Happily Ever After

My Baby Is One!

2010-02-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

just born... my big baby boy

one week old

one month

two months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

I can't believe that 12 months have gone by so fast. My little guy is the best thing that came into our lives this year, and there have been a lot of good things. He is such a sweet little guy with a spunky personality. Carter loves to eat! He loves music and bangs on his drums and dances whenever he hears music. He loves for us to sing to him before bed. Carter started crawling at 7 months, and walking at 11 months. Carter weighs 20 lbs and is 28 inches tall.

SwInG... sWiNg.... SwInG

2009-11-13T10:45:00.001-08:00

The other day I got to watch my niece Megan and nephew Cooper while their dad was at school. We went to lunch and then their dad was done with class. We weren't ready to be done hanging out yet though, so we all went to the park together and played for a bit. All the kids had so much fun. I felt like a little kid again and even got on the swings and went as high as I could. I still love the swings. I also pushed Megan and Cooper as high as I could and ran under them. It reminded me of playing with my "cool" mom as a kid. I hope that I can always have this much energy to play with my kids and nieces and nephews. It was a good day at the park :) full of fun and memories!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

2009-11-13T10:32:00.001-08:00

We had so much fun this Halloween with all of our family and friends! I decided to make Carter a lion costume and from that we decided to do a family theme of the wizard of oz! After collecting some remnants from Joanns and a few things from the dollar store I was able to put together a lion and a scarecrow. My sister let me use her dorothy costume.. I just had to make some alterations and make some shoes... overall we were pretty happy with the turnout of our costumes. We went to a trunk or treat at my sister in law's ward on Friday night, and also hit my work party. Then on Saturday we went trick or treating at the outlets for a little, went to our wards trunk or treat, and then went trick or treating on Harrison Blvd. My family came in from Idaho falls so Carter was able to trick or treat with his cousins Sammy and Natali along with his cousins that live here. He slept through that part, but it was fun for me!

Eight Months Already

2009-11-13T10:19:00.001-08:00

On October 22 Carter turned 8 months! He is growing so fast and is such a smart little guy! He ABSOLUTELY LOVES food! When he really likes something that you are feeding him he makes lots of noise humming and even gets upset between bites. It is really funny to watch! He sleeps through the night most nights.. but others keeps us on our toes. He pulls himself up on everything and is getting really fast at crawling. He loves to play in the kitchen with the kitchen aid pieces, and is such a joy to our lives!

Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

2009-10-21T21:15:00.001-07:00

Saturday October 17, 2009 we headed out to Meridian and went to the Linder Farms for a hayride and pumpkin patch! Carter was sooo tired because we had spent the day at Chuckie Cheese for a birthday party, but he still had lots of fun. He got really excited and loved the hayride.
This pumpkin was kind of flat and made the perfect seat for our little pumpkin!

Carter loves his cousins so much. Joe, Cooper, and Peyton all hanging out.
I love this picture. Even though Carter is kind of making a silly smile.. it lets you see his TEETH!

It started to get chilly as it got dark so we had a little outfit change and put the little man into his moo cow outfit.. so cute.. (am i biased?) hope you enjoy the pics!

The Myth Is True!

2009-09-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

DUCKS DO CRASH ON THE BLUE!!

Last week was a crazy week. Monday morning at 5 am I went to meet my friend Jennie at Boise State to wait in line for tickets to the football game. At 11:20 we got our tickets and by 11:30 all 5,000 student tickets were sold out!
The game was thursday night and I went to campus at 4 pm to get in line and wait for the 8:00 game. Carter was such a good baby through all the waiting and noise.

Needless to say, Broncos kicked some Oregon Duck butt and it was a lot of fun! We went with my brother and sister in law and Jennie.
Carter was so tired but just cuddled up to us for the whole game. Paul got out of class just in time to make it for the kick off! We will def be going to more games this year!

Six Months Old and Two Teeth

2009-09-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

Carter turned six months old a few weeks ago! He is getting so tall and skinny. Right before he turned six months two teeth broke through on the bottom. They are so cute but SOO sharp!

He is sitting up really well and loves eating food. He is getting really close to crawling and gets on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth.

Carter just had his six month appointment on Friday. He weighs 15 1/2 pounds. He is in the 75% for height and the 25% for weight... tall and skinny like his dad.

