Two Heatons

November 2011

2012-01-10T03:27:00.010-07:00

A few highlights of the month include:

A special day for Caleb

More Joshua bumps

Learning all sorts of new ways to play with trains (this picture is more remarkable than it looks when you consider how exact the timing is to catch such a quick boy balancing!!)

We had a fun time hosting a murder mystery dinner with some friends from church. We were so impressed that everybody dressed for our Masquerade Ball. The events of the evening uncovered a secret love, family dysfunction, envy and jealousy to shock, betrayal and ego. Needless to say, fun was had by all!

For Thanksgiving, we got to spend time with the Heatons in Kiawah, South Carolina. We love visiting the beach, and playing in the sand. We got to ride bikes and spend hours and hours with people we love.

It was a wonderful trip, full of eating, shell-hunting, catching up, playing in the surf, eating, building sand castles, riding bikes, eating, playing games, trains, eating, visiting, and did I mention eating fantastic food? We built a Polar Express sandcastle, which turned out great and impressed Joshua quite a bit.

October 2011

2012-01-08T11:51:00.009-07:00

We took a quick trip to Alton, Utah for Grand-Pa Heaton's funeral. We got to meet lots of cousins, and spend time thinking about how happy Joshua's great-grandparents were to be reunited on the other side of the veil.

Caleb met his second cousin, Kaleb Heaton (son of Brent, son of Ray, brother of Terry, father of Benjamin). I hope these boys will get to know each other better someday.

Caleb starts to smile big and beautiful, and we had some fun with cousins. We got to spend lots of time with Amber (pronounced "Hamer" by Joshua), Brooklyn and Lydia when they came to visit. We went for a weekend in Elijay, GA with the Wombles and Heatons. We also got to visit the Georgia Aquarium with Grandma Heaton and the girls.

We took Caleb on his first camp out with the Mullins crowd, and Joshua had fun dressing up in his Halloween costume for "tent-treating." Joshua and Isaac were both dragons, Niklas was Micky Mouse. Levi was an awesome pirate (but I don't have a picture of him!!).

For Halloween, we wandered the neighborhood with some friends, and had a great time. Joshua was a dragon, Caleb - peas in a pod. Benjamin and I were hippies this year.

This is me...trying harder

2012-01-08T11:39:00.002-07:00

In harmony with one of my goals for myself, I am going to keep better record of the events in our home. So I will be posting highlights of our recent holidays when I get the chance during the month of January. Hang on tight, it might be a quick ride. While you wait, here's a family picture we took this afternoon after church:

a change

2011-12-07T13:05:00.003-07:00

I finally took the initiative and made a change. I have been considering doing this for a while, and I'm so glad that I did!!

I've only made such a drastic change in my hair once before, as a missionary. I donated 14 inches to "Locks for Love" while in Colorado. And this time, I have 10 inches. All packaged up and ready to go.

It's wonderful. I look like I planned to look like this, instead of just being overgrown and tired. What a nice change.

Caleb is 6 weeks:

2011-10-16T14:42:00.007-06:00

A gal in my ward took some pictures, and I can't begin to describe how excited about the pictures I am. She did a fabulous job!!! If you are looking for a photographer for a great price, let me know, I'll share her info!

Caleb is 6 weeks old, and was nearly 12 lbs at his one month appointment. He is continuing to round out and is still a cuddly little boy. I've carried him a few times in the baby sling, and he is quite content to sleep against my front for a few hours at a time. He eats well, and is getting better about sleeping when I want to sleep. I'm generally getting up once to feed him during the night, although there are often exceptions to that. It may also help that Caleb likes to be very awake and alert until midnight, so our nights start later than I'd prefer.

Caleb is starting to smile at us more often when we interact with him. He also is getting stronger as he lifts his head off my shoulder.

Joshua is settling into a routine with having a baby brother at home. He is a big help and is always getting better.

Who needs sleep?

2011-09-29T11:24:00.006-06:00

Remember that song by the Barenaked Ladies? I find myself singing it in my head pretty often these days:

"Who needs sleep?

Well you're never gonna get it!

Who needs sleep?

Tell me what's that for?

Who needs sleep?

Be happy with what you're getting...."

Sometimes I feel like a zombie. Sometimes I even act like one...I'm so hopeful that Joshua will forget how short my temper is if I keep trying every day to be better. Someday, I'll get enough sleep again...

On a similar note, Joshua has been testing his sleeping boundaries, too. He's moved into his new room, and often elects to play with his toys rather than sleeping at nap time. Which is ok, he is still having quiet time. But while dinner is being prepared, it is always apparent that little Joshua still needs to have a nap. I am trying to brainstorm ways to achieve a nap from where we are now. I think if I were to put him into his crib or into a pack'n'play, he would climb out, and start climbing in other ways, too. But in the meantime, I have a growing collection of crazy positions I find Joshua in when he does happen to nap. Please enjoy, and give advice if you have any.

Welcome Home!

2011-09-06T13:45:00.007-06:00

Our family was blessed with the happy and healthy arrival of Caleb Riley Heaton last week.

He arrived 7.5 hours after parents were admitted into the hospital.

Caleb weighed in at 8 lbs 8 oz. and 20.5 inches long. He has dark hair and dark eyes and is eating well.

A top priority for Benjamin is to play hard with Joshua and to help Emily rest. Joshua's new job is to have gentle hands with baby, and to give his mom hugs. Emily's number one is to keep Joshua and Caleb filled with food during the day and to rest when all is quiet.

By popular demand:

2011-08-25T10:58:00.004-06:00

Not too different from usual, right?

WRONG!!

Ever feel like you have an inflated beach ball strapped to your middle? That's what I feel like. Not much obvious growth anywhere, except right in the middle.

Twos so soon?

2011-08-24T15:05:00.006-06:00

Update on Joshua, the newly 2 year old:

love of all things that "go" (trains, trucks, cars, planes, school buses, etc.)
has finally passed 20 lbs on the growth chart!!
has a very toothy grin
likes to bound down stairs
jumps into the pool if he can hold at least one of your hands
play parroting games with his peers (or "do as I'm doing" mode)
help me wipe up spills and move laundry from the wash to the dryer
playing with the idea of using the potty
will eat all fruits (seeds and all)
gives goodnight hugs and kisses
LOVES tomatoes, baths, and being outside
will point out automobiles on the road around us with awe and wonder
has discovered magical powers of band-aids
plays well in nursery at church
is always adding new words to his vocabulary
lights up when his Dad comes home

We love him, and have loved watching him grow.

38.5 weeks

2011-08-24T14:36:00.005-06:00

We're still here and we're still pregnant, too. Every time I see my doctor, she feels confident in saying she'll see me in the hospital before our next appointment. But that has yet to unfold. Things are progressing and my body is "ripening" to deliver this baby.

Joshua is getting ready for his new baby brother by helping to get his new room ready (Thank you Ginger for helping me get the fabulous paint on the walls, and Sarah, none of this would have happened without your drive to conquer the unbeatable!):

After some solid work and creative decorating:

We got to working in the nursery, too, with moving Joshua's "little boy" things out, and revisiting the "baby" theme, but I do not have pictures of that yet.

We've also celebrated Joshua's second birthday recently, and had a wonderful time with friends and family. Joshua got very spoiled with cars and trains and leggos and related books and puzzles. We have been playing nonstop with our new favorite toys since he received them. We are so blessed to have such good friends and family so close.

Heaton Beach Reunion

2011-07-13T08:43:00.004-06:00

This summer, we've had a couple of great road trips. In June we went to Destin, FL area with all of the Heatons for the first Terry Heaton reunion. We loved being at the beach. Joshua enjoyed the sand and all the buckets and sand cars/trucks. It may be safe to say that Joshua took the very serious job of emptying the Gulf Coast one bucketful at a time, as he would fill a bucket, run 10 feet onto the sand and dump the water out. He would then return to the water to fill his bucket again.

While there, we got to spend time with Amber and Tim, with their girls. Brooklyn celebrated her 3rd birthday, and we got to play lots of games. One of the evenings consisted of a Glowstick Dance. I am excited to see how that tradition will grow in the years to come.

It was a terrific trip, and we loved everything about it. Plenty of good food, fun games, and family memories.

24 weeks pregnant

2011-05-11T06:13:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! I woke up and had the entire kitchen and family room cleaned. It was a wonderful surprise and just what I needed. Benjamin knew just what I needed and would appreciate the most.

Other news, Joshua is suddenly interested in looking at pictures of our family and cousins, and pointing to the paper, then to the person. It is very fun to watch him recognize us when we are not there.

Pregnancy is starting to feel a little uncomfortable. I'm feeling like I'm leaning around something I'm holding on my lap. Joshua is noticing it's in his way when he sits with me. At times I think I need to grab Joshua's leg to pull him closer to the wall of his crib before I lean over and scoop him up. And the heartburn started last week. But there's still plenty of fun things to discover for the next few months as I continue to swell in different ways. But things are wonderful.

Just 2.5 more weeks of school for this school year. But who's counting!

Oh BOY!

2011-05-07T14:48:00.004-06:00

Joshua will have a little brother.

Benjamin and I are thrilled to have another boy on the way! I can't wait to meet him and to watch Joshua be a good example. As I watch my sisters' sets of boys playing together, I think about how much fun we are going to have. Boys are wonderful, and I couldn't be happier.

We are bouncing around a few names, but nothing is decided yet. We are still open to suggestions, too.

Patience?

2011-05-05T08:20:00.005-06:00

Have you ever just been too impatient to wait for the best thing EVER, and you know it's right there? What do you do about it? Sometimes, I take a nap to pass the time. Other times, I go for a walk. I might even try to clean my room a little bit. But this is what Joshua does:

Doesn't that face just say, "I know I shouldn't have, but I couldn't help it, and I wanted it so bad, and there was nobody here to take my clothes off..."

I love to see the Temple

2011-04-21T12:27:00.006-06:00

The Atlanta Temple has been closed for remodeling for the past 24+ months, and we got to attend the openhouse this past week! The dedication is scheduled for May 1, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to have the temple so close to home again! I have not attended a session in Atlanta since before Joshua was born...or before we left Provo...you get the picture. We are lucky that there are two other temples close enough to attend with a day's time: Columbia South Carolina, and Birmingham Alabama. But Atlanta is easier to accomplish with a babysitting schedule.

