Grandma and Kira

Kira loves necklaces!

Kenny, Kira and Grandma

Grandma Jackie came through SLC Airport on her way to Idaho so Kenny and I took Kira so she could see her for a little while in between flights. Kira was a little sleepy...as we all were for that matter...but it was fun to see her and play for a bit.

Welcome MaryAlayne!

Sweet little Baby...
MaryAlayne and I
Becca and MaryAlayne

I left work a little early today to meet Becca at the hospital to go meet Angela and Derek's sweet new baby MaryAlayne. She was born yesterday and oh my gosh...she is the cutest little thing. I love to hold tiny babies...I just love them! Of course as soon as we got there we took the baby, so I have no pictures of Ang with her own baby...but I'll get some next time. :) Congrats Ang and Derek...she's a doll. And Yay for Emma...and her new baby sister!

5 Things Tag

Brooke tagged me to do this 5 things post... :)

5 shows I love to watch
1. Law and Order SVU
2. The Biggest Loser
3. The Cleaner
4. COPS
5. Extreme Makeover

5 favorite restaurants
1. Cafe Rio
2. Chili's
3. Red Robin
4. Olive Garden
5. Bajio

5 things that happened yesterday (get ready...they are really thrilling)
1. Went to see Michelle
2. Kira, Kenny, and I went to dinner with Becca
3. I took a 2 hour nap while Kira napped :)
4. Kira pulled all of the clean clothes out of the laundry basket on to the floor
5. Kira and I procrastinated doing anything productive

5 things I look forward to today
1. Having all the laundry done
2. Having a clean house...I'm almost there!
3. Kira wearing her new winter coat...it's freezing out!!
4. Kenny handing over the remote so I can watch anything but football. :)
5. Reading tonight after Kira's in bed.

5 things I love about the fall
1. The leaves changing color
2. Wearing sweatshirts and sweaters
3. Halloween and Thanksgiving
4. Pumpkin Spice fraps from starbucks :)
5. Football (added by Kenneth, Not I)


5 things on my wish list
1. Be out of Debt
2. I want a pink scooter for next summer :)
3. Sewing machine
4. Beach cruiser
5. New car and money to fill the tank every day :)--Jeep Wrangler unlimited

5 people I tag
1. Jody Young
2. Julie Smith
3. Becca Cox
4. Jacqui Rosas
5. Angela Richards

Kira Loves Lobster

Okay, well she doesn't really love lobster, but she liked looking at them when Michelle and I went to lunch today. She probably would have just stared at them all day if I'd let her. It's fun to see her interact more now and pay attention to things she wants to. Like, if you're holding her and she's watching something--and you move so she can't see...she pokes her little head around so she can continue watching what she wants. It's so cute. Sometimes I do it on purpose just to watch her intent little face.

She also colored for the first time. It was cute, but also a little sad because this is the first time a hostess has brought her a highchair AND crayons. I guess she looks like a big girl now and can color. Michelle helped for a few minutes try and color...but when she was on her own, she just tried to eat the crayons, so that didn't last very long.

Kira's learning how to use her voice

Kira is learning how to use her voice. She babbles to herself pretty much all day long. She has conversations back and forth and it's the cutest thing ever. She can say "uh-oh" and "da da." I think she can say "mama" but chooses not to at this time. Dangit!! Our car rides are also interesting with Kira and her vocal cords as she is usually just "yelling" to hear herself. She has been trying to use a different voice lately...I think she is figuring out she can make different sounds and use her voice different ways. While I love that my baby is becoming more vocal, it's also driving me BONKERS...usually the car rides put her to sleep...but now she's just interested in talking loudly. :) She got a Little People town for her birthday, and she's having fun playing with it. You can hear one thing's she learned so far. :)

A Day for Trent

For the last 15 months, 8-year-old Trent has been bravely battling AML Leukemia.

