Life as a Mommy

For a while I've been wanting to write about my life as a "Mommy"...

I've now been living the "Mommy" life for about 8 months now and it is Heaven. While I was pregnant, I tried to picture what it would be like, but it was too hard to imagine. I knew it would be great, but that's about it. I wondered how I would feel not working, not always running around from place to place (well, I still kinda do that) and having to slow down a little bit. As long as I could remember I have been living life in the fast lane. School, work, rehearsals, teaching, directing, shows...it's like the list never ended...

My life right now...I teach about 30 wonderful students voice and piano, I've started a "Fun With Music" class that I teach here at my house once a week (I have bigger plans for that in the future!) I'm still doing some parties/wedding/showers on the side, working for the Town of Apple Valley "part" time, feeding my creative outlet by performing and doing crafts (it sounds so old fashioned, but I LOVE paper! hehe), being a good (or decent haha) house wife by cleaning, cooking, loving etc. and the best part...being a MOM. I guess that still sounds like a lot, but my life really has slowed down!

I spend most of my day just being at home...some days I don't even leave the house! (Well...that's partly because I have students coming to me all day) but I still wouldn't change a thing. Before I was Mom, I couldn't even remember the last time I had a whole day to just be at home. I remember thinking to myself, I can't wait for the day when I get to wake up and think, "All I have to do today is take care of my little boy." Those days have finally come and it's a dream...if I could pick anything else in the world...I wouldn't. This is it.

I love putting everything side and playing with my special little boy. Sometimes he attacks my face, and I could care less that my face ends up covered in slobber, and my hair all messed up. He usually throws up on me once a day, gets crabby whens he's tired, has hated going to sleep in his own bed, but he smiles, laughs, plays, loves his bath time, loves to explore, is curious...he's my little prince...he's perfect. Life as a Mommy...perfect.

Operation: Crib

So for a the past few months I've been dreading putting Hunter in his own bed...because he's been sleeping in our bed pretty much from day one. He'd go in his bassinet every now and then, but he'd always want to nurse at night and so it made it difficult to get him out of our bed. When he turned six months I knew that it was time to let him grow up and for Mommy to let him go.

Once the holidays were over, and sleep overs at Grandma and Grandpa's were through, "Operation: Crib" was ready to be started.

Reasons why I did NOT look forward to starting "Operation: Crib"

• I've heard quite a few horror stories about Mom's going through hours of their baby's crying it out. Or they learned how to pull themselves up, and then they couldn't figure out how to lay back down so they just cried and cried.
• The idea of not having him RIGHT next to me on the nights that Michael is gone REALLY freaked me out.
• The kid LOVES to nurse! 9 times out of 10 he'd nurse himself to sleep. He won't take a binky, he won't suck his thumb, but you better believe that he will nurse!!! I was afraid I'd created a nursing monster and that he wouldn't be able to sleep without me.
• I did not expect it to be easy or go well...there have been nights where he'd scream and scream when it came time for bed, and he was sleeping with us!
• I was afraid that maybe he'd wake up wanting to eat, and I'd have to nurse him (not that I don't like nursing...but sleep at night is nice too, especially since I don't take naps)
• I was going to miss the hours of snuggling all night long. (You know how babies pretty much look like angels when they sleep, well it was so nice to just open my eyes and see his little angelic face.)

Well, the first night I started at about 7pm, and the bedtime routine was set.

• Bath time (packed full of bath toys, and his que to know that bath time is over is kissing his little bath friends goodbye and goodnight!)
• Jam Jam time (along with a mini baby massage, and his Disney lullaby CD starts to play)
• Bottle and "The Big Hungry Bear"
• A little nursing time and scripture reading.
• Bedtime prayers and then ni-night! (in bed by about 7:45. His mobile makes rainforest sounds and I leave on his lullaby CD until it runs out.)

