interested?

For Christmas Paul upgraded to this:


So now we need to sell this:




Anybody interested or know of anyone who may be interested? Please let us know.

the year in reflection

I was just thinking about how much has happened in our lives this last year, and all that I have learned. And decided since this blog has become somewhat of a journal for me, I wanted to write down those things that I have learned from Brooklynn so I can remember them for baby #2 and maybe it will be enlightening to some of my friends out there who are pregnant or starting their own experience with baby #1 (I wish I had someone who shared things like this with me, so if it helps...) In no particular order:

- Save all the free formula you get during pregnancy. Even though I nurse, at some point I will use the formula and it gets expensive.
- Buy or make a crib bumper that is thick.
- Just because it says espresso, DOES NOT mean it is actually a dark brown that you want and like.
- Buy a dresser with lots of drawers, some small ones too for socks, tights, hairbows, etc..
- High chairs are more convenient with wheels.
- Wash all clothes before baby comes...especially blankets and such that you will use at the hospital.
- Baby Oxi-Clean is amazing and a must have!
- Buy preemie outfits to bring your baby home in. I know they say up to 5 lbs, but they will fit a 7 lb baby too. The newborn outfits drowned Brooklynn for weeks.
- I don't need to stay in my hospital gown for my entire stay...Bring normal clothes to wear.
- Give baby binki in hospital.
- Whoever said you get more sleep at the hospital than at home so take advantage of it WAS A LIAR.
- Take a shower/put make-up on before going to hospital...I know vain, but I'll like the pictures better.
- I can walk around the hospital for my stay...don't need to stay in my bed/bedroom for my entire stay.
- Take more family pictures...whenever we are all together.
- Be more purposeful in taking pictures at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 month ages.
- Wal-Mart picture studio is deceiving... $2.99 etc. They really cost $100+. Don't ever go there.
- Exercise while pregnant.
- Take monthly belly shots while pregnant.
- Invest in a nice, comfy rocking chair.
- Buy a pack-n-play that has a thick mattress/pad- way more comfy for baby.
- Take advantage of places like Kid-2-Kid.
- Finish school before baby.(It's possible after but much harder)
- Include everyone in all momentous occasions in baby's life as bes t you can, so nobody ever feels left out.
- Read Baby Wise (best advice ever- thanks Brittney) before baby comes.
- Pampers newborn and size 1 are the best diapers but then for sizes 2 and 3 I love Huggies.
- Advent bottles leak. Noticed it mostly with the 8 oz. bottles. Even when it feels like the lid is completely on, it will still leak.
- Purchase more 8 oz. bottles than 4 oz. (You can always put 4 oz in an 8 oz bottle, but not the other way around).
- Love Huggies wipes way more than Costco brand...the price difference is worth it.
- Love the Gerber spoons way better than the Parents Choice.
- Loved Enfamil formula...pick one and stay with the same formula always...better for baby.
- Love Aveeno lotion for baby and the night time (lavender) Johnson and Johnson lotion.
- You can never have enough bibs, burp rags, or washcloths. (Believe me, you'll use them all).
- Get a brown and black diaper bag. I do the large purses now for diaper bags..cuter yes but always a mess and hard to find anything.
- Have a baby rocker chair before baby comes and shortly after get a swing. We waited too long to purchase those so by the time we had them Brooklynn liked them for only a short time and then was too big or old for them.
- Try a baby sling right away to get baby used to it (Meradith you'll have to teach me how next time).
- Pull back the skin in opposite direction when cutting fingernails and toenails. Just because the baby clippers are safety clippers does not mean you CAN'T pinch the skin..meaning cut the skin. Did that once or twice.
- Get Aflac Maternity supplement to your insurance. Its the best investment you'll ever make. (You have to have it for 10 months prior to the birth of your baby, so sign up for it a few months before you start trying to conceive)
- Lotion works like gel on baby's hair.
- You can never have enough PJs.
- If you have two cars, get two car seat bases then you don't have to move it around every time you switch cars (Great idea Cassie...thanks).
- Put your car seat in the middle, back seat. Its inconvenient and a pain sometimes, but safest place for the baby to be.
- In Utah County, loved Dr. Watabe for my OBGYN (American Fork), loved American Fork Hospital, and love Dr. Bradley Anderson of Utah Valley Pediatrics (Provo) for Brooklynn's pediatrician.
- Diapers are a great gift to bring to the hospital rather than flowers.