We also got to walk through the temple with Joshua. He enjoyed pointing at all the beautiful lights and naming Jesus in each of the paintings we saw in hallways and different rooms. Everything felt so bright and light in each of the rooms, and it really made me all the more excited for the temple to be dedicated so I can start participating in the work to be done, and feeling the blessings that are available within.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I know that families can be sealed together as families throughout eternity, even past mortal death. It is in Latter-day Saint Temples those ordinances (such as baptism and eternal marriage) are performed in behalf of those who did not have the chance to be baptized during their lives upon the earth. The Gospel is available to each of God's sons and daughters.

In temples, we can focus our attention on our relationship with the Savior without the distractions of the world around us. It is in the temple that I have felt the closest with Jesus Christ, as I reflect on the sacrifices that He made so that I can return to live with my Father in Heaven. I hope that I can teach my children to rely on the Savior, as well. I know that it is only through Jesus Christ that we can be found clean and pure in God's eyes.

I am thankful that I could show Joshua what different rooms look like inside the temple. Someday we'll be together inside again.

Do you have a monkey?

2011-04-21T12:05:00.005-06:00

We took Joshua for a walk last night to get out some energy before bedtime. He kept up with us for a almost the whole lap in the neighborhood, but landed a ride on his Dad's shoulders for the last stretch. He quickly determined the best handholds, and placed both his little hands on either side of Benjamin's forehead to keep his center of gravity where he wanted it.

Joshua is still a little climber, and sometimes uses his toes as tools. Other times, he sees the benefit of having shoes at his disposal. A couple weeks ago during church, Joshua started to climb up the back of the pew in front of us. He would grip the top of the bench, and somehow find a place to have a good toehold and raise himself up 18 inches from the ground. I leaned over and told Benjamin that the climbing wasn't being very respectful in the chapel, and Benjamin quickly interrupted Joshua's climb. After the meeting, Benjamin admitted that he was in such awe that Joshua had accomplished such a hold, and was calculating the boy's strength in his toes and scrawny biceps to be able to accomplish such a feat. He may have been a little embarrassed that all he thought was: "Check out what my kid can do!" Oh yeah, we are in church, and that isn't something we want to encourage....I guess in the end it's all about working as a team.

If you didn't know...

2011-04-12T13:24:00.004-06:00

It's time to vote again!!! Please, cast your vote on baby boy or baby girl to be joining the Heaton Bunch in early September 2011! (to the left)

We will see the doctor in the next couple weeks and have the official information to share.

(for those of you still curious, there are currently 14 Mullins grandsons arrived/in the making, with ZERO granddaughters to date! The Heatons have 2 granddaughters in addition to Joshua, so the pressure is a little uneven at times.)

(oh, and pictures to come soon).

Lesson learned...

2011-04-06T13:54:00.008-06:00

A few of you may remember a few years ago, as missionaries in Nauvoo, that we discovered how difficulty it is to clean up after using oil-based paint products. While a full-time missionary in Nauvoo Illinois, we had the opportunity to scrape and repaint the black fencing surrounding the Nauvoo Temple. I remember it being long and hot days with no shade in August, but we had a good time, and enjoyed working with our hands and wearing pants for a while.

Curtis, Waldvogel, Rich, Tjarks, Martin, Roundy, Price

Sanders, Mullins

Mullins, Bailey

I was thinking about those fun days with a my sisters that I will never forget spending my summers with. I always think of the Sisters when I watch General Conference. But I had a different reason to reflect on those days today. I was trying to get a project done, and realized while trying to tidy up for a break that I had been using an oil-based product. Trying to wash up, I asked myself "I didn't expect this to take so much time to clean up. I doubt that in Nauvoo we just let our hands be black in the Visitor's Center. I must be forgetting a step." I dug out old photos, and sure enough, I did miss a BIG step...We used latex gloves while painting the fence. It was a good thing, or else we would have looked like this:

I wonder how long my hand will look like this. Oh well, I might as well finish my project tonight so I only have to clean up once...Next time, I'll remember the gloves.

Remember When...?

2011-04-06T13:35:00.004-06:00

Hello, life!

I'll be the first to admit that our family has just concluded a 5 month disappearing act. But now it's time to become reaquainted with keeping a public record! Aren't we all excited?!?

In a nutshell, this is us:

-Benjamin is working for Acuity Lighting, and enjoying his responsibilities and making business connections across the country. He will travel for 3-4 days every couple of weeks, but we're getting used to the new routines.

-Emily is still working 3 days a week for a school district as a speech-language pathologist working with preschool-aged students. This week is spring break, and I am getting excited to get the house in order after winter, and in getting some decorating projects rolling before long. Perhaps they will even be shared with you (knock on wood, I'll prove that we're back up and running).

-Joshua is nearly 20 months old, attending nursery at church, and not slowing down one bit. He is still climbing on everything, and has rediscovered electrical outlets. He likes to move chairs so that he can play with various light switches, and has mastered opening and closing doors around the house. He is getting taller, but no heavier. Still barely 19 lbs, but he's getting all sorts of treats in an attempt in increase his calorie intake. We love to be outside, and take walks. Joshua is even saying a few words (shoe, ball) in addition to the long-time "mama, dada, papa, more, please, no," etc. He is keeping us busy and happy.

Goal ATTAINED!!!

2010-12-11T09:35:00.005-07:00

We don't have a scale in our bathroom. But we do have Wii Fit. Santa brought it two years ago. We've had a blast charting our weight since then, especially through my pregnancy and following it. We created a Mii for Joshua, and have watched his weight increase, and maintain for the past 7 months.

Today, I reached a goal of mine. I have been working on it off and on while chasing a 15 month old, working half-time, trying to continue to make noticeable improvements to our partially "set up" home, being in the Primary presidency at church, etc. I hit an all-time low on my weight, since April. Wohoo!! And April was the first time I hit this target since before Joshua was born. I figure April was the peak of nursing, and it's only been downhill since then. Well, I guess my weight has been a little uphill...

Anyway, congratulations to ME!!

(the hola-hoop should remind some of you of some

super funny memories we have together...)

(*photos borrowed from Nintendo)

Christmas Tree Drama

2010-12-03T15:20:00.007-07:00

We picked out our Christmas tree this past weekend. We found a place to cut our own, and had fun bringing it home. We set it up, lit it, and started with ornaments.

About an hour after we finished decorating it, we heard a huge crash. We found this:

We called in for some reinforcements, and had some help re-fitting our tree into a larger base. But it still kept falling to one side.

We discovered upon further investigation that the trunk of our beautiful tree is not in the center of the branches. The tree is definitely growing fuller on one side, despite the symmetric appearance.

If you look closely, you'll see some fishing line holding our tree to our window, preventing it from diving into our room again. But don't look too closely...

We restrung the lights, and waited to see if the tree would flop again. We may have lost our energy to decorate a tree this year....But this morning, we finally put ornaments back on the tree, and it is beautiful.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-03T14:50:00.004-07:00

This year we joined the Heatons in Kiawah South Carolina for a few days before Thanksgiving. Joshua loved being on the beach, and we enjoyed riding bikes, beautiful weather, playing games,

and eating wonderful food the entire trip.

Georgia Aquarium

2010-09-23T18:47:00.003-06:00

You've never seen anything like it!!!

We got to go to the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta with Andrew, Mandy and Austin Baron over Labor Day weekend. Joshua might not have been terribly impressed with it, but I sure was. Phenomenal!

Sharks, sting rays, jellyfish, penguins, they've got it all!!!

Really?

2010-08-28T20:51:00.004-06:00

So Joshua is barely a year old, and somebody at church asked me if I was expecting. "Nope." I guess that means it's about time for me to further my role in multiplying and replenishing. I've had enough time for myself, now it's time to be selfless again.

This individual continued to say that she thought I was showing a little bit. "Oh really? That's a good thing to hear 12 months later..." So, I guess it's not a surprise to tell you that I haven't lost all my baby weight after 12 months. But, really, does that give you a right to say something like that? Showing? Isn't that a 2-3 month stage development?

I keep forgetting that I can say rudish things when people say blatantly rude things to me. But what should I have said? I was completely taken off guard. But if I'm entering this next phase where everyone expects I have news to share...I'd better get my whits together. Suggestions?

"You sure grew out of your baby ways, Happy Birthday to you!"

2010-08-27T14:04:00.007-06:00

We had an exciting weekend, celebrating Joshua's first birthday with family and friends. Among the guests were: Tyler and Isaac Pruitt, Dani Smith, Lydia Welch and Taki Townsend. We let all the little ones swim, have sweets and cupcakes and then play with all the amazing presents. Some of the best gifts included bath toys, books, and stackable and nesting toys, and a first toothbrush.

All day, Joshua carried his plastic spoon, and kept his grip tight on it. He enjoyed crumbling his cupcake, but didn't care for the taste much. But he was willing to go for an Oreo cookie. So despite it being overcast and threatening rain, and preventing the host and at least 3 guests from napping, it was a fabulous party.

We can't believe Joshua has already been a member of our family for a whole year. Time has flown. And we're having more fun with this little personality every day.

Step One

2010-08-01T19:07:00.002-06:00

The past few days, we've noticed Joshua letting go of the furniture he's been stabilizing on and standing for up to a minute before he opts to sit down or grab back on to what he's holding. He's getting closer!!

Tonight, Joshua is taking a step away from the table or couch that he's balancing on. He doesn't make it far, and crashes every time, but he's going for it like he's been doing it for weeks.

Happy August, so far. I wonder what other things we'll discover this month.

Summer is HOT

2010-07-26T14:02:00.006-06:00

We've been trying to stay cool this summer...with BUBBLES.

And with FRIENDS.

Emily Ruth and her two busy boys!

Look what Joshua can do:

2010-07-17T19:28:00.005-06:00

We're always moving.

And Joshua is the only one that is getting any faster...

What more can we say?