I planned it all out, and that first night I hoped that it would all run smoothly and then we'd both be able to make the transition. Well...I did a little more than just hope...while I was getting him ready (and crying a little ha ha) I prayed for a tender mercy from our Heavenly Father. I prayed that Hunter would be okay, get a good night sleep, and basically be that good baby that every mother wishes for, and my prayer was answered. I love the times in my life when I ask for things that are somewhat simple, and may not be all that important, but Heavenly Father knew what I needed that night. I was granted one of the best tender mercy's I have ever received and I am indeed grateful. Since then Hunter has slept in his crib and it has been five days. He'll wake up once, maybe twice, but all I have to do is turn on his mobile and rub his little belly and then he'll fall back asleep. I found this to be pretty amazing for my little guy. He's not always the easiest baby, so when everything went so smoothly, I definitely knew it was because I prayed so hard!

I'm grateful for the wonderful six months that I got to spend with my little boy right by my side every single night, but I knew this time had to come and it's better for the both of us. It's a good thing he looks so cute in his little crib, and that I love him in his little room that I've decorated with such care, because that makes it a little easier to put him in there.

Operation: Crib has been a success, and although I miss my little guy, we both get a good night's sleep and it had to happen sooner or later. So all you Mom's out there that might be struggling with this situation, I wish you sincere luck! It's not always easy, but we just gotta do it! (=

BTW Being a Mom is by far the best thing in the world!!!

Making eggs...

There has been something on my mind...

A normal Sunday morning consists of me getting up and making breakfast for my one and only. Not too long ago, while standing at the stove, watching the eggs cook, I had a thought...

I'm so glad that I'm making eggs for my love, and not for anyone else, and I don't EVER want to make eggs for anyone but him!

Kind of a weird thought, but basically, I'm glad (complete understatement!!!!) that I married the person that I married and that there will never be anyone else but him...

The reason why I stumbled upon this thought is because there is someone in my life who will never again make eggs for the one that she married...my heart is broken because of this, not only for her, but for the family that it is affecting. It is not because of death or loss, but because of separation...divorce.

Now, every time I make eggs, I think about the person getting them, and no matter how hard times may seem, he will ALWAYS get the eggs that I make...

The Price to Pay

It's 5 o' clock in the morning, and I'm lying here in bed with my beautiful son next to me and my handsome husband getting ready to go to SWAT training...This routine happens pretty much every other week, and although I'm grateful for the training that my husband is getting, I do wish that he could stay home and play with Hunter and I.

We just got back from our family vacation, and we are definitely being thrown back in to the "real world" pretty quickly. Michael starts his new position this week and although I am very excited and happy for him, it will be quite the change for our little family. He will be gone one extra day a week for a 4/10 work schedule, but those 4 days usually turn in to 5 or 6 days because of having to testify in court, taking gang classes, training, getting called out etc. Not to mention keeping up on his normal duties of SWAT.

I know it kind of seems like I'm complaining, or may be in need of a "pity party", but that's not the reason for this post...Honestly, I don't think I can pin point the reason why I'm writing this...I've never taken the time to write about Michael's job, but I thought that since he's starting his new specialized assignment, now would be a good time.

I would like to say that if you have a "normal" life, you should consider yourself lucky. What's normal? Having your husband home for dinner at least 3-5 times a week, not having to spend night after night by yourself, not wondering if your husband is going to come home from work because of what he has to do at work, being able to openly talk about what your husband does without worrying about the response your going to get, or whether or not it will benefit your family, not having to stand up for what he does, or not having to worry about hiding or locking away the "things" your husband uses at work. I'd say that those are all pretty normal things...I know that as newly weds, we will go through some rough patches or crazy schedules because of trying to get through school, or getting in to careers and what not, but my crazy schedule will pretty much last forever (well at least for a REALLY long time).

If I could have seen in to the future and see what my life was going to be like, would I still choose it? Well...yes, and no. Being a "cops wife" has definitely made me a stronger person, and has given me more faith than I have ever had, but it is hard...I am proud of Michael, and know that he has an honorable career, but there is definitely a price to pay.

"A Police Officer's Wife"

A special kind of woman: a cut above the rest,
That's A Police Officer's Wife, rating her best.

How many good byes are whispered, joined with a fond embrace?
As duty steals her man, for the danger he must face.

How often have meals been ruined - or tender moments disturbed,
by a call for special duty, sparking loyalty un-swerved?

