The Harris Family

Ambrie is ONE!!

2011-04-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my girl is already 1! She had such a great birthday full of family, friends, a party just for her and presents galore! What more could a girl ask for?

The birthday girl all dressed up for her big day!

The food and decorations...it was a lot of work but so worth it!

The friends that showed up to celebrate her big day!

Waiting for the cake!

She was timid at first but then dove right in and made a big mess!

Here is the cake, her birthday hat (made by my friend Alecia), and the party favors that we passed out...I think they all turned out so cute!

She was such a trooper the whole day and so happy during it all!

Ambrie Jo,

Happy Birthday! We hope you had a perfect birthday day Sis and want you to know how lucky we feel to have you as our little girl. Your personality is so sweet, but, we love how you are brave and silly too. You have your Dad and your brother wrapped around your finger already and I love that. Even though you are a tiny little thing you are SO busy. Right now you get into everything! The cupboards, drawers, and bookshelves are constantly being emptied and reorganized by you.

It seems like you learn something new everyday and we can't believe how much you understand. You have finally started to walk, just a few steps, even though you have been standing forever! Something that surprises us the most is that you are a bit of a dare devil. For example, you would much rather climb on top of the little picnic table we got you than sit at it. You also climb right up the stairs of the slide you got for your birthday and then wait at the top and holler until someone comes to help you slide down. Oh how you wish you were big enough to do everything your big brother does...you have bumps and bruises to prove it.

It's crazy to think that it's already been a year but we can't imagine anyone more perfect for our family! We sure love you little one!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Brother and Sister

2011-04-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Let me just start by saying I LOVE having two kids. They are so fun to watch together and they adore eachother. If Maddux is sleeping Ambrie goes straight to his door and bangs on it hoping he will emerge. If Ambrie is going down for a nap Maddux always says "Mom, let's have Ambrie take just a short little nap, okay?" I love that they love to hang out with eachother!

Of course they have their moments of jealousy and fighting but for the most part they just can't get enough of eachother!

Maddux's favorite thing is to be the first one into Ambrie's room whenever she wakes up and she just squeals when she see him. Today, I was a little slow getting into her room to get her out of bed and when I walked in Maddux had climbed into the crib with her and they were playing peek-a-boo and both belly laughing! It was so cute!

I love how they are proud of eachother and snuggle with eachother and how they make eachother laugh. I think it is so sweet that they worry when the other one is hurt or crying. Pretty much I just feel VERY lucky to have them both and I know they feel the same way about eachother!

Who wouldn't love these cute faces?

January, February and March...

2011-03-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a little slide show of some pictures and videos of my kids from the last few months. We have had a rough winter due to lots of sickness so I don't have too many pictures but I wanted to write a little bit about what they've been up to...

Maddux is so grown up these days and has such an awesome little personality. He is the best big brother to Ambrie and my little sidekick. He has started helping around the house (vacuuming is his favorite), is very interested in letters and numbers right now, has a huge imagination and an even bigger heart! He still adores his Dad and wants to be just like him.

Ambrie is trying to walk as you'll see in the video. She is also starting to show her personality and we LOVE it. She is very easy going and usually just goes with the flow. She has started to talk a little and says more everyday. Her favorite person in the world is her brother. She doesn't take her eyes off him and wants to do everything he does. He can get her to laugh like no one else and he is so sweet to her. The only thing she gives us trouble about is food. She is a picky little thing and is VERY hesitant of new foods...if she tries something and doesn't like it she won't eat it! She loves her Dad too but is a mama's girl and I love that.

Pretty much we feel like the luckiest parents in the world to have these two around. I am so grateful that I get the chance to be home with them now. Enjoy the video!

Maddux and the Motorcycle...

2011-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Pretty much since Maddux was born Greg has been looking forward to taking him on his motorcycle. Maddux has grown up sitting on it, helping clean it, turning it on, and wishing he could ride on it. I have been VERY hesitant to let him go on it and told Greg probably wouldn't want him to ride on it until he was like 10. Well...this Valentines Day I gave Greg and Maddux matching helmets for the motorcycle. So, Maddux was able to take his first ride on it and he LOVED it! They drove around the block twice and he was grinning from ear to ear. Here is a little trip down memory lane and then a short clip of his first ride!

First time on the motorcycle...3 months old

First time on it by himself...18 months old

Practicing how to hold on...2 years old

Helping Dad back it out of the driveway...2 years old

Wearing their new matching helmets and ready to go...3 years old

His first ride!

Christmas 2010

2011-03-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

This we we spent Christmas in Las Vegas with my family. It was so much fun for my kids to be around all the cousins. Maddux was such a great age this year. He finally understood what Christmas and Santa were all about and he was very excited abou all of it. Whenever he would see Santa at a store or on the street he would get very excited! He made this year MAGICAL! Here is a little video of our Christmas this year...

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Maddux is 3!