Master Me

2010-07-17T19:12:00.004-06:00

So, look what came in the mail not long ago...

Benjamin sometimes calls me "Master Emily." It usually makes me smile. He sometimes will purchase things online, rather than in a store, and he's even had something shipped to "Master Emily" rather than Mrs. It's enjoyable.

Now we can be a True Blue Cougar Family. With 3 degrees of higher education awarded from Brigham Young University, now Joshua can wear this proudly:

Remeber when...?

2010-06-23T12:32:00.003-06:00

So, sometimes we'll say "remember when..." and recall something that was amusing or unexpected. Typically, the silly comment is still the current state of things, but it's theraputic to imagine it is just a memory. We've been saying this phrase more often lately. For instance

Remember when:

*Joshua was content to just roll around or army crawl in this one room?

*the monkey started to climb stairs and pull up on everything?

*we tried to make bread in the breadmaker and the machine

squeaked so much it wouldn't proceed?

*all three toilets in our house started to run nonstop in the same evening?

*laundry wasn't so backed up that the pile of clean clothes was

three times as large as the pile of dirty clothes?

*we had a garage door opener remote? That was the life! Someday we'll find that thing.

And my personal favorite of the month:

Remember when we had air conditioning in one of our cars?

(it's been a pretty hot hot hot spring for us, and one car only blows cold on one half of the car, while the other car has no AC at all, and neither front windows can roll down...needless to say, I try to run my errands during the morning or after sundown...)

Three Years Stronger

2010-05-18T15:29:00.004-06:00

We've been married for 3 years today. And Benjamin is just as handsome and charming as ever. Here are some of the milestones we've endured:

Emily finishing grad school.

Benjamin publishing his paper in a peer-reviewed journal.

Having a heart breaker of a baby boy.

Moving all our belongings 5 times so far.

Buying a house.

Benjamin, I love you, and I'm still the luckiest. All my love!

Our "sweet-tooth" found his first TOOTH!!

2010-04-09T11:06:00.004-06:00

Joshua cut his first tooth yesterday! It's on the bottom, and he's been cranky, but not enough to pin it on teething alone! Sorry no pictures, he will hardly let us shove our fingers into his mouth to feel it. We'll post one as soon as we capture it.

Every tooth in a man's head is more valuable than a diamond. ~Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605

Thesis (finally) done!

2010-04-07T16:36:00.004-06:00

So, we got all the revisions taken care of, and I'm finally done with the requirements for my Masters' Degree. Too bad we were 5 days late for the April graduation deadline....but so what!?! What's 4 more months? I'll technically graduate in August, but I suspect I will be receiving my degree come Christmas (given the 6-12 week delay in processing and postage). So, Amber, remember when you gave me a mock degree for Christmas? You must have been psychic...or a year early.

Easter cute!

2010-04-05T15:23:00.004-06:00

Joshua had a great first Easter!! He got to listen to the voice of a living Prophet, and got to play with cousins and friends all weekend long.

Happy Easter.

I'm so grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and His powerful love.

eat your veggies

2010-04-04T07:57:00.005-06:00

*I really like carrots. And peas. Chicken and gravy is pretty good, and sweet potatoes have been pretty terrific the past few days, too. But eating is sure a messy business...

*And did you notice it's spring outside? The sunshine is sure bright after 7 months of being inside. But it makes my mom smile, so it must be a good thing...

*dictated by Joshua, penned by his mother.

King SIZE of beds!

2010-04-04T07:52:00.005-06:00

We've had a new HUGE bed waiting for us, ever since before we moved to Georgia last summer. However, we didn't have the hardware to assemble the bed. So it's been waiting. Last week, much rejoicing was happening as we got everything put together. What do you think?

The upgrade:

Look at all that room!

The replaced:

This bed was bought many many many years ago, when my father was an infant. Each of my siblings slept in this miniature crib for a period of time. I got to spruce it up with a coat of white paint when I lived in my parents' basement right before Joshua was born. I love it.

But we'll pull it out next time.

is sleep THAT important?

2010-04-04T07:38:00.005-06:00

Sometimes Joshua doesn't want to sleep. That makes sense, sometimes I don't want to sleep, either. But, let's be honest...We don't have the option to make that decision until we can keep ourselves from acting like this:

Thank heaven, we look like this more often when we sleep:

who's baby is this?!?

2010-03-18T16:25:00.008-06:00

joshua:

So, what's your vote?

Is Joshua more of an Emily baby or a Benjamin baby?

emily:

benjamin:

emily:

Cast your vote on our poll to the left...

Thesis (not) done!!

2010-03-18T14:58:00.002-06:00

So, I've been revising my thesis since I passed my oral defense over two weeks ago now...and still no final product yet. But I've been working on it like CRAZY. Who knew I would have to redo my headings and add so many transitional sentences. It's been occupying quite a bit of my time...still...Almost there...

Thesis

2010-03-09T07:43:00.003-07:00

I'm done.

And it's a relief. We took a family trip to Utah last weekend, and I defended my thesis. All ended well, but I don't want to do that again. But I passed.

I just wanted to share.

Thriving in Life

2010-03-08T10:14:00.003-07:00

No real excuses for disappearing for 4 months. So on to the updates!

(unless you want to count the best Thanksgiving vacation EVER, a full and exciting Christmas with all our family, an 8 week full-time internship placement, finalizing and DEFENDING my thesis, and GA Tech life for 16+ hours a day...but who wants to count all that?!?)

Joshua is 6 months old! We went to the doctor last week, and he is 15 lbs (on the nose) and 25 inches. He has grown so much in just 6 short months. He is pretty low on the growth charts, but I'm not complaining. He's happy and healthy, and we're still wearing some clothes labeled as 3-6 month. I actually took a pair of pants off of him this morning because they were too short. I checked the tag, and they were labeled as Newborn. So, that's going into the "too small" box immediately.

Joshua loves to sit on his own. He has been stable sitting alone for about 2 1/2 months. He will roll from his stomach to his back over both shoulders, but has a definite favorite direction to the right. No rolls back to his tummy yet. But believe me, we're trying. He's not, but we are. Joshua really likes strings. He plays with my necklaces, and hood strings on jackets. He also is noticing his mom has really long hair, alway within reach.

He is such an observant little guy. He will just watch things, and probably is figuring out the secrets of the universe, much like his dad does. Joshua began sleeping through the night around Christmas, and is pretty stubborn when he needs a nap. I don't blame him. I always feel like I'm wasting valuable time when I nap.

We like to take baths. He splashes and laughs in the tub, and enjoyed the new rubber duck we introduced this past week. Joshua also recently discovered his wrists. What amazing hinges!!! He watches them so carefully as they shake things back and forth.

ps-a more detailed report of the last few months to come...let the suspense grow!

Joshua is a genius

2010-01-05T19:14:00.002-07:00

Sorry, this post got messed up when I was trying to post it the first time.

Anyways... We all knew Joshua was going to be smart (look at his mom), but I never knew his brilliance was going to start shining so early. I must admit he's a little slow when it comes to a few physical things like picking his noggin up off the ground during tummy time, but you should see that noggin work these days. He has already started counting, and he's only 4.5 months old! The other day I was having a very one sided conversation with him (naturally he understands everything we say, he just doesn't talk back much) when he showed me his counting ability.
"Joshua, I'm so glad you're happy today...blah blah blah... You're doing so good... blah blah.. You need to keep being nice to your mom.. blah blah....
"Ok its time to change your diaper.... let's unsnap the onesie... Ok now i'm going to take your diaper off
"3...2...1...

I thought counting down to the time to undo the diaper was going to help. nope. it just gave him time to plan his next move.

3...2...1...WIZZ!
wizz wasn't the sound. the sound was more like 3...2...1... AHHH! No! stop! Joshua!! EMILY get me a towel!

Let me tell you, that boy can shoot a stream like no other. He is going to be one awesome boy scout some day.

You may think that this was a common case of cold air on the skin inducing urination, but I know that Joshua has secretly been practicing counting. I know because he started peeing just before I got the diaper open; it was too quick for it to be a reaction.

But, mostly I know it was premeditated because immediately after he shot me, he started laughing.

Provo Adventures: 7/8

2009-11-16T13:25:00.005-07:00

Another one down. Just a handful of days to go!!!

I think that Joshua has changed so much in just this past week. He is figuring out the world around him. For example, While Joshua is laying on the ground, or in his bouncy chair, he will make noises, and move around a lot to get my attention. When he finally gets me to look at him, he will smile big, and be excited to have my attention. It's too adorable to resist, so I pick him up. He immediately forgets about me. He will look right past my head, and start playing with somebody sitting next to me, or just stare at the wall or ceiling, but avoiding looking at me. I decided that's not the game I want to play. I finally asked somebody else to hold him, and he completely ignored them, and smiled and engaged with me, next to the holder. Hmm...I'll keep trying different things, and see if it's consistent. Maybe he's just more interested in the world a little farther away from him.

He discovered the dog that is living with us. Molly is a beagle, and she has her own rules for the house. She doesn't mind jumping up, and eating food off the table or counters, and she's always been curious about Joshua, being a little smelly bundle that moves. Joshua started to notice Molly, too, and sometimes has some big bug eyes as they stare each other down. This picture doesn't capture how funny it looks, but I took one anyway. I didn't want to forget it.

I was sitting with Heather and Dan one evening, and Dan started talking in a really deep voice at Joshua. Immediately, Joshua's smiles and happy face melted away, and all that was left was a puckered lower lip. He was so worried all of a sudden, and started to cry. No more unnaturally deep voices for baby!! We learned our lesson. A few more times, I've caught that little lower lip quiver, and am guessing Joshua will be pulling that out more and more as he continues to learn how to get what he wants. Today, it's irresistible.

I went to the Enrichment Super Saturday activity for the ward I've been attending this past weekend. I got to make some crafty things, even though I didn't sign up for anything ahead of time (like they required). I have some Christmas gift ideas for the Mullins and Heaton crowds, and I even made a fun house-warming gift for myself, using the colors that Benjamin and I picked out for our living room and kitchen. I'm feeling oh-so domestic, and will post a picture once I'm done with it. I haven't yet assembled it because I (1) ran out of time, and (2) don't think it will travel well as a final product. I'll get it to Georgia, and do the last few finishing touches.

