then to now

One of the pictures that I see flash on my computer occasionally is of one of my favorite places. I spent 18 months as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and most of those 18 months were in Nauvoo, Illinois. While living in Carthage, Illinois, I took visitors on tours of the historic Carthage Jail, and to share with them what happened there. I got to share my testimony of Joseph Smith, and everything he did during his life to testify of Jesus Christ. I learned quite a bit about the early Church, and the sacrifices that individuals and families made to come closer to the Lord.

This picture reminds me of the stories I would share, and of the people I met, and the Sisters I received and love.

This past weekend, I got to spend an evening in Salt Lake City with a group of Nauvoo Sisters to celebrate the marriage of one of them. I saw a miniature replica of this statue, and could not resist the opportunity. Thanks, Merry, for helping me recreate the shot.

16 months, a husbands, and a baby later...

Provo Adventures: 4/8

Half way!
This week, I got to meet up with Shelly Jensen, formerly Cook. We got to hang out, compare little baby stories, and reminisce about the terrific youth dances of Lilburn stake. It's really incredible to think that so much time has passed, and it is fun to see where life has brought us so far.

My sister's family made a surprise visit to Utah this weekend! I got to see Carlie and meet Niklas for the very first time! Niklas is 3 weeks younger than Joshua, and they are very different!! Joshua is a little longer, but Niklas is a little more solid. Do you see a resemblance?

This week, being Joshua's 9th of life, we have discovered our tongue. Joshua will stick it out, and will start licking his hands when he's hungry and they get too near his mouth. It's one of the cutest things I've seen him do yet, and I haven't been able to figure out how to document it accurately. I'll keep trying.

Joshua came with me to Salt Lake City for a wedding dinner. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a picture with Joseph in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Sadly, we didn't take many other pictures due to the chilliness of the night air. But I'll make sure to get a couple shots before Joshua gives up his Utah residency.

Joshua and his biggest fan,
and favorite babysitter, Merry.

Four down.

tricks or reminders

This is for all the moms out there. How many days have you gone where you feel absolutely lop-sided? Nursing on the left or nursing on the right. This basic decision is sometimes more than I can make without feeling myself up in public. And when I choose unwisely, not only does it feel uncomfortable, but it also sorta hurts. I've found myself reliving this nightmare on more than a handful of occasions, and I'm never quite sure how to remedy the problem.

My mother suggested I pin a safety pin on which side I just finished...or is it which side I start with next time? I can't ever remember the system, so having the safety pin hasn't helped me much.

I have started to wear an extra ring, on the hand that I need to nurse next. I can remember to swap the ring to the other hand in almost 80% of the times when I should. And then one of the most horrible things happened. I forgot my ring one day. And I was so confused all day until I could get home. I couldn't think of any way to successfully know where to start with the next feeding.

Luckily I have only forgotten my ring once, but I need your help. What are some tricks that have worked for you? I am wide open for suggestions, and success stories.

Happy Together...

I can't see me loving nobody but you for all my life
When you're with me, baby, the skies will be blue for all my life,

You and me, and me and you
No matter how the toss the dice; it had to be
The only one for me is you,
and you for me

So happy together!!!

Provo Adventures: 3/8

This week, Joshua got to meet a good friend for the first time. We miss hanging out with Mandy and Andrew in Provo since they moved to Dallas. But we got to introduce Austin and Joshua to each other. I think we're going to be grand friends as the years pass. Mandy, it was so good to see you!!

The Heaton/Baron, generation 3

We also got to spend the weekend in Georgia with Benjamin!! YEA! It was so nice to be home and to spend time with someone I love the most. Joshua had been saving some big smiles for his dad, and we enjoyed playing with Joshua together.

On the airplane

Benjamin and his family

Three down.

Provo Adventures: 2/8

All in all, this week has been MUCH better than week 1. I have a better grip on life, if nothing else. Some of the week's milestones:

1. Joshua graduated from newborn diapers to size 1
2. Joshua is smiling more often. Does he mean it? Don't ask me, I can't tell.
3. Joshua has begun to have fatty rolls on his legs.
4. Benjamin and Emily finally both have a webcam.
   

Here's what we've been up to:

Smiling @ 7 weeks

Sometimes, we sleep after
early-morning meals.

Emily went to FrighMares at Lagoon.
Roller-coasters are the best!

Check out the roll!

Two down.

Provo Adventures: 1/8

Emily is very close to finishing her Masters' degree, and has gone to Utah to finish up the last bit of her program requirements on location. It has been an emotional roller-coaster to decide to continue, as well as to put it into effect. So, this is an update of what Emily and Joshua have been up to while away from Benjamin and extended family in Atlanta.

Joshua traveled the whole way in this sling.
Doesn't he look comfortable?

Emily, after traveling from Atlanta to Denver to Salt Lake City.
Lack of sleep and worry are near the surface.

We got to go for a drive up the canyon, and the leaves are getting colorful.

We attended the Nauvoo Mission Reunion, and
got to visit with all the sisters. Nauvoo generation II is growing...

One down.

Grandparents and Cousins

Joshua is a very lucky little boy. He has been sufficiently loved and spoiled by his grandparents:


and his great-grand parents:

Joshua has also met lots of his cousins:

first cousin: Isaac Pruitt

first cousin: Brooklyn Shurtliff

second cousin: Jackson Urqhart

What I've learned in 6 weeks...

1. Nursing really is not natural for the first 5 weeks.

2. If mom doesn't eat, baby is cranky.

3. Baths are wonderful, when they are warm enough.

4. Gas relief drops taste like candy compared to milk.

5. Sometimes sleep is only an option.

6. My son is a night owl, just like his mom USED to be.

7. Typing is hampered by holding a precious baby.

8. You can never have too many burp rags or blankets.

9. Clipping baby's nails can be a messy business, and baby will thankfully not cry too long.

10. Filling a diaper can be a very painful experience.

11. Blue clothes, blanket, and pacifier does not guaruntee that strangers will know baby is a boy.

12. Smiles are directly related to digestion, rather than emotion.

13. Baby sneezes and yawns are some of the most adorable sights ever.

14. Mom's cold hands take a little longer to soothe baby.

15. Always carry a second set of clothes, or third, or fourth.

16. Hiccups will bring substantial spit-up.

17. Hair curls when it is wet.

18. Grandparents are the proudest.

19. The church schedule is altered to include a lengthy stay in the mothers' lounge.

20. Joshua is learning he has mom's undivided attention 24 hours a day.

Our family has become something much more precious since Joshua's arrival. We feel much more complete.