Spur of the Moment Camping Trip

2009-07-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't even been home for a week, and we have done soo much already!! We have been to the pool multiple times, often more than once in a day. Saturday I got some family together to do a barbecue at Lucky Peak State Park. We were having a lot of fun and sitting by the water when we decided that camping sounded fun.

So... we packed up our barbecue and went home to pack for camping. It was already like 5 pm, so we had to get everything together as fast as we can. We arrived in Lowman at 10 pm, and set up our new tent for the first time in the dark! We found a really cool camping spot next to the river in a free campground which rocked!

It was Cooper, Megan, and Carter's first time camping. Meg was really afraid on the way up and just wanted to "turn around and go home" but once we got up there she realized it was a lot of fun.

Our trip was really short, just a overnighter, which left us all with the camping bug... we need to go back soon!!

Little Rhody

2009-07-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

On June 12 we ventured out on our trip to Rhode Island. My sister got me a plane ticket to go back to visit and go to my brother's graduation. It was a looonnngg drive to Idaho Falls and then to Salt Lake. Then it was a REALLY LONG day of flying to Rhode Island. When we finally got there it was wicked HUMID and I thought I was going to die. After that though, the ENTIRE time was cold and RAINY!!!

We got there right in time for the Gaspee Day Parade! What a good old tradition, and we got to see Uncle George and Pop in the parade which was really cool. Pop was excited to show off some of his great-grands!

The one (mostly) sunny day we went to the Roger William's Park Zoo. Carter obviously doesn't get it yet, but it was nice to just walk around in the sun, and the butterfly exhibit was pretty cool too!

The drive to Pennsylvania was another adventure. It should have been an 8 hour drive, but instead took 14 because of the crazy pouring rain and flooding roads! Once we got there we had lots of fun shopping, going out to dinner, doing pedicures at the hotel, and swimming in the pool. Danny was so excited to have the family there for his graduation, and it was awesome to see him accomplish something so great!

Carter's cousins Sammy and Natali both loved being able to have two weeks with him, even though Natali got caught stealing his binki, "spanking him in the head", and pinching him. Sammy also wanted to share and gave him an oreo which I discovered when I got him out of his carseat and there was chocolate all over his face! What a surprise that was.. well he survived!

It was nice to spend time with family and friends, despite all the crazy things that happened on our trip~!

4 months old!!

2009-07-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

My baby boy is four months old already! He went to get his shots and weighs in at 14 lbs 1 oz. He has grown another inch since his two month appointment and is now 25 inches tall!! He is such a happy baby always smiling and and laughing and just loves to cuddle and play.

We spend most of our days by the pool at Ivy Wild Park in Boise. The lil guy usually gets so comfy that he falls asleep in the pool. I can't wait till next year when he can run around and play... but for now it gives me a good excuse to get out and get some sun!
We got a Bumbo seat from my Aunt when we were in Rhode Island. I love when he sits in it because he looks like such a big guy. He is really starting to play with toys... and his Toes.. he discovered his feet and I think it's just too adorable when he grabs on to them!

time for an update... finally

2009-05-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Carter is three months old already! I am way past due for a blog post and an update on all of his new adventures. He was 12 lbs at his two month check up and has grown so much since then. He is responding so much and smiling and babbling away. Everyone that meets him can't believe he is only three months and comments on how aware he is and how strong he is.

Carter got to meet his Great-Grandparents from Rhode Island. They came out to Idaho for a graduation and to meet great-grandbaby number eight. They are so amazing and I am so glad that they got to see my little guy. Carter is blessed to have 4 sets of great grandparents!

We have been very active going on trips to the zoo, playing in the sprinklers, and going to a splash park (which he liked much more than the sprinkler). He has started to sleep pretty well at night, as long as we are at home.

In a few weeks we will be making a trip out to Rhode Island. I can't wait for everyone to get to meet him!

Easter and a Blessing

2009-04-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday April 12 was a very special day. Not only was it Easter, but we also got to have our baby blessed at Church.

It was amazing to see so much family all together at Church. I had ALL of my nieces and nephew's together in one place from both sides of the family.