It snowed on Saturday, but luckily it has mostly melted. It's gotten brutally cold, and since I don't have a coat, I think it's about time for me to skip town. I hear it's warmer in Georiga. If we can make it just a few more days, I won't have to make the 45 minute drive to Provo in snowy weather. We've been very lucky so far.

Joshua is also getting a pretty good bald-spot emerging on the back of his head. His long hair has weathered well, but the end is in sight for some of it. I know it's something that happens to all babies, but I hope it grows back fast. The difference is much more obvious in person. Just take my word for it.

Seven down.

What I've Learned in 12 weeks!!

2009-11-13T15:52:00.004-07:00

Joshua was born just 12 weeks ago today. I wanted to list a few things I have learned since then, and hopefully different things that what I learned by 6 weeks.

When Joshua gets fussy, and I know he's not hungry or wet, it's NAP TIME. He's been trying to be on a schedule longer than I've realized.
Babysitters make everything possible.
No matter how much he spits up, Joshua is gaining weight.
Joshua likes to listen to his mom sing Primary songs.
The back of your hand is perfect to suck on.
We learned how to DROOL.
Breast-fed babies can still have stinky stinky toots.
Babies sometimes don't poop for a week and a half. It's ok. They aren't going to overflow that way.
Joshua needs his dad.
Sometimes babies just cry. Really hard.
Joshua likes to dance with his mom.
Tummy-time can be the worst part of the day.
Gas relief drops are most helpful as a distraction from being cranky.
Conversations take two voices. And Joshua found his voice.
Tiny fingernails scratch more often than normal fingernails.
Joshua is trying to learn how to knock someone out with a head-butt. I've bled on the inside of my lip only once so far.
Web-cameras help us feel a little more like a family.
If you run out of wipes, you might as well pack up and head straight home.
Babies need to wear socks in November.
Joshua is the most forgiving person I've ever been around. Screaming at you one second, and flashing a genuine beautiful smile with tears still in his eyes. I want to take Forgetting Grudges 101 from him.

Provo Adventures: 6/8

2009-11-09T10:52:00.004-07:00

We've survived another week. I have spent a chunk of this week working on my thesis, and it's moving forward. Let's see if I can keep cranking it out for two more weeks!

Joshua has started having very stinky toots. It's overwhelming sometimes. Aren't breast-fed babies generally mild stinkers? Something happened the last few days to change that opinion for me. I've thought about if I've eaten anything different, and I will admit that I have eaten quite a bit of candy since Halloween!!! Could that make Joshua more fragrant?

This week, we had a fabulous dinner invitation with the Gravetts. We also went to Alton, Utah, for a Heaton funeral. It was Joshua's first time to meet all of Benjamin's cousins, and he got to spend a little time with Great Grand-Pa Heaton. We missed Benjamin while we were there, but I was glad to see everyone, and spend time with Amber, Brooklyn, and Mom and Dad Heaton.

Joshua is an amazing traveler so far. He slept almost the entire ride from Alton to Provo. Everybody says he is so good on the airplanes so far, too. I feel so lucky that he's been so good to go with the flow as I've hauled him across the country.

The Heaton men, skipping the

third generation of four.

Grand-Pa with Joshua

and Brooklyn

Six down.

the Voice of Joshua

2009-11-05T17:10:00.002-07:00

Provo Adventures: 5/8

2009-11-03T11:39:00.006-07:00

This past week, Joshua is getting to be all smiles. Except for those times when he is angry and lets you know it. Joshua has been congested off and on for a few days, and the pediatrician said to keep an eye on things. Last Monday (at 9 weeks), Joshua weighed in at 11 lbs, 1 oz. and measured at 23 and 1/4th inches. He's a growing boy.

The best thing that Joshua got to do this week was to go home to Georgia and play with his dad. It was a very busy Halloween weekend.

Joshua went on his first camping trip, despite the rain.

Benjamin and Emily became HOMEOWNERS!!!! The Three Heatons spent their first night in the new house. (yeah for air-mattresses and granola bars.)

Joshua went Trunk-or-Treating with Grandma and Grandpa, and was dressed as a chili-pepper.

We've also started to be more regular at tummy-time, although Joshua would just assume I keep forgetting about it. He wiggles and squirms, and makes the most "help me" sounds I could imagine. But it's time we got a back as strong as his abs.

Five down.

then to now

2009-10-27T00:23:00.006-06:00

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

2009-10-24T16:16:00.006-06:00

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

2009-10-22T12:08:00.004-06:00

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...

2009-10-20T09:50:00.005-06:00

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

2009-10-20T09:23:00.004-06:00

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

2009-10-10T13:45:00.012-06:00

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:

Joshua graduated from newborn diapers to size 1
Joshua is smiling more often. Does he mean it? Don't ask me, I can't tell.
Joshua has begun to have fatty rolls on his legs.
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

2009-10-05T12:06:00.005-06:00

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

2009-10-05T11:09:00.006-06:00

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...

2009-10-05T10:38:00.002-06:00

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.

alive, and...THRIVING

2009-09-29T15:57:00.006-06:00

We've been a family of three for 6 weeks now. Joshua is happy because his mom finally got the nursing learning curve figured out, and Benjamin is happy because Joshua's mom is trying to learn how to decorate. Emily is happy because her two men are the most handsome and wonderful of all time!!

On Joshua's 4 week day, he weighed 8 lbs 13 oz. That's a mere two ounces shy of gaining 2 pounds since birth. He also grew 7/8ths of an inch. His cheeks are puffing a little bit, but we still have a neck. I wonder what his official weight will be at 8 weeks.

So I feel like I'm at a loss as to what to write about. I know that we have come a long way these past few weeks, and we have a never-ending road of being parents ahead of us. I've learned so much, and I'm sure that will just accelerate...

THREE Heatons

2009-08-31T12:25:00.001-06:00

Our Family

INTRODUCING, the long awaited......

2009-08-31T12:24:00.004-06:00

Our little man is beautiful!!!

On August 21, 2009, we made our way to the hospital. And after a morning of hanging around and waiting for lab results, we were admited to the labor and delivery ward. My water had broken, and we were settling in for the day. At 6:15 pm, we had an addition to our family.

Joshua Michael Heaton

6 pounds, 15.3 ounces

20 inches long

We're thrilled, and learning quite a bit from this little guy. He's really good at sleeping during the day, and wants to be up much more often when all is dark and quiet. His fingers and toes are long, and we're constantly trying new things to get nursing down. I know I have a long way to go, but Joshua is thriving despite less successful sessions.

7 days?

2009-08-17T16:25:00.004-06:00

Well, we're settling in GA, and time is ticking by. We attended a child-labor class over the weekend, and have assembled our little crib. For days and days, one of the assignments Benjamin has given me is to pack my hospital bag, so it's ready to go. It's still not done. But it's closer. I get so distracted when I work on it.

I'm doing great. I'm feeling bigger and bigger. And still have plenty of movement in my gut. I'm so excited and anxious to meet this little guy. Last night, while praying, Benjamin asked that our son and I can keep from fighting for the last bit of the pregnancy. When I asked him about it after our prayer, he laughed and said the baby keeps kicking me too hard, and I keep poking back. He considers that a fight.

Last week, Benjamin was downtown every day for orientation and trainings for his graduate program. Monday was the first day of school for him. I think he's really excited for his classes, and is looking forward to the class he will teach. If only a long day didn't end with a commute.

We're also looking for a house!!! We've been getting excited about buying a place of our own when we started Benjamin's graduate program, and now's the time to pounce on the opportunity. We know we'll be here for a number of years, and the idea of getting a foreclosure and putting the necessary fixings into it is a great bargin in today's buyer's market. I've learned a lot, and we're hoping to still have some solid time to find a place now that classes have started.

At my doctor's appointment yesterday, I was told things can pick up pace anytime! I'm dialated a couple centimeters already, and they'll just wait for me to call the office and tell them that contractions are coming regularly and often. Nothing to report yet, but I've been thinking about it for over 24 hours by now. Anytime? It's CRAZY to wait around for. We'll be in touch with news of our THIRD family member.

35 Weeks!!

2009-07-25T17:17:00.008-06:00

I've gotten bigger. I have more restriction on trying to touch my toes. Benjamin is very good at remembering to offer an arm when I'm trying to crawl out of the couch in our apartment, or out of the passenger seat of the car. And I can't clip my own toenails anymore. Luckily it's summer, and I don't have to tie shoes. Because they wouldn't get done without help. Yeah for slip-ons. Which also don't need socks, thank goodness!

I wanted to share a little bit more about what my life has begun to look like.

So, I've had a more difficult time getting comfortable to sleep for the night. My back has hurt for a while, and I finally decided to try something new. We have a number of extra pillows, and I started to make a little mattress padding for myself. It's made a difference for me to have the extra cushions. But Benjamin calls it my "castle" and has less praising things to say about the mounds of padding that inevitably end up between us as we sleep. I've also kicked the blanket out of the bed. I generally can't sleep with the sheet anymore, which keeps Benjamin further away, as well. He is a cold sleeper, and insists on having a blanket. When his bundle of covers are too close, I fling them away from me, and he would rather have covers than fight his way onto my pillows (a 2 inch uphill battle, I'm told). Here's what I sleep on:

I have taken to eating otter-pops like they are candy. Well, I suppose they are. I love the refreshing coolness, and the lack of needed preparation. It's mostly water, right? So it's helping me be more hydrated....And the sugar is nice, too. I've never been addicted to popcicles before, but I might have to start calling this an addition. Any other suggestions? My sister has recommended smoothies, but I don't take the time to make them, and don't think I could purchase them for nearly as good a deal as 100 otter-pops for $3.50 at Wal-Mart.

