1.30.2010

footsies

Aunt Jenelle & Uncle Todd got these adorable new Robeez boots on clearance for Londie Lou. We couldn't help but take a photo of her fab-footwear.

asian roots

Unlike her mother... Londyn prefers chopsticks over a fork.

1.28.2010

Marines.

International Picture of the Year

Here are two very touching photos honored this year.

First Place
First Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport , Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

Second Place
Second Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'

1.27.2010

Londy-isms

Londyn is growing into such a sassy little girl!
We have a big task ahead of us as her parents, but at least we're having fun doing it!

Here is what she's up to these days:

Smacking her lips

Rocking back and forth on her hands and knees

Screaming when she's not getting her way

Slamming her hands down on any and all flat surfaces

Holding on to furniture or hands and pulling herself up to a standing position

Babbling... "Dadadadada"

Eating 3 solid food meals a day and bottles in-between

Sleeping 9 to 10 hours a night

1.26.2010

frugal mommy + craigslist = love

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been searching Craigslist for a high chair that meets our needs and my wants! Finally, after many over-priced, old and not-too-cute ads... I found a diamond in the rough! This Graco Contempo High Chair is fabulous! It folds up nice and flat... which is oh-so accomodating in our small kitchen, includes a detachable tray cover that can be tossed in the dishwasher, and has a chic, yet neutral pattern... which of course, matches our home decor. To top it off, price was right! Craigslist is the answer to this frugal mommy's prayers.

giveaway

GIVEAWAY!
You could win a 42 inch letter to display in your home!
click here to enter

1.23.2010

the tude.

Londie-Lou is quickly developing an attitude (I have no clue where she is getting this from). Her newest thing is throwing tantrums when life isn't going her way. Boy, are we in for it.

Also, Londyn is sometimes tough to feed and also likes to mimic us. For dinner last night, I had to scream... so she would copy me, open her mouth and I would quickly shove the spoonful in!


1.21.2010

girls just want to have fun.

Mother-Daughter Manicures

whasian baby


With Londyn's barely-there-hair... we don't have many options in the accessories department, so we do what we can. For example, we pierced her ears at 3 months with petite faux-diamond flower earrings that have really vamped up her glam-baby look. Today, she is 7 months old... so I figured it was time to switch it up as we're heading into Spring with a new set of earrings. Of course, we want Londyn to get in touch with her Asian roots... which is precisely why I went with Hello Kitty. You can't get much more Asian than that... well I guess I could try tacking a pair of baby chopsticks to her bald head and teach her to form a peace-sign with her fingers before she even learns to speak. Nah... who am I kidding.

We love our little "whasian" (white-asian) baby.

1.18.2010

2010 Motto

I have fallen in love with the words, "together is a wonderful place to be." It pretty much sums up where my true happiness lies. Forget shopping sprees, fancy dining and lavish vacations. As long as I am with my eternal companion and sweet baby, I am completely and utterly content. I am declaring this as my motto for the year. All too often I find myself getting caught up in the hullabaloo of life and forgetting to take a moment to breathe in the blessing of family. I am now a grown-up, with a home to keep, a job, a husband and a child of my own. Responsibility is overwhelming at times, but as long as I enjoy who it is for and who I have to share it with, it is all worth it.

1.17.2010

new adventure

A few weeks ago, I was given a new calling as our ward YW's secretary. So far, I am loving my calling and really getting into it! Not only do I get to have my two oldest nieces, Mikayla and Megan in Young Women's but I get to work with amazing sisters and the fabulous youth!

I am learning so much about how much work really goes into the programs that our church has to offer it's members. It is beautiful to see the workings of our church, especially for our youth. Working with the youth has always been a goal of mine. I am eager to teach and learn in this calling! Here's to a new adventure!

water baby

For Londyn's first couple of baths, we did them in an infant tub over the sink. But have found that baths in the regular tub are much easier! On Friday, when Grandma Milne was babysitting, she gave Londyn her first bath in the sink. Now that she's sitting up, she loves to play with the water and kitchen utensils. I thought I would give it a try myself!

1.14.2010

lover's quarrel

My friend Erin is in the process of moving and I got to have her lil' chunk Jacob over to play! Jacob and Londyn are just a few weeks apart. We have an arranged marriage in the works.
I love these babies.

visiting the doc

1.12.2010

lil' BIG girl

These days, Londie Lou is all about solid food. So far- she is not a picky eater! She has mastered sweet potatoes, summer squash, sweet peas, bananas and of course, rice cereal. The fruits and veggies are her favorite. Rice cereal is not the most popular, but she gets it down. Now that solids are in her daily diet, her bottle isn't all that "cool" anymore. She does eat 4-6 oz. of formula in between meals... but it mostly just soothes her to sleep.

