Momma Cat

We picked out this "grandma" name for my mom many years ago, when some other kid happened to call her that. I don't remember all the details of that story, but the name seemed to stick. I'm not sure if my mom wants to keep that name, now that she is, in fact, a grandmother--but until I hear otherwise, that's what I'm sticking with.

Anyway, my mom went back to Montana on Saturday. Reese and I hated to see her go--especially after she had been taking such good care of us all week! It was so wonderful to have her here for two whole weeks! She was a huge help in getting us settled into our new apartment. She and I ran errand for two days straight getting things for the apartment--groceries, area rugs, lamps, etc. Then we spent another two days finishing unpacking boxes and finding a place for everything. My mom hung all our pictures (I really struggle with that) and made everything look so put-together and homey!

My mom was even more of a help after we came home from the hospital! She slept in the baby's room and rocked her to sleep, changed her diaper before feedings--even gave her a bottle for one feeding each night so I could catch some more z's! She made us dinner every night and even left a batch of cookie dough in the fridge for after she was gone. What a star!

It was so much fun to have her with me for so long to hang with, play with all day long, play with Reese together (Reese LOVES her Momma Cat!) and ask questions about what to do with a brand new baby. The two weeks went by way too quickly and we can't wait to have Momma Cat back! Reese really misses her roommate--she did not want to transition into sleeping by herself in her own bed (we are still working on that).

Thank you so much, Mom, for everything. I couldn't have done it without you. We miss you like crazy and can't wait to see you soon!

Wii Night

Check out these pictures-- every time I see them I want to die laughing! I think they are hilarious! We went out to dinner with some friends a few weeks ago and then went to play Wii for a little bit. (It was Mike's and my first time to play Wii, and I think Mike was hooked! I had to take it a little bit easier, since I was very pregnant at the time.) The boys were so funny about it! Here Sterling and Mike are playing the boxing game and Mike was seriously working up a sweat--it was so funny to watch! We also tried Tennis and Baseball--but the boxing showdowns were definitely my favorite.

A chip off the ol' block

My roommate at BYU, Heidi, used to make fun of the way I slept. No, I don't snore. I used to sleep on my back with my hands crossed across my chest. When I saw this little mush sleeping just like her mom used to, I just had to document it to show Heidi that my baby girl is already a chip of the ol' block. (I haven't been able to sleep on my back for months! And now I can truly appreciate it as one of the best things about not being pregnant anymore.) Heid, you may be the only one who gets how funny this is, but I thought you would at least enjoy this.
Reese doesn't quite yet fill this sleeper out...it's a 0-6 month sleeping gown, which is so nice for easy diaper checks in the middle of the night, but Reese pretty much swims in it for now. "You'll soon fit into it, Titch."

Sweet Baby Reese

Back by popular demand, here are a few more pictures of our sweet baby girl. This is Reese in one of her newborn outfits that actually fits! I love that she is posing and showing off the strawberry detail on the bottom of her foot.

One wakey, wakey picture. Those are a little tricky to get with my camera--I am having serious camera technical difficulties lately. The light of my flash goes off and Reese makes a face, like, "what the?" and I either get a picture with eyes closed or a weird face.

This pic is from our day trip to the library. I live essentially across the street from a public library and today my mom and I bundled Reese up for the first stroller outing. She had her clothes on, then a pink fleece coverup, then a light blanket wrapped around her under her seatbelt, then two big blankets doubled up on top. She looked hilarious! It was pretty windy outside, but she stayed quite warm!
Here's another view of the fleece coverup onesie. Ooh, she is a musher!

She is here!

Baby Reese was born this afternoon and she is beautiful! 7 lbs 9 oz. and 20 3/4 inches and not even a squishy head! Mommy Taryn is doing well also and I think Michael has never been better! (this is Lauren, guest blogging, I just couldn't wait to share these pictures with Taryn's readers) - Here are some pictures to hold you over until Taryn can post on her own. Isn't she just soooo cute!!!!! Congratulations Tar and Mike!!