Mr & Mrs Smith

Some things Lexi says are not perfect in the English language, but they are pretty darn cute: me: "Alexis, did gas just come out of your bum? Alexis: "bum bum" as she points me: "Alexis, can I hold your baby?" Alexis: "my baby" …oh yes we just started that… me: "Are you done eating?" Alexis: "Up! All done" along with the sign Alexis: "Here go Mama" Alexis: "Where go?" Bumma = Grandma Gin = Again Daddy made it to the top of the list this week. She officially desires his presence before mine. Sigh. In the past 3 weeks or so she has developed this attachment to her parents, so we finally reached the attachment phase. I think dad is eating it up, so I'll let him enjoy it. We won't be her favorites forever. Aunt Lisa comes in third even though she calls her Laura, haha.

I didn't take any pictures on Thanksgiving.  I didn't quite manage the famous Amy sweet potatoes, but I tried. And I swear next year I will use a wider, shallower pan so the topping isn't still gooey after an hour (and I might include less topping altogether). If I don't write these things down, I'll forget. Connie made a lovely meal for us all; as she always does. My parents came into town that day for Lexi kisses. She only speaks now, is all. Two months can change a toddler. She is saying phrases; she is relentless with "hey mama" "here go mama"(or daddy). She is adorable so she makes it an exciting adventure. Speaking of, she swallowed G-Grandma's blood pressure pill. So that was a terrible incident of trying to make her throw up which ended in a gag reflex and the poison control promising she will be ok since it was just one pill; watch for mild stomach discomfort that expanded into the nastiest smelling, green diaper of all times. I...

And we saw lions & tigers & bears in that order, except for tigers should be singular.  Overall, it was great because it was free admission, but it takes a lot of time, gas & energy to take two toddlers to the zoo! But they were great and loved it as much as they could. I think we all just enjoyed getting out and enjoying the beautiful, sunny weather. Unfortunately, I felt some of the animals were too difficult to see or navigating with a stroller was more difficult than need be. I expected a little more out of the SLC zoo even in the winter, but I expect more out of UT in general when it comes to entertaining toddlers - I mean there are so many here. BUT if there was a perfect event, every one and their mother would show up, so although there are more friend potentials, most of the time we just want out of the crowds. Well, Lexi loves them of course.     I liked that the tiger & elephants came up close....

It is a little close to torture to go to the outlets (to return something for someone else) and window shop. It is torture 1. to be with a toddler and attempt pausing a few seconds to look at something of interest 2. to be with a toddler in a stroller with non-automatic doors 3. because even if you have some money now, you may not have it later, so you have to delay the gratification of a few sweaters no matter how much I justify needing a new wardrobe for UT winters. 4. If you're going to justify anything, it is going to be clothes for your children to stay warm. Children first, right? It was distracting for a time, but sometimes I can't get away from my situation. Until I learn that someone else is struggling way worse than me, but in reality I just feel more guilty for not feeling anymore grateful for my own struggles. The distractions are mere moments, in my mind. They push me along, but technically I might as well still be drowning. Hyperbolizing of course. Don't ...

Just bought it. on repeat. Some may judge. Some may join in on the dance party in the car.

I wrote this quote in my scriptures by Mosiah 2:17 from Elder Robert Whetten of the Seventy: "Every unselfish act of kindness and service increases your spirituality. God would use you to bless others. Your continued spiritual growth and eternal progress are very much wrapped up in your relationships--in how you treat others. Do you indeed love others and become a blessing in their lives? Isn't the measure of the level of your conversion how you treat others? The person who does only those things in the Church that concern himself alone will never reach the goal of perfection. Service to others is what the gospel and exalted life are all about." I posted a link to an article on Facebook this past week. Every word made sense to me. And not just about marriage, but all relationships we experience in this life.  "Of all the people who get married, only three in ten remain in a healthy, happy marriage" That isn't saying 7 end in divorce, but to me, you ...

I think her hair has grown the most of anything. She didn't get any taller! Which is hard to believe since all of a sudden she can reach things off tables and in cabinets I once figured were out of reach. She is only a pound heavier.  Stats: 32 inches, 24 pounds. 12 teeth (so one new molar?) We don't really get out much since she is still on two naps, gas is money and maybe we're lazy? I promise one day I'll have fun UT pictures that make it the bestest place on earth to live, but for now, I'm just not really feeling it. Or maybe I'm being selfish and keeping the mountains to myself. So more about Alexis Jane at 18 months. . . Behaviorally , I'd say she is happy, easy going, tough, playful and into everything. I'd say helpful, but she oftentimes causes the mess in the first place. However, usually she will listen when I ask her to pick something up or throw something away. You can tell she likes the idea of helping and being in...