This has been the best year of my life. I am so grateful for my family and I love them so much!

BIG NEWS!!

Yesterday, January 28th, 2009 I was sitting on the couch talking with my bff, Stephanie, on the other couch. Brooklynn was holding onto the couch I was sitting on, facing Stephanie. She let go and was standing on her own. I can't describe it but I just new what was going to happen next. And Stephanie says Brooklynn got this huge smile on her face like watch me... Then...COMPLETELY on her own..no encouragement...Brooklynn took her first steps! It was such a proud moment...I can't even describe the emotions. I was so excited for her. Then of course Stephanie and I had her walk back and forth to us... So the moral of the story is...Brooklynn is walking! Our lives will never be the same again! Paul missed it, but I called and told him and right when he got home later that evening Brooklynn showed her daddy her new trick! It was a big day in the Giddings' home.

on a brighter note

My 1 year stats:

- 19 lbs. 12 oz. (29th percentile) Just a little thing
- 30 inches tall (79th percentile) I'm tall...what a surprise!
- 46 cm. Head circumference (77th percentile) So I have a big head...at least I have hair!

Look what I can do:

- Walk along furniture
- Walk with a push cart
- Stand on my own
- Stand up on my own
- Clap
- Play peek-a-boo and "So big"
- Point
- Feed myself Cheerios and whatever else my mom will give me
- Hold a sippy cup by myself
- Say "mama" and "dada"
- Recognize people and places

Some fun facts about me:

- I LOVE the bath.
- I love to suck the water out of the washcloth in the bath.
- I often sit on the ground and spin in a circle using only my legs.
- I love to dance by bouncing up and down.
- I am a happy, happy girl... I have a smile that lights up the room!
- I have a birth mark on the back of my neck...at my hairline.
- I have 2 cute dimples on the same cheek.
- I have really long eyelashes like my daddy!
- I'm in a big-girl carseat now and I love being able to see everything!
- I am all over my crib when I sleep and I sleep a ton (16+ hours per day)!
- I love my new desk chair Gran gave me...its probably my most favorite toy right now. I love to stand on it and bring all my other toys with me while I sit or stand on it.
- I put everything in my mouth...gotta see if it taste good.
- I am pretty much over the binki but I do like it to fall asleep SOMETIMES...but my mom is unable to use it to "shush" me...which means I'm probably going to loose it forever soon.
- I love my pink silky blanket.
- I love to play with my mom's hair.
- I crawl really fast
- I have already lived in 4 different homes in 3 different states (Ut, Ca, Tx).
- I have flown on an airplane 10 times!
- I follow my mom wherever she goes around the house...I especially love it when she is in the kitchen...I have to be under her feet at all times!
- I love to look through the front load washer and dryer.
- I love playing with my soft, cozy PJs.
- I love to pull clothes out of the laundry basket.
- My new favorite find is my daddy's guitar, although I know he doesn't like me playing with it.
- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE books and can help turn the pages.
- Cell phones and remotes are so fun for me to play with and I try to sneek them whenever mom and dad aren't looking.
- I'm into everything...don't turn your back for a second!
- I have 5 teeth!
- My crazy hair is starting to mellow out.
- I wear size three shoes, 12-18 month shirts and pants (although I also still fit into 6-12 month tops).
- My nails grow really fast!
- I LOVE animals...especially Veronica, Puma, and Scout!
- My mom calls me "pretty girl", "sweet pea", "sweetheart", "girlfriend" and "bugaboo" BUT NEVER "Brooke" or "Brookie"...
- I have light brown hair and greenish/brownish eyes...nobody's really sure what color they actually are.
- I have lots of little friends...girls and boys. I especially think little Quinn Rammell and Carder Lloyd are so, so cute!
- I have a large family already:
- 5 Great Grandmas
- 3 Great Grandpas
- 3 Grandmas
- 2 Grandpas
- 5 Aunts
- 6 Uncles
- 4 Cousins
I even had one Great, Great Grandma that I got to meet but she passed away this last year when I was 3 months old :(

poor thing

Hello my name is Brooklynn and I have 2 ear infections and just received 4 shots! My nose is a running faucet, my eyes are watery and I have an uncontrollable cough that kept both me and my mom up all night! We had 10-20 minute spans of sleep but hardly enough for either of us. I started my antibiotics last night and the Dr. said I should start seeing some results in 72 hours. We're hoping the next couple of days go by fast!

