Moving on

It's official! We'll be saying goodbye to our current apartment at the end of July- well, August 2nd to be exact. Our new place has a spacious 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a larger kitchen and a small front yard. We are so excited that we got the place but I am NOT looking forward to packing up almost 4 years worth of accumulation. Luckily we've got plenty of time and it will be so nice to clean out some of the old stuff that's just taking up space. It's going to be so strange to have so much space!

The proud look of success

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to introduce you to Brendan, the new super-roller-over-expert. OK, so he's only done it once but it was a very much anticipated event since he's been sooooo close so many times- and we couldn't be more proud! Chris was at school this morning so he wasn't here to witness the specialness and I'm a little ashamed to admit that I missed the actual act as well.

Brendan was playing on a blanket on the floor next to me this morning while I was working from home. I looked over at him and he was playing with his feet. A minute later, I looked over and he was on his tummy. I grabbed the camera and was able to capture his sweet look of victory- he was smiling so big; I think he was quite proud of himself, and he probably also thought it was hilarious that he did it while no one was watching. He does have his dad's sense of humor.

He has since shown no interest in rolling over again...

In case anyone wanted to know....

If any one of my crafty friends wants to make the cute apron that I made yesterday, you can find it here. Just thought I would pass along the fun.

Craft-mania

So I feel super crafty at the moment. I am proud to say that I busted out my sewing machine for the first time since before Brendan was born. I saw the cutest apron on another blog from the cutest girl who used to be in my ward. Luckily Angela still keeps in touch with her and had a link for it from her blog. So I was just looking around at the blog (I love finding new blogs- which is now my favorite pastime, surpassing eBay) and when I saw that apron, I had to make it too. I followed some links to various other blogs and got the instructions. Now, I am NOT very quick with a sewing machine so I was a little worried about my capabilities; luckily it was really quite easy. A friend from work, suggested a cute little fabric store and I was there that very evening picking out a cute mix of fabrics. After a few snags with the sewing machine (most of the disaster was adverted luckily with some smart help from my mom- thanks!), my apron was done. I love it!

I also made some cute little painted wooden blocks with some friends this past weekend. I'm very lucky to live downstairs from an amazing and inspiring craft goddess. She's so talented, it's almost sickening but I benefit because she invites me to these small "classes" she holds. She sets everything up, prepares all the wood (she even cuts them herself!) and the stencils, and I just show up to put it all together. I love these kinds of crafts because I don't have to think too hard or be in a super creative mood for it to work out- she's done all the hard stuff for me! But I love doing these kinds of things- I now vow to do more crafts on a regular basis. It was too fun and nothing beats the feeling of knowing that you made that with your own two hands. It's so satisfying!

Splish Splash

Today was an exciting day for Brendan (and for me). He had his first trip to the pool and I'm proud to say that it was a success. Chris and I lathered him up in SPF 50 sunscreen (that's why he's so shiny!), decked him out in his hat and his swimming suit/swim diaper, and off we were to the pool. The Mother's Group was meeting there for the weekly activity, so I decided to take the afternoon off and enjoy some time with my sweet boy. I'm so glad I did. He loved the water and was very calm the whole time- even when the older kids went splashing by and sprayed him in the face, he didn't even flinch. In fact, I think he enjoyed it. He liked to lay out on my legs with his head on my stomach and just chew on his hands while he enjoyed the warm water. The pool that we went to has an amazing children's area with shallow water (that was the perfect temperature!) surrounding a large water jungle-gym area for the older ones to play in. It was so much fun and I loved the set-up. It was so nice to be able to sit in the shallow water with Brendan and let him splash or just lounge.

He did a great job splashing, by the way. I would stand him up and one arm would just keep splashing the whole time- but only one arm... never both at the same time. He was just too cute for words. I wasn't sure how he'd react but I was hopeful since he loves his baths so much. I'm glad he liked it and I hope this means he won't be such a wimp when it comes to swimming like his mom.

Easily Amused

Today while I was changing Brendan, I was talking to him and all of a sudden he started laughing at the different words I was saying. It was so adorable and funny that I made Chris run and get the camera so we could capture this moment. I really don't know why it was so hillarious to him but it was too cute all the same. I just love this little guy!

About Chris for once

Since most of my posts relate to Brendan, I thought I'd switch things up on all of you and give you a little update on Chris.



This lovely red bike that's sitting in my living room is Chris' new bike! He sold his other one on Craig's List- which, next to ebay, is my favorite thing in the world! Then he found this sweet ride on Craig's list as well for dirt cheap and he couldn't pass it up. He and Brendan drove up to Sugar House to check it out and it turns out it's basically the bike he's been waiting for. This one is lighter and more equiped to do trials. The best thing about it, it cost less than what he sold his original bike for- so he made a profit! I hope the IRS isn't reading this.