My mom and Bonnie and I made Carter's outfit the night before! When I got my wedding dress we ordered extra fabric so we could make a blessing outfit for my first baby. We did just that, and he ended up looking so cute with a little vest and pants and even a TIE that Bonnie and Mom made for him. He had sweet little sailor shoes with a navy blue anchor on them that his Aunties found for him too! It was litterally picture perfect.

Then we went to a park to have a brunch and and Easter egg hunt. It seemed like all of the kids (and the adults) had a great time. The weather was beautiful, we all got a little sun, and the boys got to break a sweat playing some basketball.

We ended up all spending the whole day together and my dad even made an awesome lasagna dinner for everyone that night. We played apples to apples and the boys played some ps3. Overall, I don't think I could have asked for a better day... I could have just hoped for Danny(school in Pennsylvania), Marissa (cruise in Mexico), Megan(school in Hawaii), and Jon(Mission in Virginia) to be there with us to complete the family.

just a lil update

2009-04-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our lil man is already 7 weeks old! He is getting so tall and cuter every day! Carter makes such good eye contact and the cutest cooing noises. His smiles will melt anyone's heart. He still makes cute little faces ... usually very serious and expressive.. or a face that looks like he is puckering up or whistling.. my fav!

CoUsInS

2009-03-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend my sister and her kids came into town, so we took the kids to JC Penney and had their pictures done. Here is the first picture of the cousins on my side of the family! Enjoy!

Oh Baby!

2009-03-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

the day before Carter was born

Carter is now 9 days old! The first week with him has been amazing and we are just loving every minute of it. He is such a good baby, the only hard part is that he is noctural and sleeps all day but stays up all night.

Saturday, February 21st I walked around a lot! Then Paul and I decided to finish up the nursery. We finished getting it all put together and vacuumed at about midnight. At 12:15 Sunday morning I started to have contractions, but didn't say anything because I didn't want to get Paul's hopes up yet. Probably around 2 I told Paul and we tried to go to bed. That was definitely not happening, so we came back downstairs. At 3 am we were pretty sure that this was the real thing so we called our parents who had a 4 hour drive to get here! Paul's parents took off right away, and my mom and Bonnie were not far behind. We were hoping they all made it on time! I heated up a rice bag to put on my stomach, and we played guitar hero. After that Paul watched a movie while I attempted to rest and make it through the contractions. At five thirty am I couldn't take it anymore! We grabbed the bags and headed to St. Luke's Hospital.

When we got to the hospital, we went up to triage and they took me right back. They had me put a gown on and asked me to get a urine sample. Perfect timing! When I was in the bathroom my water broke! It was two big gushes in the toilet. After that my contractions got even more intense and were only 30 seconds apart. The nurse came in to check me and I was dialated to a 5!! They took me right over to labor and delivery.

When I got into my delivery room I went to the bathroom and felt really nauseous... I told them I felt like I was going to throw up, and Paul was on his way over with a bucket when I did.. all over the floor and almost the nurse! YUCK! They hooked me and baby up to the monitors, and I had to stay in bed for a while because my blood pressure was high. I was in so much pain and really hated the straps for the monitors on my stomach and wanted to get out of bed and into the jetted tub! When they finally let me get into the tub it was nice at first but when the contractions came I still was really uncomfortable and was screaming at the top of my lungs. Paul helped me out, and we tried a few other positions to get me through the contractions, but it was just too much. They offered me some narcotics instead of an epidural, and I was going to do that until my doctor came in and told me they wouldn't take the pain away. Then I asked for the epidural.

They came in and checked me again before the epidural and I was at an 8! It was really hard to sit still through the contractions while they gave me the epidural but it was SOOO worth it once it kicked in! This was about 8 am. Once it kicked in they told Paul and I to take a nap. He fell asleep, but of course I couldn't with all the noise from the monitors and excitement and nervousness. The epidural made me really itchy and I wanted him to get me lotion but he would not wake up when i was calling him, and since I had the drugs I couldn't get up and get it myself either! At nine am they came in and checked me again and I was at a 10... time to start pushing!

Everyone came in the room at about 9:30 and we got right to work with pushing. Unfortunately, he was not coming down right, and I pushed for two hours with no progress. We tried different positions, and everyone was getting worn out. At this point the nurse described a c- section to me and I was getting really mad because I did not want all of that pushing to be for nothing! I did not want to be cut open!

