Family Time...

Our family spends a lot of time together and we're lucky to have a Dad that likes to be with us. Usually that time consists of movie/tv watching and most always a laptop in the mix.  Though I admit I love my computer, I'm quite irritated with the TV and would rather not have it in my house.  It's like having ice cream in the freezer and expecting me not to eat it.  Out of sheer frustration, I decided to make dinner time more interactive to force the family away from the big screen.  We all made our own delicious pizzas and enjoyed a few minutes of hearing each others voices instead of the TV.  The kids loved it but  Mike (unknowingly) was a little antsy and lasted about 10 minutes before he had to check his phone and tivo.  We're making baby steps and I'm considering "accidentally" forgetting to pay our cable and netflix bill!  One can dream.

yummy

Rainbow of Eyes

Now that Esti is 7 weeks old, her eyes seem to be shifting to a true blue (though some may say it's too early to know for sure).  It's looking like all my babies will have their own unique eye color.

Cy's Talents

Cy has decided he wants to be a photographer and we randomly find photos on our camera he's taken of himself and his toys.  Here's a sneak peek into his portfolio along with a cute little song.  

Enjoy!

Two artistic self portraits

Cy joining the SLC Marathon which was near our house

Esti Smiles!

There's been some debate in our home as to whether Esti is really smiling, or just feeling gassy.  At 5 weeks old I think it's safe to say these are legitimate smiles!

Esti's 1 month old

Madi Girl

I'm so excited for Madi to have her braces taken of in just a couple weeks...maybe I can get her to smile a little easier then.  She pulls off the awkward 14 year old stage like a pro though and I think she's beautiful inside and out.

The Many Faces Of Cy

This guy is so hilarious and has an amazing sense of humor for a 3 year old.  Cy can get so intense and into character whatever he's playing; trains, cars, doctor, neighbor (where he rings the doorbell and pretends he's a visitor), claw (a game he and Mike play), sacrament (where he speaks into the dishwasher handle as a microphone and blesses the sacrament), "project items" (where he collects junk mail and other paper to create his business), singing like a rock star, or just in his daily conversation.

3 Weeks Old

Proud Big Brother

We were so concerned that Cy wouldn't adjust well to little Esti, but surprisingly he's been very sweet, very tolerant, and mostly disinterested.  I guess the Prince has room in his heart for a little Princess.  We love our Cy.

Holding Esti after tattooing his face

Proud or Petrified?

When Madi was a little girl I only let her listen to soft classical or church music.  Dad can't seem to keep Cy away from all this Rock n Roll and as a result this little guy feels music like no other. I'm a bit petrified by his intensity.

Cy decided to operate on Mike's back while he was taking a little break.  When I told him to look at me like a doctor, he replied that he is "very serious" and gave me this look.  He wanted Mike to report to me how good of a doctor he was every couple minutes.  Definitely proud of this moment...love my Cy.

Esti Arrived!

The details of her birth are too special for me to post on a blog, but little Esti finally came after a long and tough pregnancy.  The world has stopped and we are in heaven.

8 lbs. 2 oz.

22 inches

Dad and the kids partied it up the night before Esti came by making homemade popcorn.  Cy has decided he wants to be a guinea pig, and insists Dad carry him around everywhere in his guinea box.

Proud Daddy and Exhausted Mommy & Baby

So content

Grandma and Sister are in love

So cozy

My Girls

 
1 week old

Wearing one of Madi's old baby outfits

Such a cute little dimple

Cy singing to Esti

Valentines Memories

Since I have nothing special for Mike this Valentines (other than delivering our BABY!) I thought I'd find an old video of us that was shot Valentines weekend 6 years ago.  I was booked for a "modeling/acting gig" for a time share development, but they were struggling to find a male partner to shoot with me in the video.  I recommended Mike, and a few days later our tickets were booked and we were off to South Padre Island.  We had such a blast shooting this together (though I think Mike was a little camera shy), and to top off the job... Mike Proposed To Me!   I thought some of you might get a kick out of this video...especially those who know Mike well.  (we don't appear till 30 seconds in)

Happy Valentines!

Over It!

I had a strange feeling this pregnancy wouldn't be like the others.  I have officially been pregnant 40 weeks, 2-3 weeks longer than I went with Cy and Madison.  I feel awful, stressed out (for reasons I may explain later) and am swollen with these 50 extra lbs.  I'm over it and am hoping my doctor will "help out" with that tomorrow.  To be continued...

Goodbye 2010...the year of travel

As I was searching through my iPhoto library I was astounded how much traveling we did in 2010...much more than I ever did on The Amazing Race.  We had so many fortunate opportunities through work/play/circumstances/etc. that allowed us to do so much from our home base in New York.  I don't anticipate we will ever visit 7 countries in one year again, but we'll be keeping our eyes open for every chance.  I find travel is one of the only ways I am truly changed or shaped politically and religiously by all the exposure and insight you only get from hands on experience.  Here's to a fun filled 2010 and a diaper filled 2011!

This New Years Mike and I took it easy since I'm not in party mode late at night (only a few weeks left!).  We had a few friends over for snacks, mingling, and watching the countdown on our new 65" screen.  Luckily Aunt Shawnie was in town from Berkeley CA to hang out and party with Madison.  They attended "Eve" downtown and even managed to get themselves on the news!

Birthday Bash

 Historically we haven't celebrated Cy's birthday because we usually travel over the holidays.  This year I decided to have a little cousin get together at a local indoor amusement park.  The boys had so much fun being brave and trying all the scary rides.  It was nice to see these little cousins play and bond together...something Cy's never been a part of being in the East Coast.

Cy makes this face everytime he feels "powerful"