FYI

We just made Skyler's blog private. I sent out invites to all that I know view his blog...meaning the ones I have email addresses for. So, if you would like to view his blog just send me your email address and I will invite you!

Happy Birthday to Brooklynn!!

Yesterday was a fun and exciting day and I now think I am recovered enough to blog about it! First let me say thank you to all who came to celebrate with us! I was overwhelmed with gratitude for ALL our amazing friends and family and all those who remembered Brooklynn on her special day to make it so memorable. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

So B's party was greatly anticipated on my part, and took all day of preparation but I think it was well worth it and quite a success! We started off the party with a yummy salad bar (total Ridley thing, I know), followed by a little game about how well everyone knew Brooklynn. It was a 10 question, multiple choice quiz so to speak. Lana and Jess tied for 1st with 6 answers correct then after winning the tie breaker question (how long was I in labor with Brooklynn?), Jason Christensen won third place with 5 correct answers (although I think the win belongs to Meradith). After the game we gave Brooklynn her cake! It was the cutest cake ever, but probably not the most practical for making a mess. However, I don't think Brooklynn would have made that much of a mess. She poked at it and once I cut it for her she ate a few large chunks. Most of the cake ended up in her lap rather than her face or mouth, but nevertheless I enjoyed every minute of it. All of us got to eat striped delight (my favorite) for dessert and after we got Brooklynn all cleaned up she opened her gifts! She was spoiled once again, cute clothes, lots of shoes and books and some great toys that she already can't put down. Thanks again to everyone! I tried to get pictures of everyone who was there but I think I missed a few (gran...how did you not make it in one- I'm sorry).

Oh but wait the evening wasn't quite over... After everyone went home, we put Brooklynn to bed early (7:30) cause she skipped her last two naps for the party and was extremely tired. She was asleep for about a half hour and then woke up with so much energy. For the life of me I could not get her back to sleep. I tried all my tricks, routine, EVERYTHING! I could not believe it. She just wanted to play and laugh and whenever I attempted to give her the binki (which she knows means bed time) she refused and would start screaming (very unlike her). We finally got her to bed at 11:30. I was exhausted...Paul was already in bed. It had been a wonderful day but a long one too! Do you think the sugar got to her? Paul sure thinks so...don't think she will be having more cake anytime soon.

Stayed tuned cause Tuesday is her one year well check up where we will get her stats and hopefully the green light for dairy milk...that will be a celebration all in itself...no more buying formula!!!

Thanks again to all...We love you...And Happy 1st Birthday to baby Brooklynn!

I can't believe it!

Today my little, beautiful, perfect daughter turned 1!!!!! Happy birthday pretty girl! I can't believe it has already been a year...I wish pregnancy would go that fast! This year has been absolutely magical with Brooklynn in our lives. Words cannot even begin to express the love and joy she brings into our home and hearts! She is an absolute gem, so much so that everyone keeps telling me I better watch out for #2... Motherhood is such an awe inspiring, amazing calling and I feel so blessed to be Brooklynn's mom. My heart is full today with gratitude, hope, love, excitement, anticipation and pride for Brooklynn and what the future holds for her. On this, her special day, I wish her all the happiness our Father in Heaven has to offer her and a pledge to always be the best mother I can be. I love you sweet pea...

Happy 1st birthday...

Love Mom and Dad






I mean really...can you get enough of her!? We sure can't!

What a weekend!

So last weekend, Paul's parents (mine too, but just for clarification purposes) celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary! Congratulations! So to celebrate...mom flew to D.C. to meet up with dad and they spent the weekend in NYC! So jealous. They saw Wicked and did all sorts of fun things. Sooo..... I stayed in Logan with the three little ones! Yes, Anna included. I knew she would miss her mom terribly, and she did, but we made it through (thanks in large part to mama and papa and big brother and sister). I'm sure their reunion was sweet... I wish I could have been there to witness it, but I am glad I got to spend the weekend with them and get to know them all a little better. It was so sweet, Lauren even cried when I left! It meant so much to feel so loved and appreciated! We had our ups and downs, but the highlights far out weighed the pitfalls.

