Annie's Here

Our little angel Annie arrived February 26 at 7:08 am. She was 8 lbs 9 oz, 20 inches long - when we saw her, we thought we were having a 7 pounder because she looked so much smaller than Apollo at birth. We think she's beautiful!

Here's what we know about her so far:

• Annie loves to have her head rubbed
• She loves to snuggle
• She always tucks her feet in tight when she's being held
• She loves bath time - getting in the water relaxes her
• She loves her after bath massage
  
• She's adored by her older brother - he loves giving her kisses and being "soft"
• She loves to sleep next to her daddy
• She has long fingers and long toes

Anticipating Annie

Last night I talked to my friend Kristen, who is a labor and delivery nurse, about the nightmarish delivery and recovery I had with Apollo (9.5 pounds). She explained some things that happened that I didn't quite understand (things that lead to the blood transfusion). Just thinking about it again made me scared but like she said Apollo "paved the way" so hopefully this time will be better. I think going through pain and all that we do during pregnancy, the delivery, and afterward is to help us be even more grateful for our little ones and our health when we have it.

We are soooooo excited to finally meet our little Annie. She is a little wild one and kicks All the time. When we ask Apollo where Annie is, he points to his tummy and says "Annie". He gives my tummy kisses and will pat it. He is such a lovable little guy and I think he'll be very sweet to his little sister.

This week has been so fun-it really has been anticipating Annie week. Megan Adcock threw me a beautiful shower-so sweet of her. It was so special to have everyone celebrate such an occasion-I had so much fun and have still not come off of the high. Nothing gets you more excited to have a girl than girly things. I had so much fun going through everything. She'll be spoiled.












Before the shower, I got a final manicure and pedicure all done in pink. PURE HEAVEN. Carleton is so good with Apollo and has had a lot of bonding time with him lately.




Brenley taught me how to make hair clips and Julianne showed us how to make bows. I had a blast and could have stayed there all night making such cute things. We'll have to get together again when Annie is up to it.




Carol took me out for a final girl's day out. We ate the most delicious food and looked in all the cute shops. It was in San Juan Capistrano by the train station. They had old homes that had been converted into restaurants and shops. Thank you so much Carol. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt-you are so fun!

Apollo and Friends

Everyone is looking forward to Annie coming in less than 2 weeks! When we ask where Annie is Apollo points to his tummy and says "Annie". When we ask him what a baby says he puts his hands up like he's crying and says "wah wah". I'm ready to pop. Someone told me the last month is meant to be harder so you're not as freaked out about the delivery-you're just ready to go.

Apollo had a fun week of playing. We go to a Music Maker group on Wednesdays where we sing, march, and read stories. Apollo's fav. time is snack time. He plays with Abby and Daylyn on Tuesdays and with Maia and Miles on other days. Carleton and I look forward to date nights and I like the time to get some things done.

On this day Apollo got to bring the ladies to his crib for some entertaining.

Happy Birthday Carleton!!

10 reasons why marrying Carleton was the best decision I ever made:

1. He treats me like a Queen. Women of America would salivate if they new all Carleton does for me. He always puts me first and is teaching me what it's like to be a Christlike spouse.

2. He gets more handsome every year.

3. He is sooooo fun and funny. I always say that I've been a happy person but I found true happiness when I met him. I'm addicted to him!

4. He is my perfect match. He has so many strengths where I don't and together we fit so well. He is motivated, yet chill-works hard but can relax-is brilliant, yet knows how to let others shine.

5. He has a great zest for life. He sets goals, loves the outdoors (he just got home from buying some new climbing shoes), pushes himself in running, is a gamer, is competitive, and has an overall fun attitude.

6. Even though I think he's perfect, he's still real. I can be myself and he loves me unconditionally.

7. Not only do I adore him, but so does Apollo. Apollo drops whatever he is doing and runs to Dad when he comes home-you've never seen a kid more excited to see Dad. I love to watch them play together.

8. He is a good person. He has a sense to know if someone needs help or something needs to be done and he jumps right in to help.

9. I am home when I am with him. I am full of joy when I am with him.

10. He loves God.

This week Carleton's coworker, Carol, wanted to have a birthday party for Carleton around a fire pit on the beach. We found out on Tues. that we would be rained out so we'll have to party later. We had a fun night with just the two of us while Apollo had fun with Mia and Miles. Carleton got his birthday burger so he was definitely happy.

Apollo loves to have his feet rubbed. Carleton took a bunch of pics the other morning when the sun was coming in.

Fun in the Sun

Last Monday Carleton got off work because he had put in some long hours the week before. We went to the beach. Apollo and Robyn played on the beach playground and Carleton went body surfing.










Last Saturday we went to San Diego. Carleton ran a 10k race that he had been training for (for over 6 months!). It was a beautiful day and the race was along the water.




















After the race we went for a little hike around Torrey Pines. It was amazing with the cliffs, water, sand and pines. Apollo doesn't like to be carried anymore and kept saying "help please" until we let him loose to walk.







Robyn just started a new blog. Check it out on the top right corner of this page.

Happy New Year

Christmas at Carleton's parents in northern California was a blast - Apollo got spoiled!

We enjoyed a day at the local theme park, complete with kiddie rides for our little man. He had a big day and was pooped out at the end.

We took a beautiful hike to a place called Indian Joe Caves for some rock climbing.

Our 14 month old son learned to open doors at the house - he would just laugh after opening the door - what a cheese! He's having a little trouble adjusting to his once-a-day nap schedule - sleeping on the job!

A belated holiday party in Laguna Beach was fun - Carleton's co-workers were really fun to hang out with. The host had a Wii, so we enjoyed some lively competition.

On the holiday weekend we christened "Big Agnes" (Printed on our new tent) at Dixon Lake near San Diego. Apollo loved the fire, hot dogs, walks, city lights, and generally just being outside.



Apollo is always happy when he's outdoors. The big picture was taken on Mt. Diablo in a little sandstone cave. It's fun to swim in January - gotta love the southern CA weather! We scouted some neighborhoods for a possible home purchase - we're really liking Corona, with homes backing a national forest and still within 30 miles of work. Hopefully we get into a house soon!


Robyn's buddies love Apollo, and he loves them.

Feliz Navidad

This last month has been a very busy and fun-filled time for our family. It always seems to be that way during the Christmas season. Robyn threw a baby shower for a new friend in the ward, Ali. We all had a fun time.



We went climbing again but we were rained out. Jordan and Nick bought their own climbing gear so we'll have to get a bunch of people out their next time with 2 ropes. The picture shows some creative new holds Jordan found. Robyn is looking forward to climbing again after the baby comes.


There is the coolest mall close to us that is completely decked out for Christmas. You feel like you have to look nice just to go in. Apollo loved to ride on the reindeer carousel and look at all the lights. Gap had a good deal on hats so we got this cute one for Apollo.


This is our beautiful Christmas tree. Carleton always picks out amazing trees every year. This was the night of our ward Christmas party and Apollo's first time on Santa's lap (and his last if he has a say). Every time he sees a Santa card or anything he says "Ho Ho Ho" but wasn't too keen on the "real" guy.

We met Heidi and Josh in San Diego for the day. We took a duck tour of the town and of the water. What a beautiful place! Marshall and Apollo are becoming good buddies and would hug and kiss each other. We'll be sure to put the pictures up on the mantel when they're in high school. We got a great shot of Apollo that looked like an ad or that he should be in GQ. We celebrated Marshall's birthday. To say that he was excited about his cake would be an understatement.