My doctor came in at about 11:30 to "check my progress" and he got right down to business. After a few pushes he was able to see the head and get the vacuum on. He guided Carter into position, and had me keep pushing. At 12:12 Carter Douglas Crossley was finally born! 12 hours of labor.... and he was a big boy!

Carter was 9 pounds 5 ounces and 22 1/4 inches long. His head was 13 1/2 inches around, and very cone shaped from the vacuum! Everyone was so excited and shocked at how big he was. Paul was crying because he was so happy, but more so because he felt bad for me and how many stitches I was getting and how bloody it was. I was kind of in a daze and just remember thinking that it was kind of gross how they put him on me all bloody and that he was smelly.

We stayed in the hospital Sunday night, and were able to go home Monday afternoon. It was nice to be back in our own house with our little family. My mom and sister Bonnie stayed with us and were very helpful the first few days. My mom actually got to stay a whole week which was awesome but it went by way to fast!

going home!

17 days to go!

2009-02-09T17:21:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that I am already 37 1/2 weeks along! Our little guy could come any time now.. but we both have a feeling that he is going to take his time. I feel like he is very comfortable right where he is, but we want to see him!!!
Things are coming along in his room... Paul just needs to put the seal on the glider and ottoman so that we can put all the furniture in place. His clothes are washed and put away ready to go. The carseat and stroller are in the car, and the bouncer seat is put together in the living room. We got a cute blue bumper and blue and white star sheet for the cradle so that just needs to move into our room!

I am still feeling pretty good.. some aches and pains of course but nothing major. Sleeping is terrible even with a body pillow on each side of me, and I wake up to pee like every hour! I don't think that he has dropped at all because I still feel like his bum is constantly in my ribs on the right side. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow so we will see how it is all going!

35 weeks!

2009-01-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

So I'm not sure why but the pregnancy ticker on my blog has decided to play a trick on me and say that I am due in 3 days! bad joke! I have 5 weeks... 34 days to go! So for those of you who are wondering.. no I'm not due in 3 days!

Things are going well though. No big complaints besides wanting to sleep on my tummy again so bad! My neck hurts and my sides and back so much when i wake up! yuck!

My baby shower is tomorrow.. my family is coming in to town tonight and I am super excited! I have been working a few hours .. .like 7... a week and it is a nice break from the boredom of sitting at home all day! Paul started school again this week so it just leaves me more time at home by myself.. boo!

The baby's room is coming along well.. Paul is doing a BEAUTIFUL job refinishing all of the furniture.. we have found some really cute nautical decor, and I started to wash and put away the newborn clothes... yay for carter~ we can't wait to meet our little guy!

My Hubby

2009-01-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

the first pic we took together New Years 2006

1. Where did you meet your husband? I worked at a Mexican restaurant called Bajio, in Rexburg when I first moved out to Idaho. A few months after I started working there, along came a new .. and very good looking employee... Paul!

2. How long did you date before you married? We started dating in December of 2005, and got married in July of 2007.

3. How long have you been married? a year and a half

4. What does he do that surprises you? he is amazing at refinishing furniture... great talent and making the babies room look awesome for cheap! I love when he does the dishes, or other things around the house to surprise me... my favorite surprise was when he showed up to visit me at work at brought me an engraved bracelet.. just because :)

5. What is his best feature? He has an awesome smile and gorgeous eyes

6. What is his best quality? he is a really hard worker and I love how goofy he is too

7. Does he have a nickname for you? when we first met he called me "dimple" because he thought it was funny that I only had one... now he has lots of names for me

8. What is his favorite food? there are a few things I make that he really likes right now... he really likes Italian food.. which is perfect for me... oh yea and HOT TAMALES

9. What is his favorite sport? he likes all sorts of sports... but I would have to say baseball is his favorite to play... can't wait for the spring :)

10. When & where was your first kiss? In the parking lot of Bajio after our first date when we were saying goodbye... and YES I made the first "move" as far as that one goes!

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?mostly anything together... we like to cuddle up on the couch and watch movies, hang out with his sister and family, play baseball, go camping, etc.

