Dec. 7th

It was yesterday, but there were so many significant events so it deserves a post. Fist, happy birthday to Uncle Sam, brother-in-law Sam, and if Ben were writing, big brother Sam. Second happy birthday to Archie, who is now one month old, way to go kid! Third it was my turn to go to church while Ben stayed home with Archie, it was fast and testimony meeting, I loved it. Fourth we had some good friends over for an Indian meal, it was delightful. What a good day.
Well, Archie has definitely changed in the month that he has been here with us. He has gained some weight, thank goodness, but he still has those long, skinny legs, and giant feet- which we love and thank his Dad for. He smiled at me yesterday, which for him might have been more of a grimace, but to me it was a smile. He has started to make noises at times other than when he is upset or in need of something. I wouldn't call it cooing yet, but he'll get there- he likes to lay on his back and watch his toys, and he likes the noises they make. He pumps his legs and his arms like he should be swimming- he gets a little crazy with his movements, so hopefully that means we'll have lots of fun playing in the pool someday:)
He is a growing boy, he eats well, sleeps pretty well and is a joy to be around. At night he hangs out with Ben, from about 8 pm to 1 am while I get a few hours of sleep, they play and frustrate each other, but I am sure they mostly have fun. Then from about 1 am on I am on Arch duty. It works out, we both get a block of sleep and Archie gets to have both parents all to himself, one at a time.
I can't believe he is growing up so fast, he is still so little, but I found myself missing the time when he was first born and just tiny! He is heavier now, but he is also holding his head a lot better, looking around more, making eye contact with both of us, letting us know his likes and his dislikes... I love my family.

Chub.

Tummy time

So this is Arch enjoying his tummy time. I wonder about this kid sometimes, I mean I love him more than I could say, but he never seems to get upset (unless he is hungry) and I am afraid it is just building up.
He doesn't cry when he takes a bath, he doesn't cry when he is forced in to tummy time, and he doesn't mind having his diaper changed. What a good boy! That isn't to say that he doesn't get upset, he has his moments, don't we all...?

Arch-face

These are pictures of Archie at his baby blessing. We did it at home last week when we had more of our family in town for Thanksgiving. It was precious. My favorite picture is Grandpa Archie holding baby Archie-- I love them both so much.

Christmas is here!

We decorated our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving, I couldn't wait. I meant to take pictures of us doing it, but got too excited and just took picutres of the tree. It is small but it is lovely. It spins and glows in the dark! We listened to Christmas music and had a great time, someday when we live in our own place we will go and chop down a real tree, we can't miss out on that tradition.
The tree was in the closet behind many of Susan's Christmas decorations; my loving husband took on the boxes and the low ceiling of the coat closet to fetch the tree, so it was almost like chopping down our own.

Thanksgiving Day

I have thought about it and it isn't really difficult to come up with things that I am thankful for. There are hundreds of things to say, everyday. I was in bed this morning, just after feeding Archie thinking of them all. I am thankful for family; in a general way but in a very specific way too. I am thankful for the relationships that I have with my family, the friendships that I share with them, I am thankful that we can be friends and are connected by being family. I am thankful that Archie is here with us, that he is a part of our family and will eternally be. I am thankful to know that there is a Father in Heaven who loves me, loves my life, and wants what is best for me. I am thankful to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth and that we can learn about it and gain joy from it; the plan of happiness truly gives significant, deeply satisfying joy and happiness and I am so grateful to be here to learn about it. I am thankful to live in this country, to have rights and freedoms that weren't granted 200 years ago, and still today in other places. I am thankful that I can make choices and anticipate the consequences so I can make better choices and learn from my mistakes. I am thankful to have a bed to sleep in that is warm, with heat in our home and a refrigerator full of food. I am thankful for the Internet so my parents can see their grandson through skype, so I can keep in touch with family and friends, so we can share in each other's lives and feel a sense of connection. I am thankful for hot showers, for hot cider, for Christmas trees and decorating them with bright ornaments and lights. I am thankful to be able to recognize my blessings, and I pray that I will never forget them.

Days 3 and 2

Yesterday we dipped the fondant candies in chocolate, and by 'we' I mean everyone else but me and Archie, we had other things to take care of... The chocolate is so delicious; it melts in your mouth, it is the perfect blend of sweet and smooth and savory, love love love it. Today I took a walk with Ben and Alex, Archie stayed home with his Aunt Kristen and Uncle Tyler. It was wonderful, not particularly sunshiney, but a good temperature for a short walk.
Walks clear my mind, they make me feel like I am re-energizing each part of my body, and they give me clarity, I don't always know how, but they are an important part of my day, I am thankful that there are so many people willing to go for walks with me, and to watch Archie while I take them.