Vacation: Week One

We just got back from our fun-filled, two week trip to Utah.  Two weeks... in Utah... you ask?  Well, let me tell you, it was a lot of fun and I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else, except Hawaii - or Fiji!  Anyway, we spent week one spending time with Troy and Heidi and other wonderful friends.  It is always so fun to spend time everyone. 

We took Ryan to Bridal Veil Falls.  He loved it.

Captain Underpants.  He was the only one in his undies!  He was not embarrassed a bit!

Such a wonderful sight to see.

We got to hang with cousin Izek.  These two couldn't look more different, but they both sure are cute!

Ryan did a lot of this to Izek.  Poor little guy!

It is getting so fun to see Luke's cute smiles!

We pretty much just "hung" around!  It was a blast.

Changes

Same outfit - six weeks apart

5 weeks old

Ryan

When I think about Ryan, I get an instant grin on my face. He is just a burst a sunshine and happiness.

Or should I say tornado?

He says hi to everyone he sees. He gets that from his dad. The other day we were on a walk. He always rides his motorcycle ( thanks Belnaps!). We came up on a house where a guy was talking on his phone. Of course Ryan slows down and waves hello. The man got off his phone and said " that is the most adorable kid I have ever seen".

I couldn't agree more. Holding the elephant mask we made when we learned about the letter E. Craftiness has never been my stong suit. Luckily he doesn't mind!

Ryan hates haircuts. I told him he had to get his haircut or wear a bow like a girl because his hair was so long. He chose the bow.
He has loved having dad around ( Brett has 9 weeks of paterniy leave. We are all spoiled!). This is getting ready to watch a world cup game. He wanted to match dad. Sidenote - Brett thinks we should have our next child during the next world cup so he can watch all the games again. I am glad the world cup is every 4 years!

I feel so lucky to be Ryan's mom.

Moments

Today I had my post baby follow up appointment.

Not fun. I can not believe that it has been 4 weeks already!

This last month has been a blur of nursing, rocking, trying to sleep and keeping Ryan from mauling Luke. Life definately changes when you add one and more kids to the mix. It can be overwhleming. But, as I was getting on the evelator at the doctor's office, I noticed a woman who was older - her kids are all grown, I am sure.

Then it hit me - this doesn't last forever. Before I know it, my kids will be grown, too.

I want to savor every minute of this time I have with them.

After that, I gave little crying Luke a kiss on the head and felt so much gratitude for the now - in all it's craziness.

Luke

Sweet, peaceful and calm. That is our little Lukie -boy.

Brothers

Baby Ryan

Baby Luke

Because Ryan looks so different from Brett or me, I was sure all of our children would look really different from eachother. But, I think these two will look related, what do you think? Luke has a smaller head - like, a lot smaller. Ryan's was off the chart and Luke's is in the 25th percentile. But, it is looking like we may have 2 blue eyed boys! How crazy is that.

I love seeing my two boys together.

A Family of Four

8 days old
I love my boys

I was so excited that I just pushed a baby out!!

Before Luke was born, I was so nervous how I was going to feel about haveing 2 kids. I did not understand at all how I could love another human being as much as I loved Ry. But, just as everyone said, I could not imagine Luke not being here. It just feels right that he is a part of our family. We are just in love with the little guy.

Here is how he got here...

Saturday night, June 26th, I left to go to the adult session of Stake Conference. At this point I was a day over due and I was pretty convinced that my body did not know how to go into labor and that I would have a c-sectino that coming tuesday. I came home and sat on the bed to tell Brett about the meeting and then I felt something wet. " Hang on...." I said to Brett. I ran to the bathroom to check what was going on... my water had broken! I was so excited and both of us were running around like crazy. We were not expecting this at all. So we packed my bag (I really didn't think I had to be ready) and put Ry into the car and dropped him off at my parents house. The doctors and mid-wives were very helpful and supportive. At 8:00 the next morning - I still wasn't convinced this was giong to happen "naturally"( with an epidural - love those). But the midwife came and checked me and said - just another hour or so! I almost started crying! I was so excited. My mom made it just in time. She and Brett were such a great support team. I pushed for 3o minutes and out Luke came. What an amazing experience. I feel so blessed that things worked out that way! It is such a miracle to bring a life into this world - no matter how it happens.

Luke Thomas Andersen

He is here and we couldn't be more excited!

June 27th 10:57 am

7 lbs 13 oz.

20 inches

Girls Weekend

Last weekend my two dear friends flew out from Utah for Millie's wedding! These girls were my college roommates and are still some of my closest friends - even though we all live away from one another. We were able to spend a wonderful weekend together eating, laughing, catching up, and celebrating for Millie. Luckily, baby Luke did not make and early appearance so this weekend could actually happen. Cheesecake Factory at 10:00pm... we felt so crazy :)!
The next day, we got to go to a private beach thanks to Chelsea. We ate, relaxed, read people magazines. We did not want to leave!

Brett and Ryan met us down at the beach. It was fun to have them there.
At 38 weeks - I was not going to take my dress off next to these cute girls!

At the temple - waiting!The gorgeous bride and her happy new husband! We are SO happy for Millie and she was really so stunning! Her dress was one of the most beautiful I have seen! Congrats to the new Bahr family! Thanks for getting married - we had such a fun weekend!