To help Trent’s family with the tremendous financial burden from medical expenses, Chick-fil-A of South Jordan will be donating 20% of the day’s revenue on Monday, October 13th to Trent’s family.
Cash donations will also be accepted, and anyone making a donation of $10 or more will receive a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich to be used on their next visit.
In addition, Chick-fil-A of South Jordan will hold a silent auction from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Auctioned items have been donated by local businesses and community members. All proceeds will go to Trent’s family.
Please help us in supporting Trent and his family! Call Chick-fil-A of South Jordan with any questions at (801) 727-2697

My cousin sent me this flyer....and of course I'd repost it because...as a Mother, and lover of Chick-fil-A...how could I not?? :) I guess I know where I'll be on Monday!! :)

3 Women, 3 Hours, 3 Stories=Tears and Laughter

Everyone always says that people come into your life for a reason....etc. Blah, Blah, Blah...you all know the story. Well, tonight, I really felt like that was true. I had the chance to go to dinner with 2 women (whose identities will remain anonymous :) ) whom I either have not had the chance to bond with, nor ever really thought I'd have the desire to bond with. But, recently I have developed a friendship with each of them that has made a huge difference in my life...especially tonight.
Each of us have completely different lives. We come from different backgrounds. We are from different worlds. We have different opinions. We are in different places in our lives. We have totally different personalities. We have different living situations, different priorities, and different lifestyles.
For hours, however, our differences were not so apparent as we shared our life stories. Our good times, our hardest times. We laughed. We cried. We gave advice--whether it was asked for or not. We shared our thoughts and feelings without judgement.
Our lives, starting from 3 separate places, have intertwined for some reason now...at this point. These friendships have helped open new doors, and helped slam some old ones. Thanks ladies...for the fun evening out, for your friendship, and for helping me remember to just breathe.

Brrr.....It's cold outside!

Hey...let me out...

Kira's little cave of a stroller

It's getting a little chilly outside and it looks like it may be the end of our little walks in the evening. You can see Kira's little rosey nose. Cute as a button!

The New Bag Lady in Town

As soon as I set Kira down in the family room...she heads for the stairs. The baby gate is usually up. If it's not, she heads straight to climb up the stairs. If the gate is up, she crawls quickly around the corner toward the dog's water bowl. If I've forgotten to move the bowl, she dumps it immediately or slaps her hand in the water and gets it everywhere. If I've already put it away, she heads for the cabinets.
We have a cabinet in the kitchen that we keep all the extra grocery bags, etc...you know, for when we need bags which we always do. Kira's new favorite activity is to open the cabinet and pull all the bags out. She'll do it all day long if I let her. Why not? It's cheap entertainment when I'm in the kitchen anyway. :)

Bottoms Up!!!

Kira's new favorite position: Head on the floor. Bottom in the air. Not sure why she loves it, but it cracks me up. :)

Hudson and Kira

They were holding hands...
Kira poking Hudson
Kira has a poking problem?

Lisa and I met up at the Gardener's Village to have lunch and hang out for a bit. It was fun to just chat and hang out. Unfortunately it was naptime for both of our children so we didn't hang out for too long. The kids made a mess. They enjoyed a messy pumpkin cookie that Lisa got for them to share, and dropped most of their food on the floor, but overall they were pretty good kids and let us talk even though they were really tired. We'll for sure have to get together more often!!

My tough little one year old

Kira had her one year check-up today. She was such a brave little girl. Daddy came and met us at the doctor and the appointment ended up taking forever...but atleast we don't go back for 3 more months! Kira weighs 24 lbs 5 oz, and is 30 inches long. She's still in the 90th percentile for her weight, and 75th for her height. She's a growin' girl. She still has a little heart murmur...I had thought it was gone, but Kira was really still and quiet this time, and the doctor can still hear it. So, we have to set up an echocardiogram for 6 months from now. The doctor seems to think it might be gone by then, and doesn't seem too worried...so neither am I. She's developmentaly on target, and I'm really glad she's a healthy girl. She did have to get 4 shots though..and that was sad. She was a very sad girl, but did really well the rest of the day. :)

The doc listening to Kira's heart

Kira waiting while they got her shots ready...

My sad, sad baby after her shots. :(