In the blink of an eye...

My mom put it best, that " if you blink your eye you could miss it." I sat Alana down on the floor on Thursday and was letting her play. I was right there ready to catch her in case she tipped when I realized she was catching herself before she fell. She had never before sat for very long until today when all of a sudden she could do it! It amazes me how fast she learns and grows. It really does happen "in the blink of an eye."

Poor Sweetheart

Alana came down with a cold again last Friday and it became worse on Monday with more frequent coughing, so I called the doctor and made an appointment. We went on Tuesday and the doctor tested her for RSV, and the test came out positive. I was so sad. Fortunately, the doctor said I may have saved her because I was sick before her and probably gave it to her, which means my body made antibodies to fight the cold. So, she had developed a very mild version of RSV, so mild that the doctor didn't feel she needed any of the 3 medications he usually gives to help. He said it was the most mild case he's seen! We were so relieved, but have been really trying to help her get over this by running the humidifier, sucking out her nose often, and having her sleep in this car seat. She is now feeling much better than before!

Undefeated Scrabble Champion!

Okay fine, we've only played three games in a row that I(Jenny) have won, or been on a winning team. But undefeated nonetheless! We had a good Sunday at Tutu and Papa's house eating steak and playing games. I wish I had a picture of the steaks, they were huge!

What a good boy!

This is Rusty after getting a bath. He's got a shiny, clean coat! Of course his beard is all scraggly already because he got a drink of water. Ha ha!

So I feel bad that we haven't been giving Rusty as much attention lately, so here are some pictures and a video of Rusty doing all his tricks! Rusty has been such a good dog to Alana, even if some times he runs away when she reaches for him. He is warming up to her a little more now and will come up to her and sniff for a few seconds before he runs away again. He is a good buddy and I hope eventually he and Alana will become best buddies.

When I grow up....

So I just love this picture because I think it's funny and cute that Alana had one foot up on the high chair, and also because her toes are pointed like a dancer.=) I just know she is going to want to dance (I hope=). Of course, maybe she will want to sing too. Lately, once we start driving to go somewhere in the car, she starts exercising her vocal chords like she's singing. Maybe she learned from hearing mommy singing in the car, ha ha!

Jenny's thoughts....

I have recently been inspired by my friend, Nikki, to share some of my thoughts about this new chapter in my life as a mom...

It is amazing to me every time I think of when I was in the hospital and how everything played out in Alana's birth. We had planned to birth her naturally, with no drugs, because we felt it would be healthiest and best for her. We were thrown off a little when our plans were turned upside down and we needed to have a c-section. Though at the time it was scary, I am so grateful for our doctor's judgement and I am grateful that Alana is here and well. I know that Heavenly Father was watching over us and taking care of me and Alana. The first time I saw her little face peering over the curtain above my stomach, I cried, and felt my chest fill with a deep love for her. It's amazing how that happens. I was so grateful to be able to see her and know that she was here with us.

Becoming a mom has definitely been a change from the life I knew before. I have had to redefine who I believe myself to be. I have been through times where I wondered what I was thinking, taking on such a responsibility and losing all the extra free time I selfishly had, to now feeling that there is nothing more important and awesome in my life than being a mom and spending day after day watching my sweet daughter learn and grow. I love that she knows I'm mommy and reaches for me now. Mike and I love watching her fall asleep and seeing our Heavenly Father's love in her. I feel like she is growing so fast now and that every day time is passing me by and I don't want to miss any of it. I want to learn every little detail about her and memorize it so I can remember forever.

I have also enjoyed watching Mike become this amazing dad. I love when he plays with Alana because I can see how happy she is with him and how much she loves and knows him. He takes such good care of us and works so hard everyday for us. I love Mike so much and my love continues to grow for him all the time. I feel so blessed to have his love and companionship. It truly bears witness that my Heavenly Father loves me to have blessed me with such a perfect family.

Utah Jazz Vs. Houston Rockets

Wednesday night we were able to go to the Jazz vs. Houston game. It was an Awesome game!!! The Zone, a sports radio station, gave the gun store free tickets to the game to get them to adverstise on their radio station. The cool part was that we watched it from a suite!!!

They had lots of food for us to eat. If you look closely you can see that Mike's sandwich has a different type of bun holding it together. He was happy he could eat.

There was a cute little boy sitting with his parents in the suite next to us. He kept staring and smiling at Alana. Alana just ignored him and watched the game. Hopefully that's what she will do until she's 25. =)

It was a long night for our sweetheart and she fell asleep for part of it. Dad is holding her and trying to cover her ears from the noise.

It was a long, fun night!

6 Month Checkup

Alana had her 6 month check-up on Tuesday. The doctor said everything looked great! She's doing everything she should be doing; reaching, rolling, grabbing, strong neck, seeing better.

She weighs 15 1/2 lbs, and is 26 1/2 inches long!

Sadly, she had to get 3 shots this time. 1 shot in one leg and 2 in the other. After the appointment, she had a nap and was back to herself in no time!



This is what Alana had to say about it all.

Jenny's New Do

I got my hair cut in December, so it's somewhat grown out now. But I love having it shorter. It is definitely easier to blow dry and I think it's a new mom thing to need a change.

Alana LOVES Rusty!!!

Lately Alana has been reaching for and laughing at Rusty. I think she's going to love animals.

Valentine's Day Baby

Alana loved this rose, but really she just wanted to eat it.=)

Tutu and Papa bought this cute Valentine's sweater for Alana, and mommy and daddy bought the rest of the outfit!

Bowling with Christian

There is no charge for Awesomeness!!! Or attractiveness!

Strike!!! Of course. =)

My best bowling isn't shown here, but that's because I had to force someone else to videotape me if I wanted to be recorded. I guess I'm the designated photographer/videographer.

I eat big girl food!!!

Before...
After!!!

Alana started eating baby food after her 4 month check up. She now eats rice cereal, bananas, apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, and prunes! Yummy!

Christmas Time

What?!

Shhhhh! She's sleeping...

Baby Play Time!!!

What a good Uncle Christian!

Alana has such a strong neck! She always arches her back to look at what's behind her.

Alana thinks Daddy is funny!

We had Alana's friend Eva over a couple times to babysit. She loved having another baby to watch and play with.

This video was taken in Las Vegas in our hotel room. Our furniture isn't quite that fancy, ha ha!

I just love the shot from the back cause her cute little feet are sticking out.=)

Alana was 5 months old in this video and rolled over all by herself for the first time!!!