Also noteworthy is Chris' new golf clubs. For Father's day, he picked out two hybrid clubs (from ebay so I could afford them) and he's hitting the ball really well with them. He plays about once a week so he's getting good use out of them, as well as honing his skills and getting an awesome farmer's tan. What a stud!

Other than that, it's the same old story at the Near house. We are enjoying the summer while Chris isn't in school and is able to be home with me and Brendan lots and lots.

Here's to summer!

Hot Hot Heat

Yesterday was about 100 degrees and our ward decided to have an outdoor activity at a local campground... at 4:00pm, almost the hottest part of the day, and the activity involved a camp fire. Did I mention it was at 4:00pm? I'm not sure what the thought process was on this activity but I'm glad we went. We love our ward and all the people there so it was fun to chat and eat. Plus, Brendan LOVES to be outside- he's so happy and giggly, so I'm happy as well. The picture above was taken at the activity and, as they say, "the proof is in the pudding." He was in such a sweet, smiling mood.

Brendan has also started to cuddle. Even when he was first born, he always liked to be looking around when I was holding him, and when he could hold up his head and use his neck muscles, his little neck was always turning as fast as he could make it. But just in the past few days, he decided that he likes to be held so he can rest his head on my shoulder or chest. I must say that I love it. He's such a squirmer most of the time- but I love that about him too. Now when he's winding down and getting tired, he'll simply rest his head and snuggle up. It really is the cutest thing in the whole world. I am way too lucky.

PS I love those chubby arms!!!!

My super good napper

Brendan has suddenly morphed into the best napper. I don't know what happened or what changed but he now takes 2 hour naps- a feat that I did not think could be accomplished by this boy. I'm baffled but loving it, and so is Chris since they spend the afternoons together while I'm off working "hard."

So with my extra time, I was able to do a little bit of digital scrapbooking and thought I'd share a couple layouts that I finished. I was feeling especially creative yesterday so they just seemed to put themselves together- I love it when that happens.

The sniffles

Brendan has been sick the last few days and it just breaks my heart. This is his first real cold but luckily it really hasn't been that bad and he is such a trooper that he is still his same old sweet self. Other than being thoroughly annoyed by a runny nose, he is handling it quite well- which is a huge blessing since I tend to over-worry about the boy. Luckily no fever or it would have been a different story.

We've been using the bulb syringe like crazy trying to clean out his little nose. It is the saddest thing to hear him snorting and sniffling. At night when he wakes up, he makes these little whimpering sounds in between his sniffles. Poor Brendan, but hopefully his nose will start to clear up soon (I think it is starting to).

I put him down in his bouncer the other day and I looked down at him, and he looked so grown up! I snapped a picture because I couldn't believe how big he looked. He's turning into such a handsome little boy!

Fathers

Since Sunday was Father's Day, I wanted to give a quick shout-out to the three wonderful fathers in my life. First to my very own dad. I love you and I miss you. I wish you and mom were closer- especially since we need babysitters (just kidding... but that would be nice). Thanks for all you've done for me, which is A LOT. I wouldn't be the person I am if it weren't for you. To my awesome father-in-law, Dan- thanks for raising a strong, caring, basically amazing son who I like to call my hubby. You have always been so welcoming and accepting of me and I can't imagine having a better second family. You rock!

Last, to my dear Chris- I can't say it enough but just one more time- I love you! I watch Chris with Brendan and I am so filled with love and admiration. That little boy just loves him with all his little being. It is so awesome to watch and I feel so lucky.

I have such great men in my life- thanks to all of you. I hope this Father's day was special and wonderful because you are all both of those things.

I couldn't resist

I really couldn't resist posting these cute pics we snapped of Brendan today. We found this adorable shirt at Target, and if you know me, you KNOW I'm a sucker for adorable clothes for little boys. Who could resist this shirt? And Brendan really is King of the Jungle- the Jungle that is our apartment, that is.

Brendan is also getting quite strong and sometimes I'm a little afraid. Like at these moments when I think he's going to lift himself right out of his swing or my arms or his car seat- wherever he may be, he now tries to wiggle out. Another woman in our ward has a little girl just a few weeks older than Brendan and I always comment to her that she is so sweet and content to be sitting calmly in her mother's lap. Brendan on the other hand, will have none of that! He must be jumping or moving his legs at all times. And here's what she told me- "What do you expect? He's a boy!" I realized that there is more truth in that comment than I initially thought. I think most boys just have more energy and are ready to go, while little girls are calm and peaceful. Chris said that Brendan suffers from RLS- Restless Leg Syndrome... who knows? ;)

In other Brendan news: HE IS GETTING TEETH! I can see the cute little white caps just under his gums. They don't look like they are quite to the surface yet but are making their way up! Yikes! I know that makes for cranky days and long, tiring nights. But we'll take it in stride like we do with everything else.