For Christmas, we got a Wii Fit game, and it's been fun to track my weight growth on the game, as pregnancy has progressed. I'll be the first to admit that I haven't actually gotten an exercise routine with the game, but I do try to weigh in at least once a week. It's a shocking reminder that I'm changing. Last week, for the first time, the game charted me as "overweight" for my height....It's just been a steady (or at times, exponential) increase in weight, but now I'm officially "overweight." Even though I know I have good reason, and that it's a temporary status, it leaves me wide open for jests and jabs. Before it's all over, we'll get to see my weight increase, increase, and finally start to decrease....hopefully I can keep myself taking time to weigh in. I hear that I'll never take the time for it not long from now. We'll see!

I've also started to explore my domestic side, a little bit. Yesterday, I made some of Beulah's famous rolls. That's my grandmother. I got the recipe from my sister, and enjoyed the project. And don't worry, the rolls were terrific. But I can't imagine making rolls from scratch in addition to making a meal. Maybe for a special occasion, where that's my contribution to a pot luck or something. It was a fun evening.

The little monkey is still quite active. I've gotten to share his hiccups a few times the last 2-3 weeks. He also stretches often, and I feel him moving way over on my sides...We're pretty confused sometimes when I feel him in places that are almost a foot and a half away from each other. Our little guy is also getting stronger. Sometimes he pushes hard enough into my ribs that I wonder if he has a map of my nerves. He pokes pretty aggressively. Does it almost tickle? Sometimes yes (in a painful way), sometimes no. And my belly button is going through constant re-shaping sessions. I wonder what will happen to it in the next few weeks...

Family Visits

2009-07-25T16:37:00.007-06:00

Can I get any bigger than this? I think not. I'm sure nature will prove me wrong, and has been doing so for a couple of weeks...but it's startling to think about. As far as how I'm doing, I'm enjoying the air conditioning, relying heavily on heartburn medicine, and wondering how long I'll last before we finally go to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

We got to have family come and stay with us for the past couple of weeks. My parents came for a few days, followed by the Heatons for a while. I didn't carry the primary camera for any of the adventures, but here are some of the shots of what we've done:

Dad and his new camera at Niagara Falls

Mom and Emily overlooking Horseshoe Falls

Heatons getting Buffalo Wings

The wings themselves

Anna and Matthew at the
Corning Museum of Glass

Emily and Anna at the
Palmyra Temple

Benjamin and Anna in the Sacred Grove

Benjamin on the Maid of the Mist (more to come)

Heaton menfolk

It was so fun to have everyone visit. I saw much more of Western New York and Canada with company to go exploring with. If anyone is ever passing through Corning, NY, I recommend seeing the Corning Museum of Glass. We got to spend a few hours there, and it was AMAZING. The demonstrations were fabulous, and we had a lot of fun wandering around.

The Soft Spot

2009-07-07T21:10:00.002-06:00

Emily's last post got reflective and she mused "are we ready" and "are we mature enough".

Emily! Come on! Look at who you're talking to. I'm an expert at raising baby boys. I learned everything you need to know with my little brothers, Christopher and Matthew. Let me tell you:
1) Don't pick the baby up by the head.
2) Don't set the baby down on his head.
3) Don't hold him without supporting his head.
and no matther how tempting it is...
4) Don't push the soft spot on the top of his head.

Seriously, the number 4 rule has been seared into my brain. Apparently I had a hard time following this rule (sorry if there has been any permanent damage, Christopher). I don't remember my mom ever yelling at me about me pushing my 5-year-old finger into my brothers brain, but I sure remember the complete fear that has been drilled into my brain from whatever disciplining was given me.

Now Emily and I love petting her belly, feeling the near constant kicking, and watching the movement, but sometimes when our son pushes out Emily likes to push back. She probes and tries to figure out what body part is extruding itself. It is all I can do to resist literally yelling, "Stop, that might be his head." I know that this fear of mine is irrational, but it is really a fear. I am actually afraid to poke back because I never want to break rule number 4. That's all I learned as a 5 year old brother... Don't touch the soft spot. I know it's always tempting. It's like a little button, but Don't Touch It.

32 weeks!!!

2009-07-07T19:42:00.007-06:00

I just wanted to update everyone on how our little monkey-to-be is doing. He's getting bigger all the time, and has really found out that my stomach (especially with food in it) is one of the easiest things to compress when he's moving. Heartburn has become a constant companion for me. I know that I am using the toilet much more often than I did compared to months ago, but I can still usually make it through the night, which is unexpected. I can sometimes feel TOO much pressure in my lower abdomen, but with no embarrassing stories yet. Occasionally, I'll get a kick or hit on one of my lower ribs, and it is such a weird sensation. I can't think of a way to even describe it...

I know my belly is not the only thing that has plumped up (let's not talk about my hips, ok?), but Benjamin tells me it's the only noticeable difference. Isn't he great? I did notice last night for the first time that my stomach bulge was pulling uncomfortably on my side while laying in bed. I tried putting an extra pillow underneath my belly while laying on my side, and it seemed to do the trick. I'll have to see if it works two nights in a row.

I asked somebody at a pharmacy counter last weekabout if type "a" or type "b" heartburn medicine was better for pregnancy, and the girl on the other side looked me over, and asked how far along I was. I told her I was about 7 months, and she was amazed. She told me that I didn't look one bit pregnant in my face or in anything she could see. I took a couple steps back, revealing my buddah belly, and her reply was, "Girl, you be lookin' great for no 7 months pregnant. I hope I be lookin' that good when I be no 7 months..." I thanked her, and the gentleman pharmacists answered my question regarding the medication. It made me smile to think of one of the classes I just finished a BYU: multicultural issues and dialects....

It's hard to think that we'll likely have a little boy with us in 8 weeks time. Is everyone sure we're adult enough to take this on? Are you sure we're not just pretending? This is something that I always imagined I would be thinking about when I was older and had grown up. Aren't I still going to attend my Mia-Maids class every week? Aren't I still making lists of the kind of boy I want to marry, and the type of mom I want to be? When did I wake up and these faraway "someday" plans become today, yesterday, and more importantly TOMORROW?!? Any second, we're going to wake up, and Benjamin and I are going to be 15 years old, looking forward to the next youth dance at church, where we hope to get to dance with each other...

Then again, I get to hug Benjamin as soon as he gets home, get him some dinner, and give him a hug as I fall asleep snuggled close. I'm glad I'm still not 15, waiting a month to see this handsome boy. We'll still have each other when we wake up tomorrow morning.

Well, as you can see, our current situation leaves me in a reflective mood sometimes. Anticipation is building.

Roadtrip to Buffalo, NY

2009-07-01T10:24:00.004-06:00

As soon as finals were over, I got some help playing tetris with my car and belongings, and we pulled out on a Saturday afternoon. Merry came with me, and I'm so glad that she could. It was fun to share the driving, enjoy catching up, hearing all about how wonderful Dave is (and laughing to myself how I really am the luckiest ever to have Benjamin, despite Dave being so wonderful). We talked about wedding plans, we talked about being missionaries, we talked about anticipating being moms, and we talked about plain girly stuff. It was a blast.

Day one: Provo to Greeley, Colorado

We stayed with Pat and Melissa Ferguson. Melissa was my trainer in the Denver North Mission, and Pat is somebody that we taught together. We got to attend sacrament meeting in a ward where I served as Sister Mullins 3 years ago!!

Day two: Greeley to Nauvoo, Illinois

We got to stay the night in one of the best places in the world, Nauvoo. We arrived too late to do anything in the evening, but we got to wander around the Old Nauvoo Burial Ground before we left the next morning. We also got to visit with Steve (the NRI guy), and he helped fix something with the car. On a sidenote, Merry completely took out a family herd of racoons that were crossing the street as we neared Nauvoo. I'm betting at least 2 or 3 of them had mortal wounds, if not instant relief from them. Beware, Merry is a wild driver in the cornfields...

Day three: Nauvoo to Buffalo, New York

This last leg was by far the longest. Between tolls on I-80, and construction zones every 15 miles, it was a long LONG day in the car. But we made it. We may or may not have killed a bird that smacked into our windshield. And we may or may not have watched a couple of movies on the laptop as we drove. We were both very happy to make it to Buffalo safe and sound. Benjamin's hugs never felt so good.

The next day, we slept in, unloaded the car, hung out at the pool, and visited Niagara Falls. We didn't have time to visit the Canadian side, but someday...

A great trip, with lots of fun new memories, as well as driving literally through memory lane with a dear friend, Merry Packard, aka SP from my missionary days.

Buffalo, here I come!!!!

2009-06-09T19:23:00.003-06:00

The hottest thing I've ever seen. Check out this stud!!!
Sorry ladies, he's totally taken.

I am so happy to get to Buffalo!!! I got to visit two weekends ago, and it was long OVERDUE! It was one of my favorite weekends I can remember for a good while. Katie let me mooch off of her time while the boys were working, and we had some pretty fabulous meals when we were all together. I can't even wait until I get to see them all the time. I'm counting down, are you? I leave Sunday!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-06-09T19:12:00.005-06:00

So, I'm just playing catch-up with posting. Lack of organization is obvious. Acknowledged.

Amber and Brooklyn came to Provo to play with me a couple weekends ago. We had a blast. I just wanted to show off the pictures.

This girl will do anything for bathtime.

We were comparing bellies.
I think I finally passed Brooklyn's budah belly up. YES!
Brooklyn was patting the baby in my belly.
This will be her first Heaton cousin (and only for a while).

Fishy family...

2009-06-09T18:54:00.004-06:00

We have failed to mention to anybody about other members of our household. We have had some pets, and I wanted to make sure everybody knew how great they have been for us.

At a Christmas party, Benjamin and I landed with the best gift ever...A bag of fish! We're still not even sure what type of fish they are, but they are sometimes all white/clear, and at other times the fins are blackened. We were so excited because we even had a tank at home, that we hadn't done anything with yet. We got them set in some clean water, and immediately headed East to spend Christmas break in Atlanta. We were pleasantly surprised that our two fish were still alive when we returned, thanks to some fantastic fish-sitters. Before long, we had completely spruced up the tank, and it looked so homey. We even got a few goldfish to start a good assortment of playmates.