Londyn is becoming a big girl more and more each day. She is mastering the art of sitting up and loves to stand up and play with her activity table. I can't believe how fast 6 1/2 months have gone by. Everyday, she is learning something new!

I love being a mom!

1.09.2010

lest we forget

a sweet reminder of why I do what I do...

Lest We Forget

She came tonight as I sat alone
The girl that I used to be. . .
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye
And questioned reproachfully:
"Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes that I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame
All the wonderful things to do?"
"Where is the mansion of stately height
With all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the jewels in your hair?"
And as she spoke, I was very sad,
For I wanted her pleased with me . . .
This slender girl from the shadowy past
The girl that I used to be.
So gently arising, I took her hand,
And guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay
So innocent, sweet and fair.
And I told her that these are my only gems,
And precious they are to me,
That silken robe is my motherhood
Of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltering walls
For the dear ones who come and go.
And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears at me,
And I saw that the woman that I am now
Pleased the girl that I used to be.

—Anonymous

1.07.2010

update

I know this photo is deceiving... but trust me, this was taken after one of many doses of Motrin had kicked in. Here is Londyn playing for the first time in 6 days... and it only last about 15 minutes. But boy, was it a nice little break for mommy.

We received a call today from our pediatrician, letting us know that Londyn's test results from her ER visit had come back and indicated that on top of her virus, she has a bacterial infection as well. What does this mean? Antibiotics. Hallelujah! Immediately, Grandma came over to watch baby so I could run to the pharmacy and pick up the magic potion that will make my baby a happy girl again.

After 2 hours of continuous screaming last night with nothing to console my poor little girl, antibiotics sound like a lifesaver... right about now.

1.06.2010

no fun.

At about 5 o'clock last night, my mom came over to bring me soup since I had caught the bug that Londyn has had. I took her temperature and it was 103.5 degrees. This was after consistent rounds of Tylenol and Motrin. I called our doctor to get her advice and she advised us to head into St. Vincent's Hospital. We got the baby in right away and the fun began! The poor thing was poked and prodded up the wahzoo. She was so dehydrated that they couldn't get any blood or an IV started. After 5 pokes, 1 nurse and 1 IV specialist- the IV started to work it's magic. Then we waited for more Motrin to kick in... and 5 hours later- she was a new woman! Even though she is still a sick baby, at least she is having more wet diapers and keeping 2-3 oz. of fluid down at a time. As first time parents, this was pretty traumatic. Especially, when I have been walking around... feeling like death all night and day. Andrew was able to leave work early to meet us at the hospital. About half way through our hospital visit, his stomach started bothering him. Let the fun begin....? The poor guy was up off and on, the rest of the night... sick as a dog. "Together is a wonderful place to be"... except when you're contagious and everyone is SICK.

1.04.2010

one word.


Yesterday afternoon, Londyn spiked a 101.2 temperature. Perfect timing, eh? At least we were back home by then. She has been consistently carrying a temperature between 101 and 103 degrees. Not a happy baby. Not a happy mommy.

The poor thing can't keep anything down and is constantly moaning and crying.

This is our first real experience with a sick baby... fever, grumps and all. But, more importantly... I can now say that I have experienced my first blowout. (Londyn's... not mine) I have always heard of these so-called blowouts, but have been fortunate not to experience one hands on. But, today was not the case. Londyn had not one, not two, but three blowouts.

ew.

our 1st family vacation

This past week we were able to travel for the first time with Londyn and visit the Armitage clan. Londyn met her Pop Pop, some of her Aunties, Uncles and cousins. She wasn't shy and took to everyone very quickly.


Unfortunately, our trip lasted a very short total of 4 days but we packed in a lot of family time and a visit with my best friend Andre. We had lots of family dinners, filled with yummy foods and plenty of laughs. As far as family goes, we were able to get Nana & Pop Pop, 4 of the Armitage boys and their wives/fiance along with 4 granddaughters and 2 grandsons all together. It was such a treat!


On two occasions we got to see my bestest Guatemalan friend, Andre. I was ecstatic for Londyn to finally meet her Uncle Andre. He absolutely adores babies and especially mine!

Overall, our trip was a success and we wish we could have stayed longer! Being in Utah brought back so many great memories and thoughts of simpler times. We especially missed the beautiful Utah mountains. They were gorgeous, all covered in shiny white snow. We plan to visit Utah again, very soon!