Dancing, Sleeping, Missing, and a Visit

We had new neighbors move in upstairs a couple of weeks ago.  I would say I hate them...but some how the word seems a little strong because I've never really met them.  They are SO loud.  If I didn't know any better I would think that they were having a Dance Dance Revolution Party ALL DAY LONG.  Considering I don't think anyone can dance for that long without taking a break I don't think that's the reason.   A couple of days ago I became THAT NEIGHBOR, you know the one that knocks the broom handle against the ceiling as hard as they can.  I know they can hear me because magically it's quite for 5 minutes...and then it starts all over again.  While Paul's parents were here last weekend they said they thought it was thunder....it's that bad.  I wouldn't mind if it was just walking, but the 24/7 jumping has got to stop. Do you think they would stop if I brought them cookies?
Getting off my soap box now. 

I feel so liberated.  Who knew having your child sleep for longer periods of time could make you feel so good.  I had created this monster child.  When she was 2 months old she started having really bad stomach aches and constipation.  I never felt like I could let her cry because most of the time she was crying because she was in pain.  She got to the point were she required me to sleep with her.  Finally we solved her stomach aches with what I call liquid gold, but I was still fighting her when it came to sleep.  I tried everything short of letting her cry.  I didn't think I could be that Mom. After a really bad week with really no sleep I decided to start letting her cry.  The first couple times were SO HARD.  It required a large tub of ice cream and constant reassurance from my sister to get through.   Then she got sick which made her go backwards.  Monday I started again and she took a 2 hour nap today....2 HOURS!!!  It was so much easier the second time around....less ice cream was consumed.  I am one happy Mom, and she is one happy baby!

Today I am missing my husband.  He left me to fly to Fairfax, Virginia for work a week ago. It is the first time I have ever been alone in my life!  He comes home tomorrow and I couldn't be happier!

 Right before Paul left we spend a great weekend with his family.  Paul's parents came down to visit for a few days.  Anne bought us some books (thank you!).  She must know it's Audrey's favorite thing to do.  I was getting bored of reading the same ones over and over.  Thanks Ana and Grandpa for coming to visit.  We feel bad that it ended in the stomach flu.  We hope you are feeling better!

Lets go fly a Kite...or an Airplane

We went flying.  This airplane finally took it's maiden voyage.  It's really fun for me to watch Paul do something he loves.  He's been flying these things since he was a kid. From building them to flying them...he loves it!  He took a class at BYU his last semester where all they did was build and fly airplanes.  Awesome.  I love that he has something to take his mind away from the daily grind. 

 Someday I might try my hand at flying one of these, but for now I'm just content to sit and watch.  I have this nightmare that it might come whirling down out of control and crash into pieces under my control.  Audrey has enough interest in watching it that I'm sure when she gets old enough she'll want to try too.  Maybe we'll start with the simulator.   

 She loves my sun glasses.  I've thought of getting her a pair, but I'm sure they would spend more time off her face than on.  

 Awesome but Awkward wave.  

Audrey's Babble

This little girl loves to talk.  She never stops . 

Here's to Firsts

As you all know I picked up photography as a hobby about 7...8 months ago.  I have never really intended to take pictures professionally.  The only thing I've ever wanted is to be able to take beautiful pictures of my kids and help other people when there's a need.  I didn't expect such an experience to come along so soon...to say I was not ready was an understatement.

This last week, days before her wedding Angela asked me if I would take her pictures.  I've been nervous, scared, and excited.  It came and went, I made mistakes, and learned a lot. I'm so happy Angela trusted me enough on such a special day.  She and her husband got married yesterday and got baptized today with their two daughters. I'm so happy for them and this new chapter that they have started together.

I know you're dying to see so...Here's just a few of my favorites.

My favorite Elders (the ones that serve in our ward) are in the Black.  They are awesome!

I had to stuff this one in there just because they are so cute!

Like Mother Like Daughter

I have an unnatural obsession with snapping.  I've never been able to snap or whistle.  So naturally I was always jealous of those who could.  It got even worse when I became an adult.  

When a 5 year old asks you if you can snap, you can't tell them you can't.  So, you cross your fingers hoping that this time it actually works only to be disappointed by a very pitiful finger rub.  Then the 5 year old proceeds to show you up with a loud echoing snap.  Crap.  Was I just out snapped by a 5 year old?  

This is when jealousy turned into an obsession.  

In my last choir concert of before I graduated from college my professor announced that we would be performing this.  I was excited....and then I remembered I couldn't snap. Contrary to popular belief, practice does not always make perfect.  I spent a lot of time working on it with Paul.  Yes, I realize how ridiculous I sound.  It wasn't until months after the concert that I picked it up.  I still find myself snapping all the time because I'm so pleased with myself for actually getting it.  

Today I was eating dinner with Audrey and she started snapping. Obviously no sound coming out of those little fingers yet but she was actually snapping.  I starting laughing out loud.  I never realize how much I do something until I see Audrey doing it.  This is something I must get on video in the future.      

Within the last couple weeks she started putting my shoes on.  She always gets frustrated when they don't stay.  I don't think she understands that her little feet are too small.  

Goodbye

  Audrey brought me my shoes this morning and waved goodbye.  Either she wants to get rid of me or she wants to go somewhere.  I put my shoes on and started toward the door.  She was right at my feet with arms stretched upward still waving goodbye.  I guess it's time to get out of the house today.  Everyday I am amazed at how well she communicates without words.  

One of my new loves is the splash pad.  We go almost every week with a few friends.  Audrey loves to splash around and I love to spend a little bit of time with some of the Moms in the neighborhood.  

 Drinking the water seems to be standard among the kids that come here.  I suppose whatever makes them happy.... This our friend Garrett.  One of the two boys Audrey likes to follow around.  I think she has a crush, and he doesn't seem to mind.  I didn't get any pictures of Audrey in the water because she wouldn't let me leave her side.
 She's walking well enough now that I don't think she'll care where I am the next time we go.

Walking video coming soon....

Something New

Paul and I may have bought a new car.  I feel very spoiled.  I've fallen in love.  You may wonder why we bought such a large vehicle.  The answer is simple.  Our car doesn't hold a second car seat (no this is not an announcement) and I plan on having more than one child.  Paul often gives rides to new converts and investigators. The best reason of all....when my family or Paul's family comes to visit it will be nice to be able to carry more bodies.  Beach trips will be a lot more comfortable!  I thought I wanted an SUV, but the SUV I wanted was way less bang for my buck.
I have found a whole new life in owning a second car.  Where I stayed in the house all day...which can get very very boring and sometimes depressing.  Now I have a lot more freedom to go to the library, grocery shopping, to the splash pad and all other sorts of activities.
Some of you have requested to see her....here she is

   So for those of you itching to get away...we are only a plane ride away!