Sunday in Logan

Yesterday we were finally able to make it up to Logan to see family. The drive seems less and less each time we go and it's always so fun to see how big all the kids are getting- especially Anna. We always enjoy dinner at Mama'a and Papa's. We will miss them when we leave for California!

Our little family
Mama, Paul and the Brooklynn
Aunt Anna with her niece, Brooklynn
Anna likes "the baby"

Cute Brooklynn Pics/Outfits

Some fun pictures of Brooklynn the last few days! Just love her to pieces.

Winter Snow Bunny
So warm and sunggly
Smiling in the daddy's arms
Sorry its a little blurry
Before church
Looks like she is scheming up something

I finally did it!

I have been talking for weeks about cutting my hair. Since having Brooklynn it has been driving me crazy. It was taking entirely too long to blow-dry...when nursing it would get in poor Brooklynn's face and I was just simply tired of the same old same old. It took me awhile to convince Paul that he would like a change..besides, I have always thought short hair is sexy and sassy. So the other day I just decided off the cuff to have Stephanie cut it and she did! She was a little hesitant at first because she thought I might cry and Paul would be mad at her but nonetheless she agreed...and I am happy to report that everyone was happy with the result! Now I feel like I am officially a mom- since it seems that after having a baby women tend to cut their hair short- so now I feel like I have the "mom" look!

Before

After
Paul did indeed like it!

2 Month Check-up

On Thursday, Brooklynn had her 2-month Dr.'s check up and it was a big visit for our little one. First off she had 4 immunization shots- 2 in each leg. The daddy had to leave the room when they administered them because he can't stand to hear and see his little girl in so much pain, well that and the fact that he doesn't do well around needles. But he said while in the hall, amongst the several other crying babies, who could distinguish exactly which cry was little miss Brooklynn's. She was a trooper though. We've had to give her tylenol the last several days to help with the pain and combat a typical fever that accompanies these shots. The 72 hours of side affects is almost complete and Brooklynn, like always, has been a total angel! We then discussed with the Dr. a couple of our concerns we have noticed lately. First dealt with her spitting-up. We are aware that spitting up is normal for infants but often times when the spit-up comes, we can tell it hurts Brooklynn and she knows when it is coming because of it. The Dr. responded with good and bad news.. He gave us a prescription that will NOT lessen the amount she spits-up but will lessen the pain she feels when it does come up. We are starting her on it today so hopefully it will help. Our second concern dealt with her head- particular the back-left side- we have noticed is starting to flatten. The Dr. then counseled us to be VERY disciplined with her the next several months because if we do not correct the problem by six months then she will have to wear one of those goofy looking helmets to re-shape her head. So we have to put her on her tummy three times a day for 20 minutes, put a lite-weight blanket underneath her left side when she sleeps and place the exciting things to look at on her right side so she will look that direction. She doesn't enjoy the tummy time but I am doing it anyway. The flattening is not very noticeable unless her hair is wet- which is why I didn't notice it until the other day when I was giving her a bath and washing her hair. She has great movement in her neck to turn to the left and the right side but she simply prefers the left. So the mommy is going to be extremely disciplined so she never has to wear that goofy looking helmet. Other than that, she now weighs in at 10 lbs, 11 ounces and is 23 inches long- that's three inches of growth in 6 weeks! No doubt she will be tall...probably taller than me in fact. She is filling out and her personality is starting to shine through with cooing and smiles. We are so happy and are loving every minute with her!

Our Little Traveler

Susan with Brooklynn

For the last several weeks we have been experiencing a lot of "firsts" with Brooklynn and she has become quite the little traveler and a good one at that. First we went down to my parents house to spend some time with them during their spring break. It was a lot of fun and that was Brooklynn's first plane ride. That one and the three others since, she has been absolutely amazing! In fact on her first flight the gentleman next to us commented once we landed, "Wow she made it through the whole flight!" I responded by telling him "Yep and I bet you were nervous when you sat next to us." He said, "In all honesty, yes I was but she didn't make a peep." We were so proud!

Then our second trip was to Northern California to see my Grandpa Ridley and Susan. It was their first time meeting Brooklynn too! We spent Easter with them, Aunt Robynn and Uncle Gary. It was a lovely day with beautiful weather- can't wait to move back to California! We really enjoyed our visit and hope to be able to do it again sometime soon.

Brooklynn's first visit to the Golden Gate Bridge

So happy together!

Great Grandpa Ridley with the Brooklynn

Susan's favorite outfit on Brooklynn for the weekend

Brooklynn and me with the Easter Bunny

View of the Club and the beautiful Easter day we enjoyed

Family Easter Shot

Great Grammy-Lynn, Auntie Shayna and the Brooklynn

Their first encounter... Grandpa kept saying "Hey Buddy" and Susan and I had to keep reminding him it's a girl!

Sleeping at our Easter brunch in her Easter dress

Easter brunch at the club

The daddy and the Brooklynn enjoying her first plane ride

Big yawn to help those ears!

What to do with that crazy hair...??? Daddy said a bow is too uncomfortable to travel in so we couldn't hide her crazy hair.