First of all, Paul spent the first few days in Beaver for his managers retreat, which Anna, Brooklynn and I went up one afternoon to visit with him and all of our friends at Northstar. It was a beautiful drive and the girls did quite well. Then Aunt Joanna celebrated her 40th birthday! Yes, it was a big one! We were able to go to dinner at club OG (olive garden), where our server hit on Chelsie (can't blame him even though she is too young for him). Brooklynn kept doing the cutest thing at the restaurant, laying her head on the table...and we actually managed to get a picture of it! The food was delicious and we had cake and ice cream the next day with Krista, Cale and our adorable niece and nephews! Its so fun to see Brooklynn and the kids interact. Cousins are so much fun...we were just missing little miss Violet :(

Overall, I made some great memories and enjoyed my time with the kids. Hope mom and dad had a great anniversary!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

This post is a little late but my brother celebrated his birthday about two weeks ago and we were lucky enough to join in on the festivities. The night before his birthday we joined him and some friends at Outback (of course) for dinner. It was a delicious meal. Then the next day, his actual birthday, he came over and I made him a lasagna dinner and we even topped it off with a cake and candles! Hope he made a special wish!

We are so grateful to have Ryan around and grateful for his friendship, love, and support. He is just such a great guy and we all love him to pieces! He is so calm, understanding and loyal! Did I mention how amazing he is with Brooklynn!? I have no doubt he will make an amazing husband and father someday! Thanks for all you do Ry, especially helping us out with Brooklynn lately! Hope 2009 is a special one for you. Love you!

Happy New Year!

Well we are back at home in good ol' Utah! Boy did we return to cold, cold weather and lots and lots of snow! Our first week back was a little crazy trying to get settled and back into a routine...actually we are still trying to figure out our routine. Mom drove back with us so she could come see Grandma, whom we were able to see as well. We also got to see my cousin Ben and his adorable family. We went to Logan Sunday evening to spend time with the Giddings and see Dad before he left again for DC. Always great to see them. We also got to be here for the birth of handsome Mr. Quinn (my dear friend Jenna's baby). I kept telling her he was just waiting for us to get back to Utah to come and the day we got back he was born! 11:49 pm New Years Eve! It was quite the exciting night and he seriously is the handsomest little boy I have ever seen!

In the meantime, I have started my last classes on campus. This is a little confusing to all so let me explain. When we left Utah this last summer for California, the plan was to buy a home in California and NOT come back to Utah. With this plan in mind, I wanted to walk at graduation from BYU since I wouldn't be here again to have the opportunity to do so. And then finish up my 5 classes via Independent Study. Well we all know how the Independent Study goes...I didn't do them. Then our plans changed and we have decided to stay in Utah for at least 5 more years, so we are now in the process of trying to buy a home out here. And since we are back in Utah, I decided it would be easier to finish my courses on campus, so here I am. I have classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Paul is watching Brooklynn on Mondays, my best friend, Stephanie, is watching her on Wednesdays, and Fridays are currently go with the flow...yesterday my brother, Ryan, watched her cause he didn't have to work. I might have to take her to class with me sometimes but we will see. So come April I will officially have my college degree! Its pretty exciting, but at the same time really overwhelming with an almost one year old that I miss so dearly while I'm in class.

So other than classes, Paul's work, planning B's first birthday party, preparing to watch my brother and sisters-in-law all next weekend, keeping a clean house, cooking dinner, trying to make it to the gym, looking for a house, and trying to stay warm, life is pretty much the same here at the Giddings'!

We had such an amazing 2008. And we are looking forward to 2009 being even greater. So, I have set a few New Year's goals:
- Daily personal prayer
- Daily personal scripture study (before I turn the computer on)
- Attend the temple once a month with Paul
- Read to Brooklynn every night
- Hold my college diploma in hand
- Think more before I speak...be kinder with my words
- Let more things roll off my back
- Buy our first house
- Look into baby #2 (not pregnant yet...not even trying just yet mom)
- Read a biography about our new historical President (I did not vote for him, but I am a firm believer in supporting elected officials. I respect history in the making and although we may not all believe in his opinions, we can respect the President of the United States, and I want to know more about him)
- Help Paul recruit at least 3 guys for his office.
- Be so supportive, and a non-complaining summer program wife.
- Finish reading the Twilight series


This is little Mr. Quinn. Isn't he just perfect!?


Thank you daddy for my long eyelashes!


Brooklynn got an early birthday gift...a big girl carseat! I can't believe how big she is getting and how old she is. She has lost her baby look. She is really starting to look like a toddler and it makes me so sad.


It was -6 the other day when we went to Logan. I had never been in negative weather before so I had to take a picture, sorry its so blurry.


Our beautiful little girl before church. Can't get enough of her...but you already knew that huh?