12. Do you have an y children? We have a little bun in the oven who we can't wait to meet! Carter Douglas Crossley :)

13. Does he have any hidden talents? he hides how smart he is (biology nerd), he has a really good singing voice, etc.

14. How old is he? he will be 25 in couple weeks! old man!

15. Who said I love you first? he did but he did struggle to wait like 4 months to say it :)

16. What is his favorite music? He likes some stuff that I call screaming.. but then he likes a lot of good music too like Journey, Nickleback, Second Hand Seranade, etc.

17. What do you admire most about him? I admire how selfless he can be, how much he loves me, how hard he works, the goals he sets for himself, the trials he has overcome... i could go on and on...

18. What is his favorite color? not really sure... blue possibly

19. Will he read this? Probably not... unless i tell him to

Engagement Pic 2007

Jingle All The Way

2009-01-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas time was definitely busy for Paul and I. We both were busy with lots of holiday caterings at work, and then we made time for family festivities too. We never quite finished putting up our holiday decorations at home, but Paul did a pretty good job with the outside of our townhouse.
On Christmas Eve we went over to my sister-in-law Niki's house and had dinner and exchanged gifts with his family. We got a really nice Book of Mormon, a really pretty clock, and a Pooh Bear for the baby. Then on Christmas day we made the (very dangerous) drive to Idaho Falls to be with my family. Five and a half hours later we made it safely in, but vowed to never drive in such bad weather conditions again!

It was really nice to see my family, especially my brother Danny who came out from Pennsylvania and who I hadn't seen since last Christmas!

We acted out the Nativity story, and of course me being 8 months prego, I got chosen to be Mary! here is our sweet family picture!

my growing belly

2008-11-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

21 weeks!

25 Weeks!

and now... 26 weeks... def growing in there

31 Weeks... getting big!

Halloween

2008-11-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

This year Paul and I wore lots of different costumes! On Tuesday, I had a party at work and we dressed up as Cinderella and Prince Charming! We won the costume contest.. partially because most people didn't dress up.. but our costumes were pretty sweet!

Then on Friday Paul dressed up as a nerd when he went to work! He makes a really good nerd, and I think he kind of looked like Clark Kent...

Friday night we went out trick-or-treating with Paul's sister Niki and her family. Brent (bro- in-law) and Paul passed out candy. Niki, Amy (sister in laws), and I took the kids (Megan, Cooper, and Abby) around the neighborhood to trick-or-treat. There were lots of cute little trick or treaters out and it wasn't too cold which was a big plus! At the end of the night I even convinced Megan and Abby to trick-or-treat for their cousin Carter (in my tummy)!! They really hooked me up with some good candy... enough to fill my cookie jar!

I made myself a ladybug costume to wear on Friday. I wore it all day long because I dressed up for work and then went to Niki's preschool party, and then took the kids trick-or-treating! I used coathangers and knee highs to make wings.. I wasn't sure how they would come out and almost spent 20 dollars on a pair, but I am pretty proud of my thrifty wings! You can see my prego tummy in this pic too!

Pumpkin Carving

2008-11-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

we carved pumpkins with our neighbors Dallin and Jennie on Monday night for my birthday... This is Paul's Darth Maul pumkin! He is pretty amazing and was working way after the rest of us.. I was even snoozing on the couch before he finished!

And I made a Cinderella pumpkin of course.. because I AM a princess!

Then the next night I had a party at work and we carved pumpkins again...

Paul carved this amazing Yoda to add to the Star Wars theme!

Then... I started Darth Vader.. but it was TOO HARD...so Paul finished for me!!

Baby Crossley

2008-10-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

We are shopping for blue! This monday I went for my 20 week ultrasound, and as much as he wanted to hide it, we found out that the little one growing in my belly is a boy! He is measuring big, already one pound, and is in the 70th percentile. We have had fun looking at themes for the nursery, registering for baby items, and buying cute little boy clothes this week. His name will be Carter Douglas Crossley, and he will be making his debute in February!

Trying Out this Side of Blogging

2008-10-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Since I have been an avid blog reader for quite some time now, I figure that I should try this side of blogging. I always say that my life is not interesting enough to write about like everyone elses, but with a baby on the way I think things are about to get very interesting for Paul and I. So here goes... I'm taking the dive into the blogging world... wish me luck