STRETCH!! We've landed

Sleeping beauty on the plane...

Tagged... About Paul

Brittney tagged me to answer some questions about my amazing husband so here it is...

What is his name? Paul William Giddings

How long have you been married? 2 years and 4 months

How long did you date? From the time we met we almost immediately started dating and from that time til we got married was 6 months- and we were only engaged for 6 weeks.

How old is he? 25

Who eats more? Paul does for sure but I can hold my own too!

Who said "I love you" first? Paul did. He signed it to me the first time and I understood but was not 100% sure that "I love you" is what he signed, so I waited til he actually "said" it before I responded but I would have to say it was pretty much love at first sight.

Who is smarter? Tough one- I think we are both smart in our own ways.

Who's temper is worse? Mine is for sure!

Who does the laundry? Paul did when we first got married cause he was so picky but I guess he trusts me now with it cause I do it now but he for sure helps out- although when he puts clothes away he only puts his and Brooklynn's away because he says he doesn't know where mine go.

Who does the dishes? Whoever didn't cook.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I did until Brooklynn was born but now he does so I can be closer to her, which the left side is.

Who pays the bills? I do

Who cooks dinner? What's that? ha ha. We both do, but we enjoy going out to eat more and with Paul's job, we go out to eat all the time.

Who drives when you are together? Paul does, always.

Who is more stubborn? I am

Who's family do you see the most? Probably mine lately.

Who proposed? Paul did of course.

Where did you get married? San Diego Temple

Who has more friends? We are the same- some we have made since being married and some come from him and others from me but we are both friends with all of them now.

Who has more siblings? He does- 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Who wears the pants in the family? I think we are a good team!

I now tag Stephanie, Cassie and Dede!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Today is my parents 27th wedding anniversary! I just wanted to say congratulations to them. I love them so much and am so grateful for all they have done and continue to do for me. They have set such a great example for me and I appreciate their commitment to each other and our family! So happy we will be together forever! Thanks mom and dad, I love you and hope you have a great day- together!

Nice Job Daddy!

Just another typical evening at the Giddings home. Paul was preparing to give Brooklynn her bath and so I took a quick Kodak moment of him snuggling with the Brooklynn and then as I was undressing her for the bath I realized that the daddy didn't do so well putting the last diaper on...she had a plumbers crack! Nice job daddy- thank goodness she didn't have a messy diaper!

Daddy-Daughter moment!
What a cute bum!

Twins

Paul misses his Joshie Poo. They have been able to see a lot of each other lately now that they are working together again but inevitably after every visit, Paul is sad to say good-bye. I think it is so cute. So in honor of that, I thought it would be fun to post all the pictures I have of the two of them together and see how good you all are at telling them apart. Enjoy! P.S. Cassie doesn't count- actually for most of you it will probably be pretty easy.

I love my Paul William

This is a tribute to my dear sweet husband for his love, loyalty and dedication to us and our family. I cannot imagine being any happier than I am with Paul! He truly is the love of my life. I get chills thinking about our story- how and when we met is a miracle all in itself- a fairy tale dream come true! We have laughed, cried and experienced this rollar coaster of life hand-in-hand. And at this point in our journey, our story could not be any sweeter. It is amazing the love and connection we feel towards each other after welcoming our first baby, a part of both of us, into our home. He is my one and only and I am so happy that we will be together forever- I wouldn't want it any other way.

This picture was taken at our wedding reception almost two and a half years ago. I thought he was the best looking groom I had ever seen and luckily for me he continues to be more and more good looking with each passing day!

I simply adore him!

Paul just recently returned home from a business trip- a trip that left Brooklynn and I home alone for 5 days. Of course we missed each other a ton, as usual when we are apart, but as absence from our loved ones does for most of us, I felt a stronger love and appreciation for Paul and was so happy for him to return safely home and back into my arms. I feel so incredibly blessed to be married to my Paul William. Not only is he the hardest worker I know (next to my own dad), but he is honest, unbelievably generous, and oh so positive (I should follow his lead more often). He always looks for and finds the good in people and is never offended (a quality I am sure he acquired from his sweet mother). He makes me and everyone around him laugh- an endearing quality I think is necessary in life and thanks to him, is enjoyed in our home everyday! And as most of you know, he spoils me beyond compare! He helps out with Brooklynn more than I could have ever imagined. In fact, he probably has changed just as many or more diapers as I have! He thoroughly loves and enjoys to give Brooklynn her baths and is always concerned that she is fed on time! My mom constantly reminds me of how lucky I am to be married to Paul and how I should show my appreciation for him more often. So here's to you baby... Thank you for all you do. I love you more than you know and am happier beyond belief all because of you!

Day at Lana's

A little size comparison- 8 months vs. 7 weeks

Brooklynn just thought Noah was so handsome- and he is!

Yesterday, Brooklynn and I spent most of the afternoon and evening at my cousin Lana's home and had so much fun! I just love my cousin Lana to pieces- she is always so kind, thoughtful and helpful. I really enjoyed just visiting with her and interacting with her boys. Brooklynn had fun too! We will be sad when we move and can't hang out anymore but for now will enjoy any moment we can.