It's a devil of a job, for an angel like this,
Who......for the love of her man, must forsake that kiss,

She can run a garden tractor; even paint a room in need,
How she can stretch a dollar is a miracle indeed.

She's mother, lover, chauffeur and nurse,
A living symbol of: "for better or for worse."

Rich is the man, reaping his rewards in life,
Who chose to be the other half of

A Police Officer's Wife.

Happy 26th Birthday to my Handsome man!

So today Michael turned 26...kinda weird, 4 years away from 30, but time just keeps moving quickly! I just wanted to dedicate this blog to him so that he knows he's special. (I try and make birthdays as special as I can, because it is the day to celebrate YOU and only you!)

Ten facts about Michael

1. He loves to go shooting, golf, play and watch baseball (Go Angels!), fish, snow board and wake board.
2. He loves watches.
3. He loves learning about Navy Seals (and secretly wishes he was one but wouldn't put his family through that career choice), gangs, weapons, and most importantly, the gospel.
   
4. His favorite foods are steak, steak...oh and steak. He also loves sushi and sea food.
5. He likes to watch cooking shows, (Master Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Iron Chef etc.), is a long time and loyal fan of The Simpsons, and also likes 30 Rock, House, Friends and Everybody Loves Raymond.
   
6. He is a member of the SWAT and gang team for Rialto PD. He is the most brave and courageous person I know and will ever know.
7. He's the oldest of four siblings.
8. He's loves Harley Davidson. He has a Harley and a lot of Harley attire and accessories.
9. He loves Boxers (dogs) and takes really good care of our two very own Boxers, Reesy and Bruno.
10. And for the best fact of them all...He has a loving wife and adorable son who want to wish him a happy, happy, birthday!!

Being that this is the first birthday that Michael has celebrated with our little Hunter, I thought I would take the opportunity to start a tradition. Every year, we'll pick out a book for them to share together. This year it was the "critters" book, "Me and My Dad" and "Diamond Jim Dandy and the Sheriff". I LOVE traditions! (=

Here I am! Two Months Old!!

length: 23inches
weight: 11 lbs. 13 oz.
clothes:NB (although most NB jam-jams don't fit anymore because I'm too long) some 0-3/3-6, and I even try some 6 mo. clothes but they are still a little too baggy, but the length is close to my size.
diaper size: Still in size 1

My Ridiculously Good Looks

My favorite thing about this month is that I'm starting to smile! I really started to smile at about 6 weeks. It's pretty nice to be able to express my happiness! I definitely smile the most at my Mommy and Daddy.

My eyes are still a blue-ish, and it kind of looks like they are lightening up. Who knows what color they will be...

My hair is looking lighter and lighter. It almost looks like there is some red in it. It's also thinning out a little bit. I hope it doesn't thin out too much. I really like my hair. I especially love the feel of the wind blowing through it.

I'm getting pretty big...Sometimes my Daddy calls me fat boy ha ha ha My little thighs are getting a little chunky, along with the rest of my body. But I'm not too worried because I still keep growing in length. Baby fat is attractive right?

Discovering Life

• I'm starting to "coo" a lot! I'm still getting used to this whole using my voice thing but it's pretty fun because every time I make noises Mom and Dad seem to be SO fascinated! I really like to make noises when my Dad sings to me. I know that sounds sissy, but he sings manly songs like 70's rock songs and what not.
• I am definitely a morning boy and I love waking up and playing. I'll whine until Mom picks me up and then she'll let me sit with her in bed. I wiggle, coo, smile, yawn...and then go back to sleep. I don't know if she appreciates me waking her up so early just to play with me for a little bit, but I just can't stand laying there. I need to get up and get all of my wiggles out and then I'm good to go.
• I discovered my thumb! But I still don't have quite enough control to suck on it all the time, or maybe I just don't want to. I also just recently started enjoying my binky. Mommy's pretty happy about this. She says, "Put a cork in it!"
• The comment I hear the most from people is, "Wow, he's SO alert!" I've been this way since day one. Bright eyed and bushy tailed! Mom thinks I'm going to give her a run for her money because of how alert and active I am. I also hear people say that I look older and bigger than I really am. I think it's my hair...or my handsome big boy face.
• I've started to drool...a lot! Sometimes I soak the whole front of my onesie. I don't know why I do it, but I do...and I make bubbles with my drool too. That's pretty fun.
• I like to stand when somebody is helping me keep my balance, and I stand the most when I'm upset. I don't know why, maybe it helps me get my frustration out.
• I am NOT a fan of tummy time. My arms aren't that strong yet so I can't hold myself up all the way. I just lay there and whine so my Mommy feels bad for me and picks me up.