Toys!

There are two toys that Brendan loves: his butterfly and his crinkly book. He goes nuts over them. When he sees his butterfly, he waves his arms and grabs it, directing it straight to his mouth. He gets so excited when he sees and hears his soft book; he reacts much like he does with his butterfly. It also goes straight to his mouth. It's so fun to watch him play and get excited! He makes us laugh so much and I can't believe how much he's growing and learning.

His other toy that's not really a toy, his pacifier, is also a favorite still. He has learned how to spit it out using his raspberry-blowing skills. He can sometimes launch it a couple feet, which is not always the best thing since it lands on gross floors causing me to have to wash it off. This only frustrates him since he wants it back immediately after dispelling it. It's a fun game we play. :)

The many faces of Brendan

Brendan sometimes makes the funniest faces; he is always cracking us up. The picture above captured a classic Brendan face, one that he usually makes when he sticks something new in his mouth and gets an unfamiliar or unpleasant taste. I'm not sure why he was making it in this moment but I got a good laugh out of it.

Aunt Jan also came by to see us in a surprise visit on Thursday. Brendan once again is making a funny face- I think he gets a little annoyed by his mother's obsessive picture taking. I just can't help it; he's too cute.

Brendan also likes to smile a lot, although it's much harder to capture. He does it so quick and then he won't do it again when I'm ready with the camera. But in this photo, Chris caught Brendan when he was in a playful mood. He likes to grab my face and try to put it in his mouth, which is funny and adorable- but also a little painful. That boy has strong fingers and sharp nails.

Angry Raspberries

This was taken a couple weeks ago but I've just gotten around to posting it. Brendan was a little cranky during this so I figured we could capture another raspberry-blowing fit when he was in a better mood. But it seems that his raspberries were a fad that lasted about 3 days so this is the only video we have. Enjoy!

Cold weather

Well yesterday was a whopping 53 degrees and today is not going to be much warmer, so Brendan has been couped up inside our apartment. He usually enjoys a daily walk but the rain and cold kept us all inside so he'll have to wait a couple days to venture out again. But the cold weather meant he could wear some of his warmer outfits, including this cute one that reminds me of a fruity candycane.

Why is it so fun to dress a baby?!

Glad for Monday

I am glad it's Monday and that the weekend is over. I know, it sounds surprising but this weekend was a busy one and also a very tiring one. It all started with the task of making Brendan dark curtains for his room. His window gets a full blast of sunlight starting at around 5:45am, so to help him sleep a little longer (thus helping us to sleep longer as well!), I decided to make him dark curtains. Sewing is not an easy skill for me (yet but I hope to change that) so it took many measurements and calculations for me to get the project done. And some how, one curtain still ended up about an inch shorter than the other one. HOW this happenend, I do not know. I double checked everything and even ran it by Chris before I did anything and still I have uneven curtains. Oh well. At least his room is dark during the day for naps.

We also had a birthday celebration for our friend on Saturday and Sunday. After a few trips to the store, a location change and a missing birthday boy, we had a barbeque on Saturday at the park and we had a blast. Brendan had tons of fun with Hailey, who seems to enjoy him just as much. We enjoyed the food and company too, of course.

Sunday was also lots of fun even though our church now starts at 8:00am. It was tough getting there on time, but we did it! I should say I did it- Chris had early meetings so I got Brendan and myself ready all alone. And we still made it on time... amazing. I should note though that he was not very happy since it was right at nap time so he came to church in his jammies.

After church, we had Steph and Brent over for lunch since Brent was in town for a short visit from Vegas. It was really great to see them and Brendan loved having someone "new" to visit with. He just loves his aunt and uncle!

Then it was on to birthday dinner with the Lillywhites and Mitchells. I must say that waffles with strawberries and whipped cream might become a staple at our home now! Delicious! We love hanging out with them and Brendan even got to jump in the Lillywhites Johnny Jump Up. He had a grand ol' time in it; he even allowed us to eat without any protest from him! Afterwards, we enjoyed tasty frozen limeades and chocolate pie (thanks for the recipe Carrie! It was a hit!). Brendan was pooped out from all the festivities (literally) and he slept blissfully until 8:00am this morning. Ahh...

The end- phew!