9.29.2009

i'll bring home the bacon... fry it up in a pan.


Last Friday, I went back to work. I wasn't exactly looking forward to this happening but I knew that it wouldn't be much time away from the baby and ultimately it's the best for our family. I am working for my dad in his new satellite office. He practices oral surgery on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. I have been working for him since I was 12 years old and have learned a lot about the dental field. But, I didn't learn a whole lot about the billing aspect. I am training in this area right now and there is so much to learn and get down. I was nervous at first and thought I would be in over my head but after the first day of training, I am confident that I can get this. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work for my dad and am truly grateful to contribute financially. Anything I can do to take a little weight off Andrew's shoulders is work doing.
P.S. I love bacon.

9.28.2009

rubber ducky, I'm awfully fond of you.


Our nightly routine consists of the 3 B's. Bath. Bottle. Bed. I love our simple routine because it involves lots of smiles, cuddles and of course the sleep part. Tonight was the first time that Londyn enjoyed her entire time in the bath tub. Ever since her first bath... she hasn't really known whether to love it or hate it. Usually she starts out scared, then kinda gets into it... and ends with a grand finale of being "so over it." Tonight was different. Bath time was filled with smiles, lots of chatting and splashing. Being a bath tub addict myself, I knew my own kin would come around. It was such a sweet moment to realize how much she has developed and grown just in the last 12 weeks. I love being a mama.

9.27.2009

Sunday Afternoon Play Time

ears pierced... check.


Friday night, we took Londyn to get her ears pierced. We have been waiting for her to reach 3 months in anticipation for this momentous event. As planned, she had her jammies on, paci ready and a bit of Tylenol in her system for afterwards. She was such a trooper! When they pierced the first side- she didn't even flinch. Still trying to grasp what just happened, they sprung the next side on her and her paci fell out... followed by a cry.

Afterwards, I felt like the worst mom ever! But, then the cheesy part of me came out and in my mind I started to think... that these were her first earrings. She will be able to wear earrings after this day for some of her most precious moments that I will share with her. At her first school dance... at graduation... and on her wedding day.

9.22.2009

back to life... back to reality.

Yesterday was Andrew's first day of school at PCC! Even though his last semester of college was Fall 08' at UVU, he was really excited and ready to get back in the game. He is taking three core classes, writing, history and math. This is quite a load when he works 4.5 hours at night on top of school.

I am so grateful for a husband who is determined and motivated to continue his education and work hard to achieve his chosen career. I know that this new schedule of school and work will be quite an adjustment while also a bit overwhelming, but I am so confident that he will succeed in all endeavors.

Although this new schedule will mean less time spent together, in the long run it is a rewarding sacrifice for our family. I am determined to keep my chin up and do whatever I can to make things even a little bit easier for him.

With all the hard work and sacrifice that he is making for us, I am even more motivated and inspired to contribute to our family in any way I can.

Let the journey begin!

9.19.2009

Adoption Conference

I am so excited for this fabulous event coming up in November. It is a conference supporting and educating those interested and already involved in adoption. Being an international adoptee is truly a blessing and considering my new dreams of getting a degree in human services to be a caseworker for adoption, this event is right up my alley! I have been asked to participate on an adoptee panel at the Saturday session. I am so honored to help educate and share my story.

Below is the site for more information. You will not want to miss out on this inspiring conference!


*****
"Families by Divine Design" is the theme for this Regional Conference, which will have information to help families interested in adopting, families that have already adopted and are seeking insights to their childrens growth and development, extended families of couples who are involved in adoption, and birth families of adopted children.

Friday, November 6th
and
Saturday, November 7th, 2009


The conference fee is $25.00 per attendee, $35.00 per couple.

There is no fee for birth parents to attend.

Check out some of our great and exciting presenters!

Elder Marvin Brinkerhoff- Area Seventy
General Session Speaker
Topic: Adoption: A Principle of the Gospel
What is the doctrinal and spiritual foundation of adoption? Understand the role the temple and family sealing play in adoption, and how gospel understanding can bring peace to the adoption process.

Lindsey Redfern- Adoptive Mother and Adoption Advocate

Author of this blog:

the r house button

General Session & Breakout Session Speaker
Topics: The Divine Design of My Adoptive Experience, and Adoption Advocacy

Katie Shelley- Featured Birth Mother on LDS Family Services Website ItsAboutLove.org
General Session and Breakout Session Speaker
Topics: The Divine Design of My Adoptive Experience, and the Birth Parent Panel

Troy Dunn- Host of the televison program, "The Locator"
Broadcast of his Keynote Presentation at the National FSA conference.
Troy Dunn, who has become known as "The Locator" from hosting a television show that reunites loved ones, will speak of the lessons he has learned while working in his profession- specifically about adoption. He says that reunions between birth parents and children usually help the adoptees leave with a greater appreciation for their parents who raised them and a better understanding of the incredible sacrifice a birth mother made.