I know these pictures don't show off our family members very well, but they're there. Keep looking. It's like those "Where's Waldo" activities. And you just tell me what fish wouldn't want to live in this amazing little world. The snowman was a seasonal decoration. We have very festive fish.

But...sadly, in the move, we lost a number of our family members. We tried to find new homes for them before the stress of moving took them beyond our care. It was much more difficult to adopt them out than I would have expected. I guess people aren't as excited to bring fish home as we were. Here is our sole survivor of our fish family.

But it's ok. He has kept me company for the past 8 weeks of Provo life. Would anyone like to adopt him? He's hardy, and at least 6 months old. If not, I'll try my luck at taking him to Buffalo with me this weekend. At least we know his most luxurious home is waiting for him there. Thanks to Garrett and Katie, both Fred and myself have had a nice place to live while in Provo.

(Don't worry Katie, I'll clean your pitcher really good before I leave.)

Baby Shower

2009-06-09T18:38:00.005-06:00

This past weekend, a few girls from school and church got together for a fantastic baby shower! It was so fun to have everyone over, not having to work on projects, for once. We had a few games, which Erin rocked. She had the closest guess for how big my belt measurement currently is, as well as having the closest guess for how many safety pins were in a jar. However, Larkin definitely lead the pack at unscrambling the baby-related words. Thanks Merry and Meghan, it was a wonderful party, and I had a blast. And I can't wait to see the handsome little fellow, and dress him in such spiffy attire! Thanks to everyone!! Here are a few photos from the group.

Measuring my gut

Kimberly, Meghan, Larkin, Erin, Amanda, Kyla
Heather, Emily, Merry

Valerie and her 4 month old sweetie!

Job Urine Test

2009-06-02T19:38:00.003-06:00

So, I read this months ago, and every once in a while, I read it again. It makes me smile. I thought I'd share it with the world. I did not write it, and do not know who did. Enjoy if you'd like.

THE JOB - URINE TEST

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test .

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their butt, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'.

2 whole years?!?

2009-05-18T16:00:00.002-06:00

Today, Benjamin and I are celebrating our two year anniversary literally across the country!!! As you know, he's in Buffalo, and I'm continuing classes in Provo. Pretty much, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Not for anything.

But just two years ago, we were having one of the best parties I've ever been to, where I was dressed in White, with my love in a tux and a bow-tie. It was pretty adorable. And we've done so much together since then. We've lived in the San Francisco Bay area, Springville, and now half of us are in Buffalo, New York. We've probably been on on at least 8 road trips, with 3 of those being between GA and UT. We've been to Beliz, and have hiked Mount Timp twice. Benjamin graduated from BYU, and I've been working on my Masters this whole time. Now, we're excitedly awaiting the new addition to our family in just over 3 months from now.

I'm just gettting a little sentimental here. I am using internet on campus, so I will add pictures to this montage of memories very soon. Time does fly, though, doesn't it? Hopefully the next four weeks will pass as quickly as possible.

25 weeks

2009-05-18T15:54:00.003-06:00

There have been a few days that I think somebody is training for a competition in my guts. When we talked with Grand-Ma Kotter, she suggested that maybe our little boy is ready to be a runner, just like his dad. If that's the case, Benjamin better start training again, because his running has definitely dwindled for a few years now...

I'll try to get some better pictures of me being pregnant soon. This one was taken after a full day of classes by a classmate. Thanks again, Meghan.

Data Analysis

2009-05-13T21:09:00.002-06:00

I have been working brutally hard on analyzing the data for my thesis. I've found that I can devote most of my evening hours to the task, since there's not much going on for me after classes other than homework. I just wanted to share with everyone that I finished analyzing tonight!!! The next step is to redo all of the analysis for a couple of my subjects, for reliability purposes. But that can wait until tomorrow. After I do the reliability check, I will wait for another professor to take all my data and run it through a program he has designed. It should take about a week to get it back, and then I can begin my statistical analysis. But, again, it's time to bask in the completion of my load!

I think I might want to watch a movie to celebrate. Any good suggestions for a pregnant girl to watch alone, while trying not to miss her husband across the country? Chick flicks might trigger some tears a little too readily...

Sisters!

2009-05-10T19:24:00.004-06:00

A good Nauvoo friend, Alisha Weston, got married in Ogden last week. I got to cruise up in a minivan with a number of other former Nauvoo Sisters, and it was such a fabulous evening. We all had a blast catching up and cruising the 15.

Mullins, Rassmussen, Stinson, Hacker, Faulkner, Buck, South, and Stin, jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Watts! We're so excited for you.

I always feel so grateful to have so many sisters. Definitely thicker than blood!

A busy month!!

2009-05-09T11:29:00.003-06:00

We are still alive. We had a whirlwind of things happen all at once.

Firstly, Benjamin GRADUATED!!! I'm so proud of him. We have better pictures to come, don't worry about that.

We had family come to visit, packed our apartment like crazy, loaded a truck and moved all of belongings to Georgia. Benjamin spent almost a week touring the USA by freeways, as he and his dad drove the moving truck to Atlanta. After a day or two to sleep, Benjamin turned his wheels towards Buffalo, New York, where work will keep him busy for the next few months.

My sister was in town for the weekend, so I got to visit with her for an hour. We are just a couple of weeks apart. Boys numbers 10 and 11 in the Mullins line. Aren't we stunning? Carlie, it was great to visit.

I am still living in Provo, as I attend classes for spring term. It's only 8 weeks long, and I've finished with two of them. I'm definitely counting down until I can join my love East of the Mississippi. It's been a crazy shuffle in our lives.

Last weekend, I got to head to Cedar City and Enterprise, as I got to hang out with the Shurtliff crowd. Tim also graduated, and we got to take some pretty good pictures of Amber, Tim, and Brooklyn.

Amber is in a cake decorating class, and she brought this for me. One of her first MASTERPIECES. If you can't tell, it has a rubber duck on it, and says "It's a BOY!" It was very tasty, too.

I'm feeling well, at 24 weeks. A number of friends and family have commented that I have popped out a little bit, and that I definitely look pregnant. YEAH.

Bountiful Internship

2009-04-16T12:33:00.004-06:00

I am a little behind schedule (with all the much more important and exciting things to talk about), but I completed my 8 week internship a bit ago! I am SO HAPPY about it. We are already saving quite a bit of money in our reduced vehicle fuel consumption.

This is my final link in the chain that I used to count down my commutes, and the pin that I wore along with my nametag every day I was at the nursing home. I'm happy to have that phase behind me. I learned quite a bit, and gained some good experience. I hope that I can continue to have great learning experiences as I continue with my education.

April Showers?

2009-04-16T11:41:00.002-06:00

This is what we woke up to this morning. Yes, it's April 16th...And we got 4 inches of snow last night. We had a little snow before we turned in, but it sure kept coming. I'm ready for spring. We are packing up our apartment, and I have yet to pack the box of winter clothes without opening it up again for more winter weather. And packing our coats was definitely on our "to do" list for today. Hopefully we can pack them away VERY soon.

Drumroll!!

2009-04-15T16:00:00.003-06:00

We're going to have a BOY!!!!

The sonograph was very exciting, and we had lots of questions. The technician who worked with us answered all our questions, and was explaining why she was taking certain measurements for us. It was a great time. We couldn't be more thrilled, and thanks to everyone for your interest!

The due date will remain August 27th, and as of earlier this week, our little fellow was 13 ounces.

It's a Baby!!!

2009-04-14T12:13:00.003-06:00

For those of you without sonograph reading skills, you'll just have to wait for emily to publish the good news.

The Fulfillment of the Mullins legend?

2009-04-10T12:03:00.003-06:00

It has been very exciting speculating to see if we will have a baby girl or a baby girl. And for those of you who don't already know about my family, my parents have been blessed with 9 grandsons. Everybody (especially my mother) is anxious for a granddaughter, and there's always another shot at it, right? Well, curiosity is mounting as we will learn the gender of our little one just ONE BUSINESS DAY away. That's right, we have an appointment set for Monday.

My sister (also expecting) posted about the Mullins Legend, and I could never rival her way of writing the story, so please, check it out on her blog:

http://moeandco.blogspot.com/2009/04/dream.html

And we'll let you know!!!

Have a Happy Easter.

Is that what I think it was?!?

2009-04-06T19:03:00.006-06:00

Are you sure that 20 weeks is the halfway point in pregnancy? I mean, do I really look halfway there? I'm only 19 weeks, but I have lots of popping out to do, don't I? And eating meals still does have a big impact on how much I'm sticking out. And in public, when I don't wear a tight shirt, people still don't "notice" that I'm pregnant.
We were talking to some friends, and I decided that I must be feeling the baby move, although I have not known it yet. So, over this past weekend, with lots of time sitting and watching Conference, I payed attention to my tummy. And I HAVE been feeling movement. Until now, I think I've been blaming little pokes and shifts on my digestion. Anyone else ever get that feeling? What can I say? The doctor, and other reading materials that I have been finding facts in, have been describing the baby moving as "flutters" and "flitters." Sorry, that sounds really dainty and delicate, and I have definitely NOT been feeling dainty or delicate. Those words always make me think of the twitter-patted segment of Bambi or something. Or like my heart will skip a beat or alter speeds or something. Odd. So....I guess I should ask people "Describe a 'flutter' to me" or "If I were to experience a 'flitter,' would I expect my heart to speed up?" (I'll put my ethnographic interview skills to work here....Yeah grad school.)

And what's even better than me feeling the baby move is that Benjamin has felt the movements, too! Either we're both making it up, or one of us is just so convincing that the other can't deny the sensations. It's fun to lay on my back, and try to relax, clear my mind, and feel a poke in my lower tummy. Almost like a gentle flick from the inside. How else have the ladies out there noticed early baby movements? I'm curious what sorts of words are better to describe this process.

ps: if you haven't voted yet, there are only a few days left to do so! Let us know what you vote!!

Mission Reunions

2009-04-04T12:45:00.003-06:00

One of many exciting things about General Conference is the mission reunions that surround the weekend. Yesterday, we got to attend three mission reunions: Nauvoo, San Diego, and Denver.

