Grayson is 2!

Seriously, we have a two year old! Time flies, I can't believe it! He is such a sweet boy! We are blessed to have him in our family! We started July 26, 2014 with time in the Temple as Emma received her temple work. Next, we went to a family reunion picnic of Tyler's. We came back and ended the day with dinner, ice cream and presents for our favorite oldest boy!
He's a frosting boy! The last one is my attempt at capturing him blowing out the candles! He actually did it!

 

He got a trampoline that he loves! He still doesn't understand how to open presents!

 

He and Lynnlee like to play in the pool. Well Lynnlee likes playing IN the pool, Grayson likes to play WITH the pool. Sometimes he will get in! He wouldn't go down the slide!

 
He loves anything round that resembles a ball. He can drop kick one repeatedly. He is not a talker and could not care less about mimicking our words. He is not a social boy and doesn't care to be around other children. He's not quite sure how to react to them being all up in his business. He is still terrified of the vacuum. He always manages to steal our toothbrushes to chew on and then loose. I can't begin to tell you how many toothbrushes we have bought this year. He LOVES outside and would be out all day if I let him, especially if I let him climb up the slide. He can't spend enough time looking for just the right rock to pick up and throw. He loves to watch Jake and the Neverland Pirates. He can open Netflix on the iPad and get it started if he can sneak off with it. He likes to climb on out piano and show mommy how good he is at playing the keys. He calls Nolan "baby" and gives him kisses all day long. In the early morning he will climb in our bed and give me kisses while I am sleeping. He enjoys playing with mommy's hair and rough housing with daddy. He is most definitely a daddy's boy, his world revolves around Tyler. I am grateful Tyler is the best daddy and role model for Grayson to learn from.  He is a very happy, curious and sweet boy. We are very blessed to have him in our lives.

From newborn to toddler, where did my baby go?!

Happy Birthday Grayson!

We had a baby!

Nolan K. Swallow joined our family on July 1, 2014! He is such a sweet baby and we are blessed to have him in our family.
On June 28th, my family and I went to the Logan, UT temple and completed Bobby's temple work. It was a very nice session, and much needed and special day in the Temple. I was worried I wouldn't even make it to or through the session as I was 3cm dilated all the week with frequent, but inconsistent contractions. However, all things worked out and Nolan decided to wait a few more days. 

Our next doctor appointment was Tuesday, July 1st. My doctor was supposed to be gone the rest of the week so we got the only appointment we could get that week. During the appointment we found out I was practically 5cm dilated, with no labor. Dr. Miller didn't want to send me home, afraid that when things got real, I wouldn't make it back to the hospital. He sent us straight over the Labor and Delivery! I was secretly hoping for this, but definitely freaked out when it actually happened! By 11 am we were checked in and my water was broken. I'm a firm believer in epidurals, so we got one of those quick and hung out all day, resting and napping. Around 4:15 it was baby time! Nolan came so easily for me! With Grayson my labor was so long and my recovery was so difficult, I was terrified. Nolan's labor was a dream labor! It made me believe that I could have a 3rd baby! We have been home, just chilling! It's been a wonderful experience. We are tired, but that's to be expected! Grayson has been great as well! He isn't put off by Nolan crying and constantly gives him kisses.
Nolan K. Swallow
July 1, 2014
7lb 12oz, 20in long

 

 

 

My Garden

I was SOO excited to plant my very first garden this year! I was totally committed to it. I knew I was crazy, because I would have a baby right in the middle of it! So I tried to go conservative. LOL. I know right? Let me walk you through it.... It had been quite the experience! I'm not bragging, just SOO excited about not failing!
This is what we started with....

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Tyler so graciously shoveled compost on free compost day 

Next, we tilled it all up. It took a row or two to realize that you have to put the wheels in gear. 

The before and after of that simple fix were HUGE!

                                       

 

Then, I planted. I planted half a row of strawberry seeds and 4 starts. I DID NOT KILL THE STARTS, but nothing came from seed. I also planted a whole row of peas (they are my favorite!). Half the row came up, the other half didn't so I put starts in their place! I picked my first pod yesterday!

 
I planted two rows of corn, because, well, why not? And I am most proud of it! It's HUGE! Let's see if I get any actual, edible, ears!

I planted beans and asparagus in a row. I got one bean plant, that's all. I also learned asparagus takes a year to get crowns, but they still came up! And I am the granddaughter of a potato farmer, so I planted potatoes. Guess what?! I DIDN'T KILL THEM! My zucchini is surviving as well! My watermelon from start died, but is doing great from seed! I have a cantaloupe start AND cantaloupe from seed! They are both still alive!

 

 

Our house also came with some established raspberry bushes. (bushes? plants? Who knows). Our fence separated them, but one day earlier this week I SAW RED! I have picked twice since then and gotten a happy little bowl full of raspberries!

 


I'm just so excited! It has been fun! I can't wait to see what I actually harvest! I honestly thought I wouldn't succeed, but I haven't failed! Don't mind my garden ramblings! Just biding my time until the little one arrives!

Until next time.....

Family Fun Times

Well, as you can guess we have been busy! I have been nesting and working Tyler to the bone! We have been traveling a lot the last month as our families had a lot of events we wanted to attend! First, my little brother, Chett, graduated high school! We drove up to Idaho on a Thursday to be with him and my family. We had a belly measuring contest. I don't know who wins... :) And Grayson is the WORST at pictures. He only wants the M&M's.

 





The very next day Tyler's little sister, Lillie graduated from high school as well! So we trucked back to Utah to celebrate with her!

 

The very NEXT day we headed back to Idaho, because little miss Amelia-our newest niece via Tyler's brother Mitch, was being blessed on Sunday. First we stopped at Downata Hot Springs to take a swim. I didn't take any pictures. Big surprise. I need to get better at that. Anyways, here's the sweet girl...

While we were up there, we were able to visit my brother's grave. We haven't been able to do that in a while.

 

It's also started getting HOT! We were planning on getting Grayson a small swimming pool for his birthday which isn't until July 26. However, one hot day Grayson found his step stool had filled with water. I looked over and found him sitting in it. So we decided he needed a birthday present a little early this year. He did not even ATTEMPT to get in it until today. All he did was put every toy in the yard INTO the pool to watch it splash. Today I set him in and he seemed to enjoy it, OK.

 

We are officially 38 WEEKS! 2 weeks from B-day. Give or take. I would like to take, but I guess he can cook as long as he wants! We are ready for him though! I'm tired of heartburn and being hot! We have everything washed and put away. The carseat, bouncer and swing are cleaned too! We bought him his very own special outfit just like we did for Grayson. Here is Grayson in his and our newest one! Can't wait to meet our little man! 

 

Until next time....