Monica Blume- LCSW and Co-author of this book:


Don't miss out!!
Go to this website to register or to get more information about theconference:
https://www.123signup.com/event?id=jmdhy

9.17.2009

HIS wife, HER mama

I am truly loving life right now. It is filled with so much growth and learning. I love being a wife and taking care of my hard-working man. I love being a doting mama. My dreams as a little girl have come true... and it's more than I ever hoped it would be. Don't get me wrong, it's tough work. But, is it worth it? Ohhh yeah.

I am happy.
I am grateful.
I am... in love.

life is good.

Today, we received the fabulous news that Andrew received a federal pell grant! Lately, staying afloat financially when school begins, has been a huge weight on our shoulders. We honestly didn't know how we were going to make it. And now, between our GI Bill benefits and pell grant, we will survive! We are blessed.

9.16.2009

lovin' the blankie.

Londyn has become very attached to her fuzzy pink princess blanket. We have a bazillion blankets for her... ranging from flannel receiving blankets to baby quilts, handmade with love. Nevertheless, she has grown partial to this one specific blanket filled with fabulous pink goodness. We see this in the excessive slobber, attempts at eating it and holding onto it for dear life!

Londyn & Blankie

Mommy & Me




edumacation.

Edumacation, ed u ma kay shon, noun.
Used to refer to an education that someone received at a crappy school, or a lack of education all together.- UrbanDictionary.com

*****

Lately I have been considering going back to school. But with the encouragement of friends and the guidance of the August Visiting Teaching message, I have put a lot of interest and research in furthering my education. With a lot of thought put into a potential area of study, I would love to START and FINISH a degree in Human Services. With this degree, I would love to help families make their adoption dreams come true. Finding homes for children and children with loving parents would be such a rewarding use of my time.

Growing up, I never thought of myself as different from my family or even adopted. I was raised feeling special, unique and even spoiled. I have never put much thought into why or how I was in the position to be adopted, but more importantly I have always felt so indebted to my Father in Heaven and my birth and adoptive parents for giving me the life that I have today. As I have grown into adulthood, I am continuously reminded of how fortunate I truly am. I am so grateful to have been sent to a loving family with the Gospel in their lives. Without my upraising in the Gospel, I might not have had the opportunity to be sealed for time and all eternity to my sweet husband and baby girl. These tender mercies are the reason why I want to give back, educate others and help create beautiful families.

*****

"Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. . . . I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such. - President Thomas S. Monson

"Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life" ("Three Goals to Guide You," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 119).

employment.

After 2 months of bed rest and 3 months of adjusting, I will be going back to work next week. It is bitter-sweet as I will miss my baby, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to use my skills in the dental field, to work for my dad. He's a fabulous boss! My dad plays quite an extensive role in my life, as he is my Bishop, Boss and Pops.

Now that he has started his satellite practice in Sherwood on Tuesdays & Fridays, I am fortunate to work just 10 mins. from home with great people and helping to support my family.

It's cool to be in school.

Classes registered: CHECK
Books purchased: CHECK
Parking permit: CHECK
Tuition: CHECK

Andrew is in his last week of preparation before school starts! We have everything in place for him to begin. He is so eager to get back in the game and neither of us will miss his crazy full-time work schedule. He will be a student full-time and working part-time. I am eager to have my man back home in the evenings.

Londyn's Latest






Londyn is 10 weeks old, 24.5 inches long and 13 lbs. 13 oz. She loves to chat with her Daddy and laugh at her toys. She has started sitting in her Bumbo seat while watching Baby Einstein.
Her main role in our home is being absolutely adorable and keeping us on our toes.

We love our lil' Londie-Lulu Pants!

9.15.2009

Blessed.

Andrew gave our baby girl, Londyn Joy a beautiful blessing on July 27, 2009.
The first of many to come.



Our Baby.


Growing up, the age old question was always "what do you want to be when you grow up?" I was always uneasy deciding on just one occupation... except for motherhood. Being a mother has always been my life's ambition. So of course, when Andrew and I got married last year- I wanted to fulfill my lifelong mommy dream! We didn't anticipate such a quick transition into parenthood, but believe that God works in mysterious ways.

When in the last stages of pregnancy... swollen, bloated, waddling and grunting... everyone always asked me, "so are you all ready for this baby?" Of course... we had all of the needs and wants for our little girl, but were we prepared? I mean... REALLY prepared? Not at all. I figured that since I had SO much experience with 8 nieces and 1 nephew... having changed diapers, sang a bazillion nursery rhymes, racked up tons of babysitting hours... I was set for mommyhood! Boy, was I wrong.

It has been such a rewarding experience, becoming a mother.

When I gave birth to our baby girl on July 2nd, 2009 ... I was not yet a mom. Physically, yes. But- now I know that being a mother is something to be acquired over time. It all began with the instant love and instinct that comes with being her mother. It is a gift that I am honored to have been given. She has taught me so much about the importance of family, my marriage and how valuable this life truly is. I can honestly say that now, I have become a mother.

And... I'm back!

It has been FAR too long since I have blogged. I have probably thought about posting almost every day since Londyn joined our family... but have been extremely overwhelmed with too much to update! Not to mention... the lack of time I have on my hands these days.

So... here we go, again!

Armitage Family: Part II