First, we met with all the former senior missionaries of the Illinois Nauvoo Mission. After much mingling and hugging, we relocated with the Sisters to a nearby restaraunt and began the REAL reunion. It was so much fun to catch up with everyone that was able to come.

Rich, Steve (the NRI Guy), baby Stin, and Buck

Miller, Buck, Roundy

Sanders (and husband), Mullins (and husband)

Sister White, Stinson, and Rich

Second, we got to attend Benjamin's California San Diego Mission reunion. We mingled a little, and got to hug President and Sister Packer.

Lastly, we got together with one of the sisters that I lived with and learned from in the Colorado Denver North Mission. Alanna Allen organized an informal reunion for the missionaries she has kept in contact with, and we stopped by to catch up for a few minutes.

Alanna

After much smiling, and telling people that we're finishing school, and starting grad school in the fall, and that we will have a mini Heaton with us for grad school, we were beat. It was a great evening, and we're so grateful to have so many blessings and fond memories with our fellow former missionaries. At least for me, I think serving a mission has greatly shaped who I am, and who I will be in the years to come. Thanks everyone. We love being with you!

Not Fat ENOUGH?!?

2009-03-31T14:50:00.003-06:00

So, I'm in my 18th week of pregnancy, and things are going well. I had an appointment a couple weeks ago, and all is great. We have set up our sono appointment, too, so we'll know if we're having a Benjamin or an Emily in less than two weeks!!! We're pretty excited. I realize that different days (or different times of the day), I want a boy, or I want a girl....I can't decide. Good thing it's not up to me. Benjamin always wants a boy.

Last week, I talked with somebody, and she had her little "chart" in front of her, and she told me that I wasn't gaining enough weight. She told me I was 4-5 pounds lighter than I should be by this stage in my pregnancy. She told me I should try to eat 300 more calories each day. I was a little bit surprised to hear this news..."Is she actually telling me I'm too skinny? America is already FAT enough!!!" But after thinking about it, and talking to an all-knowing and EXPERIENCED sister or two, I'm no longer concerned.

Besides, I've never eaten so healthy in my life...I mean, in terms of what I take into my body, I've never been so aware of whether it is nutritious or not. I'm getting a much more balanced diet than ever. So can you blame me for gaining slowly after nearly eliminating deep-frying foods from my weekly diet? (and we did typically have dinner fried two or three times a week) And trying to eat more carrots, instead of candy? We got some good sweets over Christmas, and generally, I would expect the candy to be scarce in our apartment by President's Day. But we still have a full bowl in our living room. I appreciate the help in snacking on it when we have game nights (thanks Merry and Katie...it wouldn't be fun to see the full bowl every day!!).

So, pretty much, the moral of the story is, I'm going to eat a little more candy. And ice cream. I'll keep being healthy, but I'm going to indulge, too.

How do you solve a problem like Maria

2009-03-31T08:18:00.003-06:00

We've had the same neighbors for over a year now. Every time I've wanted to post something about them I had to restrain myself because I never had anything nice to say. Now we are posting because we need your help. There is a poll set up for you to help us. Let me explain the situation.

Jorge and Maria moved in a year ago. Jorge was awesome but we never liked Maria. She yells and screams at Jorge all of the time. She's called the cops on him multiple times (but she's the crazy abusive one). She smokes incessantly. The smoking is the real problem. It's against the contract of the duplex we live in (which she never read because she doesn't understand english very well) and we hate it because the smoke seeps up through the floor into our apartment. We've gone to church smelling like we just came from a bar because of the second hand smoke. We've used pregnancy as an excuse and talked to her about it, and we've complained to management about it half a dozen times. Last time we complained we were told that for every complaint we gave they were fined $100 and next time we complain they'll get evicted. So we felt bad and didn't complain for a while.

Now, Jorge has been evicted by Maria, and her smoking has increased.
Should we call and have Maria and her 8 year old newly baptised son kicked out onto the street, so we can be smoke free for another month?
Or should we just suck it up (literally) until we move?

"Guess and Check" Morality

2009-03-28T16:01:00.002-06:00

I must first give praise to Emily for being the best pregnant wife ever. She never complains, acts sick, or eats laundry detergent, like some pregnant women do. Still, pregnancy has been quite the roller coaster ride... like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, so you can never prepare for the next whiplash turn or stomach wrenching free-fall.

There was once a time in my life when I knew right from wrong. Of course, I still made wrong choices when I didn't think things through carefully or when I was just being contrary, but I could always think back about the decision and decide what the right choice was.
Well, either my mental capacity has reverted to my seven year old level (highly possible) or something fundamental about this universe's administrator of justice has changed. The justice of this universe seems to be directly linked to my wife's hormone levels which vary unpredictably and on the timescale of seconds.
I have completely lost the ability to decide what the "correct" choice is, no matter how hard I think about the situation. Even the used-to-be-easy decisions have become muddled.

"Hey honey, hows you're day?"
"You're making dinner again? Why are you cooking? You think I'm incapable don't you? You wish you'd never married me... I can tell. I'm no good for you... sniff, sniff."
"Emily, I love you"
"Don't say things like that and expect it to fix things! "

wow, two strikes already. Making dinner and saying I love you. Clearly those were two very bad choices, but no amount of careful analysis could have predicted those were going to blow up on me.
Everything becomes trial and error. should I pick up my dirty socks?... only way to find out if that is the second unpardonable sin is to try... looking cautiously over my shoulder to see if the administrator of justice approves.
There is no predicting. No deriving. No logic. No relying on past choices.

Just Guess and Check.

Shoes

2009-03-17T15:37:00.005-06:00

I have a confession to make! I own 45 pairs of shoes.....What in the world?!?

We are slowly trying to thin out our possessions, since we're moving before long. So, we lined up all my shoes so that I could make rational decisions about which pairs to donate away. We kept lining them up, then we found more in the back of the closet, and kept lining them up. And we found more in our other closet, and it kept going and going.

In my defense (it's lame, I know), I need comfortable shoes for by internships and my clinical therapy sessions. Typically brown or black...and I always keep my eye out for some more pairs that fit that criteria. I also have a number of Sunday shoes that are leftover from my mission, and then some cute Sunday shoes that my sisters encouraged me to get right when I got home. They hurt my feet, and leave funny sores, so I never wear them, but I think they are cute, and I INTEND to be cute, so they stay.....Not anymore. They're outta here.

So, I thinned out, and have a small number of them that I will keep until I finish my internships, and then they will stay in Utah when we move. I won't tell you how many I still have, but just rest assured that I have fewIt feels nice to know I'm thinning out. It also feels silly that the "girl" stereotype of having so many shoes has definitely found place in my life. Hopefully I can keep a better handle on it in the future.

At least I can honestly say that I DID NOT pay full price for ANY pair of shoes that I have. Some have been around since high school, others were inherited from roommates or sisters. Still others are DI or clearance options.

Prospectus Meeting

2009-03-14T13:10:00.003-06:00

I had my Prospectus meeting on Friday, March 13th. It was the official time for all the professors on my thesis committee to get together, review my thesis proposal that I have been working on for months, and to officially "accept" that proposal. It was approved! So now I can move forward with IRB approval, recruit participants, and collect my data. This is the kickstart to the "middle" of my project, the end of the beginning process.

We were pretty excited, so we headed to the BYU Creamery for some ice cream to celebrate. I've noticed that if we say we'll do something to celebrate an achievement later, it never happens, so we went immediately to the Creamery, and stuffed ourselves with dairy goodness.

Hopefully we'll be celebrating the next step before too long!

My Internship

2009-03-07T11:26:00.002-07:00

I'm finally doing my first internship for my program. I am going to Life Care Centers of America at Bountiful fulltime for 8 weeks. It is a nursing home, and I work a lot with residents on practicing swallowing exercises, and strategies to make swallowing stronger. Many of them have had pneumonia a number of times when their food and drink enter their airway, rather than the esophogus. It's a serious problem, and it's nice to see some progress over time. I also work some with individuals with dementia, and try to help their cognition a little bit. It's interesting to learn how much Medicare limits what you can and cannot do with residents.

It is quite a commute to and from Bountiful, but it's worth it to be earning my clinical hours and to finally be working towards graduation in that sense. It has been difficult to get up and out of the apartment by 6 every morning, but it's helped that I drop Benjamin off at BYU before I head out. At least we're both dragging by 8:00 pm, and ready for early bedtime. We can do anything for just 8 weeks, right?

To help it go by more visually, I made a paper chain so that I can tear a link every day, and SEE how the appointed time is getting shorter all the time. It really helps. This is a picture of the chain closer to the beginning. It's looking superlong, isn't it?

15 weeks

2009-03-07T11:11:00.005-07:00

Hello everyone.

I have felt wonderful all throughout the pregnancy so far. I have had very little nausea and have lost my breakfast only once in the 3.5 months we have known we are expecting. Since so little has happened, I haven't been inspired to post anything.

To answer questions we've been getting, we are fully planning on finding out the gender of mini Heaton as soon as possible, despite the wording on our announcement card. August 27th is still the expected due date, and hopefully we'll know in the next 5 weeks if we'll have a Benjamin or an Emily.

We haven't taken any pictures lately, except my weekly documentation. So, although it isn't flattering, we'll make an effort to take more pictures in the future. This photo is my 14 week picture, taken three days ago. Enjoy. We also had just eaten dinner, with I've noticed helps the effect.

OUR BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

2009-02-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Mullins family photo shoot

2009-01-12T13:37:00.002-07:00

I am slowly trying to get Christmas break events posted on this blog (which many of you may have wondered where we went). We had a fabulous break in Georgia with family everywhere you turned. We got to visit with the Heatons and the Mullins, not to mention the Kotters, Pruitts, Kings, Ogdens, Shurtliffs, and Cannons...All in all, it was busy, but exciting.

While the entire Mullins clan was around, including the most recently added Katie Cannon Mullins, we had some family pictures taken. Here is a very small sampling of what happened in 35 minutes worth of smiling.

The Heatons

Children and eternal companions of Suzanne and Richard Mullins

The overall damage of the Rich Mullins project, up to date. Notice the 8 grandsons,
one more cooking, and no grand-girlies.

