Supermom

Every mom feels this pressure. I am no exception. While I was in California, I was talking with my mom about all of the new feelings, worries, and hopes I have as a new mom. Even though Max is only 3 months old, I have already felt that I should have read more parenting books, researched more about attachment parenting vs. sleep training, pacifiers vs. no pacifiers, and million and one other things before he was born. There are times where I truly do wish he came with an instruction manual. There are days where I feel like I've accomplished nothing and am still in my pajamas when Jeff comes home. I have received a lot of good advice along the way, which I am forever grateful for.

My mom said, "For you, I think that the most important thing will be to not worry about perfection." Yep. As a type A personality, I know that I often have unrealistic expectations that often lead to feelings of guilt and unhappiness.

My dear friend, Brittany, was so wise when she told me that as a new mom she had to "redefine what it meant to 'accomplish' things throughout the day." She said that sometimes she had to remember that maybe her house wasn't spotless, but she had played with her little boy when he needed her.

Like the above advice, this dragon mom's story caused me to really reflect on my role as a mother and what my time and energy should be spent on.

I am so grateful that my sweet little Max is healthy and I certainly hope that my time on this Earth ends before his does. I know that there will be so many decisions ahead of us as we strive to do what we feel is best for our little son. However, stories of other people's heartache and struggle remind me to hold him a little closer today, make him smile just a couple more times, and spend just a few more minutes on my knees in prayer. Today I am setting those "mom" worries aside and remembering my blessings instead.

And hopefully, with this small start, I will be better able to "have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

We've still got it...

Lest you think this blog has turned into the "Max Blog" (which it kind of has since he's so darn cute), I just wanted you to know that Jeff and I are still here! We might be able to count the number of times we have stayed up past midnight during the last 3 months on ONE hand, but let me assure you, even with our newfound status as parents, we are still wild party animals!!

Just the other night, we stayed up 'til midnight...yes, MIDNIGHT on a weeknight. GASP!! What, you may ask, were we doing?

Sporcle.

Yes, it's true!!! We stayed up for hours, just typing and typing, and laughing and laughing, and becoming more aware of just how bad our geography skills are.

Seriously though, it was really funny. I kind of love those times when you are crazy tired and know that waking up next morning will be terrible, but you are having too much fun to really care. And don't pretend that you don't secretly do seemingly really lame things that are actually hilarious and totally awesome.

Should you feel inclined to share with us your lame ridiculously awesome favorite pastimes, we could probably try to squeeze you in. And you won't regret it. I mean, look at us...

Boom, baby! We've still got it.

3 Months Old!

Max turned 3 months old on the day we got back from California. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by!

New things about Max this month:

• He has discovered his hands and loves to chomp on them all.the.time.
• His favorite activity is blowing spit bubbles
• He wakes up happy from his naps and just starts talking to himself in his crib. He greets me with the biggest smile when I go in to get him
• Daddy stuck his legs into the pool at St. George and he did NOT like it
• He also doesn't like touching grass with his bare feet
• The three things people always comment on when we go places with Max are

1. How much HAIR he has
2. How alert he is
3. How big he is and how he seems older than he really is

Jeff was talking to his good friend on the phone the other day and his friend said, "I knew having kids would be great, but I didn't expect it to be so fun!" Jeff and I wholeheartedly agree. Max delights us every single day.

California Lovin'

For conference weekend, we headed down to St. George with some of Jeff's family. It was so fun to hang out together! The kids had a blast playing together while the adults got to enjoy talking and catching up.

Daddy and Max looking at the sunset on our drive down

Hanging out with Grandpa

My family was dying to see Max, so Jeff drove us to Vegas where we caught a flight to San Diego. We stayed for about a week and a half. My family LOVED spending time with Max and I got more sleep than I had since he'd been born. My brothers changed their first diapers, my mom got him to giggle for the first time, and Max loved being outside enjoying the sunshine. Thanks, Mom and Dad for a great trip!

First plane ride!

Playtime!

Max loves Uncle Nate!

Center of attention. As usual.

First haircut. The before picture.

Jeff was so happy to have us home again. He thought Max had grown so much and said, "You can't leave again because I feel like I missed a month of your life instead of just a week!" Max rewarded him with lots of giggles and smiles.

Two Months Old!

Max turned 2 months old on September 11, 2011, the same day as the ten year anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers. I thought it would be appropriate to include my memories of that day so that I can share them with him when he is older. Just like many of you, I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I first heard of the attacks. I was a sophomore in high school and my mom was driving me to seminary. She had turned on the radio and the announcer broke in with the news that a plane had just crashed into the WTC North tower. The announcer didn't have a lot of information at the time and speculated that it was just an accident. Approximately fifteen minutes later, they announced that a second plane had crashed into the South tower. I will never forget the announcer grimly saying, "The United States is under attack." Some details continued to be communicated to me throughout that day at school, but it wasn't until I returned home and watched the news that I fully began to grasp what had happened. I remember going into our den, closing the door, sitting down on the floor and beginning to cry as I realized just how many lives had been affected by the tragic events of that day. I remember the feeling of unity among Americans in the days that followed and the amazing stories that came forth. It truly is a day I will never forget.

During the month of August, Max has continued to delight us with his sweet little smile and personality. Some things I want to remember:

• His hair started to lighten and he started to get more blonde roots. He gets comments on it everywhere we go.
• He loves to look at lights, fans, and anywhere outside.
• He has started to smile more.
• He still hates his baths and getting his clothes changed.
• He went to Swiss Days for the first time
• He has the CUTEST little voice and loves to coo at us.
• He loves to have his hands up by his face, and always tries to get them out of his swaddle blanket while he sleeps.
• He loves his swing (Thanks, Michelle!) and it is hilarious to watch him try to wake up while he's in it! His eyes roll up when the swing goes up and come back down when the swing does.

We sure love our little Max-man!

Newborn Pictures

Some of my favorites...

Thanks to the talented Sherry Ward!

Max's Blessing Day

Jeff was able to bless our sweet little Max on August 7, 2011. We decided to do it while my family was still in town, and we were so blessed to have so many friends and family come witness this special event. At this point in his life, Max didn't cry that much so Jeff thought for sure he would be so good during his blessing. However, little Max decided to cry through the whole thing! Even with that, it was a perfect day and made me feel so grateful to be married to a worthy priesthood holder who can hold my new little son and bless him. I am so grateful for the gospel and for the blessing of family. I love knowing that they get to be mine forever because of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

An enormous thank-you to my sister-in-law, Jennifer, for hosting the luncheon at her house and to my mom, aunts, mother-in-law and other sisters-in-law for making it such an easy, wonderful day! We are seriously so blessed.