My Adventures

My Blessing
This month I was blessed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My Dad blessed me, and gave me my name. It will be one of the greatest experiences in my life. My Mom's cousin Jesse Pew, best friend Phil Clevinger, Grandpa Mastaler, and Great Uncle Bill Hackett all stood in the circle. Mom's best friend Julie Gilmer and her family were there, her good friends Jeff and Kelly Hume, Trent, Ammiel, the whole Pew clan and of course my Grandparents. I felt very loved and I'm so grateful for the blessing that my Dad gave me. It was a very special day. My Mom even got up and bore her testimony. I remember that she said that the best thing she will be able to give her children is to live her life the best she can so that we may be able to know Christ through her. I am grateful for her testimony.

Church
Now that I'm older, I get to go to church every Sunday! I love it! I haven't made it through one sacrament without crying yet, but at least I hold it in until the meeting is almost over. And then i go to primary with my Mommy and it's a lot of fun being with all of the primary kids. My Mom teaches the 8-9 yr. old girls. They always smile at me and tell me how cute I am! One sunday, the Bishops son told my Mom, "What a cute baby you have!" What a sweet little boy! Oh and my first time going to church for all three meetings, they reorganized the Bishopric! That was REALLY neat to see. I'm so grateful to be a part of this church.

The Park
I went to the park for the first time for Jeff and Kelly Hume's going away barbeque. It was pretty exciting. I was so excited that I couldn't even eat! (And I was pretty hungry too!)I met a lot of Mommy's friends and it was a lot fun.

National Night Out
This month I got to see Daddy at work! I saw him in his SWAT uniform, with all of his guns and everything. They did a demonstration with there big SWAT trucks. It was REALLY neat! My Daddy is my hero!

Victoria Gardens
I had a little shopping date with my Mom and Auntie. We saw puppies, went to the scrap book store, the shoe store, the book store and so much more! I did pretty well for my first big shopping experience but I got a little bit cranky towards the end and didn't want to be pushed in my stroller anymore.

Costco
So there's this thing called my car seat...and I don't like it at all!! It is for the car...and that's it! If you take me out of the car in my car seat, I won't last very long. Mom thought she'd take me to Costco and leave me in my car seat while she shopped around, and I made her pay by screaming my head off when we got in line. Everyone stared at her and she was pretty embarrassed. I do feel kinda bad...but I just can't stand my car seat!

Play Dates
I was babysat by Grandpa for the first time! Also, Ammiel (Mommy's good friend) and Dawn (one of my Mommy's students Mommy's)babysat me too! I get passed around while Mommy teaches her piano and voice students. I don't mind it. I like all my friends. Also, Grandma watched me while Mom and Dad went out for their four year anniversary. It was their first date since I was born. I'm glad they go on dates. That's what Mommy and Daddy's need. I can't for their five year anniversary. We are going to go to Disneyworld, (We are going also because Uncle Scotty's coming home from his mission) and they are bringing me with them! It's going to be a whole family affair! I can't wait!!!

Who ever thought so much could happen in two months and I'm sure I'm forgetting things. My Mom can't believe how so much fits in to such a short amount of time. I can tell that my Mom is starting to get a routine down. She's also getting used to being a stay at home Mom. Although she teaches a lot of students, she still spends a lot of time with me and at home. That's definitely the way it should be, because I love her a lot and I'm glad that she's the one taking care of me. Although Daddy is at work most of the time, I get to see him a lot too. I love my family so much and I'm really grateful to be in such a good home.