More holiday cheer to come (hopefully not too slowly).

CHRISTMAS TIME!

2008-12-05T16:36:00.003-07:00

We have been excited to get Christmas decorations out for a while. I took advantage of Benjamin working a couple Saturdays ago, and wrapped his Christmas gifts. He couldn't be outdone, so within a day or two, he also wrapped presents for me. We had two different piles of gifts, since we haven't invested in tags yet. But looking at a pile of presents doesn't lend itself to putting Christmas off until after the Thanksgiving holiday.

We finally got ourselves a Christmas tree! It's BEAUTIFUL. We decided to put it in the kitchen corner this winter, since our living room is so crowded.

(By the way, the angel on top was a Shopko buy in our Thanksgiving adventure! We're excited to have an angel to use this year.)

Ok, so this is what our tree REALLY looks like. We wanted to cut our own tree this year, and found out the closest place we could go to do it was in Price. AND we don't have a truck or anything to put a tree into. AND we are seldom at home before it's quite dark, which makes it less exciting to wander around the wild and chop/drag a tree home. We talked about it, and decided we'd go for a fake tree this year, since it's already a week into December, and we fly to Georgia in just two weeks. That's a lot of work for only a couple weeks enjoyment.
We were lucky to find this little tree at DI, and we won't feel bad disposing of it after just one year of use. I especially love our presents at the base.

Isn't he cute?

Thanksgiving in Idaho!!

2008-12-05T16:09:00.007-07:00

Well, we're a little late in getting everything announced to the world, but we had a great Thanksgiving! Thanks for asking! We drove to Idaho, and played for a few days with our favorite Grunigs! Heather was my longest roommate from years past, and I was there when she and Trevor began to be an item...ah...the Brentwood!

So, we spent the big day in Pocatello at Trevor's parents' house, and then a couple days in Idaho Falls at Heather and Trevor's very own beautiful house. Someday, I hope Benjamin and I can be all grown up like the Grunigs. Both out of school, at least one real-life job, and a little Grunig to keep them laughing every day. Little James is a cutie, and I'm so happy that he warmed up to us before we left.

Thanksgiving dinner!

We saw the Idaho Falls Temple, where our Kotter grand-parents were married.

We helped get ready for the next big day.

Benjamin and I had our very first day-after shopping experience. We hit ShopKo first. This is the line at 5 am outside the doors... Some people are REALLY crazy...But we had fun, and even found a deal or two we couldn't resist.

Playing games with the Grunigs and Heather's siblings: Jarom and Amy.

Ahhh...the fun times!
Little James with a big cheeser!

The GRE!

2008-11-18T12:25:00.003-07:00

Standardized tests are always fun, but I've never had one that told me so much about myself.

First I just want to announce that I finished the Physics GRE, and the General GRE, and Emily finished the PRAXIS. So, whether for good or for bad, we're done for good.

The general GRE was quite an informative test for me. It is the test required to get you accepted into graduate schools. Really it is just like the SAT. It has the same sections with the same types of questions. It doesn't even have questions harder than the SAT. That bothered me, "Do they think I haven't learned anything during the past 4 years and $16,000 of college?!?"

Well, it turns out I got EXACTLY the same score on this test that I got on the SAT, so I guess I didn't learn anything. I've had quite a few discussions about my failure as a college student (since I didn't learn anything), and I've decided that the GRE wasn't designed to test knowledge, but rather it tests your ability to think and reason.

So this test can't tell me what I've learned. I MAY have actually learned something during my years in college, but the test tells me one thing for sure....
I definitely didn't get any smarter while I was here.

Good news is my percentile ranking (percentage of people scoring lower than you did) stayed the same as well, so I haven't lost any ground compared to all of the other kids who also didn't get any smarter while in school.

Conclusion: I think some people get smarter while in college. They're the ones that graduate and get jobs. Those of us that didn't get any smarter are the ones who think it's a good idea to commit to another 6 years of school, working 80 hours and week, and getting paid nothing... hmmm.... That actually makes sense.

Halloween in Cedar City

2008-11-05T14:34:00.004-07:00

We were so lucky to get to spend Halloween with the Shurtliffs in Cedar City. Brooklyn was the cutest cow that you ever did see, and farmers Tim and Amber filled her utter with candy. Benjamin and I dressed as Yin and Yang. I was as white as could be, and Benjamin (with curly hair and wide nose) was as black as we could get him. We had fun with our creative twist.

We also got to take Saturday and hike Angel's Landing at Zion's. It was beautiful. We had a great time, although we weren't exactly prepared for a full hike. We only had a bag of left-over candy to serve as lunch/dinner. But somehow we survived. You don't have huge muscles for no reason...

Yikes. I almost turned back...

Trying to get the full scope of how high we were...and I was too scared to get any closer than this. I think we decided not to rock climb this site, since it takes 3 or 4 pitches
of rope just to get down...

Crazy tourists...

Hey, check out what we found... Wohoo!! "ra-ra-rarara! ra-ra-rarara! GOOOO COUGARS!!!!"

I voted this morning, but Benjamin has to vote tonight

2008-11-04T10:21:00.008-07:00

Actually I voted four times already, and I plan on voting several more times this afternoon.
Since they don't ask for any ID when voting, just a name, I can vote once for every name I can think of. I know there are a few problems with this voting method, but they are all small problems.

Q) How do you know the person you named isn't going to vote themselves?
A) They would be silly to drive down to the polling station when I've already voted for them...
Also, statistically Hispanics are much less likely to vote, so I usually say my name is Gorge Lopez or something like that.
Q) What happens when you vote proxy for someone else who does vote today?
A) There is a little confusion, but in the end we all know they voted for the best candidate(the one I chose).
Q) Did it raise suspicion to your Bishop's wife who works at the polling station that you've voted 4 times already?
A) It did get a little bit dicey once, but after I explained to her that I wasn't the white curly-headed Benjamin she knew, but rather that I was not white and my name was Gorge it was fine (since they don't ask for ID there)

Q) Why do you drive to a polling station, wait in line for hours, and miss school just to cast a vote that doesn't really matter.
A) You're vote doesn't matter because you only voted once. My ten votes today will be 1000% as effective as your vote. Also, I would vote on the internet, but the internet is a very new and unknown technology. It isn't nearly secure enough to be trusted with managing my credit cards, banking, IRAs, business and school info, and my vote....

oh wait....

Benjamin

Benjamin's Weekend Girlfriend

2008-10-21T15:21:00.004-06:00

So, we are nursery leaders in our ward, and one of the little girls has become quite attached to my charming husband. Her name is Lily, and she has beautiful curly blonde hair, and a smile that can obviously melt my man. It's funny to watch her take Benjamin by the hand and lead him somewhere in the room. She will consume all his efforts and wrap him up in her imagination. They cook meals and taste everything good. They balance bean bags on their heads, and pretend the snakes are real and squeal about them. It makes me smile so big. Lily's mother is also in nursery with us, and she has told me that Lily is going to be quite a little lady someday soon. She already asks her dad to give her long kisses goodnight, and he's predicted she will be the best kisser in her class.

With all this background information, I was discussing something with one of the other adults in nursery this week. I glanced around, and mentioned I'd better go make sure Lily wasn't hitting on my man, and looked across the room right in time to see Lily plant one right on his cheek. Needless to say, I dashed over there, as quickly as I could and asked her (hopefully politely) what she thought she was doing. She put her finger to her mouth and told me to "Shh! He's sleeping." So...I hurriedly told her that only his "true love" can make him wake up. She kissed him again. Benjamin (he's a smart one, and could see the jealousy in my eyes) lay still, very very still. I told her I'd try, and gave him a little kiss RIGHT ON THE LIPS (which Lily said later was the "magic kiss"). To my joy, he instantly woke up.

I realized that maybe I shouldn't have even said anything, because maybe we shouldn't introduce kissing games in nusery...but Lily's mom thought it was very funny. Next it was Lily's turn to be asleep, and she wouldn't wake up when I kissed her hand. I'm fairly certain she was waiting for Benjamin to try to wake her up. Luckily, one of the little boys needed help fixing a train track or something, and Benjamin was distracted.

The next week, as far as I know, there was no kissing happening in nursery. But maybe Benjamin didn't tell me for a reason...Picture of Benjamin and his weekend girlfriend below...

After we clean up all the toys, it's BubbleTime!! Everyone loves the bubbles, and we're even teaching the kids how to eat the bubbles.

Hunstman Senior World Olympics

2008-10-18T13:57:00.003-06:00

This past week, I got to go to St. George, Utah, and offer free hearing screenings to the athletes of the Senior Olympic games. We screened otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry, and pure-tone testing. It was pretty fun, although we were expecting to have more senior citizens come find us. We had some slow spells, because we need quiet for the testing, and they separated us from the other health screenings. Oh well. It was fabulous fun.

Testing the flacticity (flexibility) of my tympanic membrane.

The tympanometry guns look brutal, don't they?

Watching some of the senior men's volleyball. Russia vs. (unknown)

Rachel, Heather, Jenn, and Kristi

Stephanie, Heather, Emily, and Nancy

this is not an announcement

2008-10-13T15:30:00.005-06:00

After having a fun discussion with Garrett and Katie about baby names, we decided we should write them down so we don't forget any of our favorites. These are in no particular order.
Let us know what you think.
Boys
Girls

Joshua
Riley
Caleb
James
William
Dallin
Ethan
Jonathon
Jesse
Carter
Michael
Jacob
Joseph

Rachel
Avery
Hannah
Charlotte
Afton
Ivy
Rebecca
Merry
Zina
Sarah
Emma
Elizabeth
Aurelia
Marie
Dixie
Lily

We are also trying to think of possible names that resemble our grandparents' names (cause we don't exactly want to use them directly much. can you blame us?): Florence and Vard, Bulah Beatrice and Harold, Eulalia and Doyle, Arelia. But we're not having much luck. What to do....

Note Bene:

2008-10-08T11:42:00.002-06:00

There is a poll on the right hand side.
Let me know what you think.

results are in.....
3 votes for McCain's health plan
2 votes for Obama's plan