2011-03-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

For Maddux's 3rd Birthday we took him and his buddies bowling. It was a cold, snowy day but they loved it! He had a Toy Story cake and some of his favorite people around to celebrate with. Happy Birthday Buddy! Me and your Dad love you so much and we are so proud of who you are becoming. You have made the last three years the best in our lives and we look forward to watching you continue to grow Bud!

Here is a little slide show of the day...

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

We spent thanksgiving with Greg's family in California and I managed to get NO pictures the whole time. The only ones I have are the professional family pictures we had taken while we were there so I will share a few of them...

A whole group shot

Greg's sister Taryn, her husband Ryan and there two adorable kids, Nate 3, and Macy 1

Another group shot...we love spending time with these guys and wish we lived closer to them.

At the very end of the photo shoot the photographer got these great kandid shots of Maddux and Nate...they are such great buds!!

Family Pictures

2011-03-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

For Thanksgiving this year we got to spend time in California with Greg's family. We were able to all get together and take family pictures of the whole family and each individual family. Here are a few of the ones of our little family...

The whole gang

Maddux 3 years old
Ambrie 7 months old

Greg and I

They turned out great and we were able to use them on our Christmas cards...perfect timing!

Ambire Photo Shoot

2011-03-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

My sister Olivia brought her nicve camera with her to the sisters reunion and took so many adorable pictures of Ambrie. She even got some adorable ones of her in her Halloween costume. Here is a few of them.

I REALLY wish she lived closer so she could take pictures of my kids all the time! She's so talented! Thanks Olivia!

Sisters Reunion 2010

2011-03-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

My sisters and I were all able to get together this last October for a sisters reunion in St. George Utah. It was so much fun. We went shopping, ate out, went to Thriller at Tuacahn, went to the temple, and stayed up VERY late talking and enjoying eachothers company!

At the temple on Sunday

It was so nice to have a quiet, chaos free dinner with out kids! We were loving it!

I feel so lucky to have so many sisters and they really are my best friends.

We did have the two babies with us, Ambrie and Brandon, but they were such little troopers and just went with the flow! Can't wait unitl next year girls!

6 months old

2011-03-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

This is a little slideshow of Ambire girl at 6 months old. She has started eating food, she's talking,and she starting to crawl! We just can't say enough how much we love her! She has Daddy wrapped around her finger already and Maddux just adores her! We love you little one!

No More Turtles

2011-03-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

This summer we decided to get rid of our turtles and gave them away to a very nice family who were more than thrilled to get them.

Maddux looks happy here as they packed them in the car to deliver them to their new home but he was so sad as Greg pulled away. I didn't think he would even care since he never paid any attention to them but I was wrong.

Greg and I have had these little guys since before we were married. We will miss you R.J. and T.J.!

Sisters and Cousins

2011-03-12T11:50:00.000-08:00

This last summer we were also able to go visit my fmaily in Vegas... all the siblings were able to corrdinate a visit at the same time so the cousins got a chance to hang out and us adults also got time to see eachother. I am so thankful for such amazing family and wish we could all live closer to eachother.

Here is a shot of all my sisters with their Honda Odessy's. They all 4 have one...It looked pretty crazy with 4 of them parked in front of my parents house...I guess Greg and I need to get one! :)

Here is a shot of some of the cousins watching a movie after a long day of swimming in the pool!

This is Maddux and his best buddy and cousin Audrey at the indoor bounce house place we took all the kids to.

It was great being able to see everyone but it was a lot of people and kids and at times....completely exhausting!

Cross Country Running Camp

2011-03-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

This last summer were helpd Greg's annual cross country summer running camp at my parent's cabin. We took alot of his boys and then Maddux, Ambrie and I came to hlep make the meals. It was so much fun for his team to be able to bond and get in some great runs at high altitudes. We even invited the grisl team up for a run and dinner one of the days which was fun too! They loved it and we enjoyed having the time to relax!

Here is a picture of all their running shoes...

This is a retaining wall that his team built as a service project for my Dad as a Thank you for letting them stay in his cabin. I think it turned out pretty nice! I hope it helps with the snow drift this next winter!

Maddux was sad to not be able to help build the wall outside so I helped him build his own wall inside..He was ver rpud of it and couldn't wait for the "running boys" as he calls them to come back inside to see it. They are so cute with him and he absolutley adores them!

Here is just one last picture of my cute little guy with a different tower he built! I sure love this kid!

California Vacation

2011-03-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

This last summer we were able to head down to California for a vacation to see family. It was so much fun to get the kids together with their cousins and to see Grandma and Grandpa Harris

Here we are at the zoo. Maddux loved seeing all the animals and talked about going there for weeks after. I sure wish we lived closer so that we could visit more often.

We tried to get a shot of the 4 of the grandkids and this is the best we could get....I just love thier little personalities!
Maddux (2), Nate (2), Macy (1) and Ambrie (3 months)

Maddux and Nate were great this buddies this time around. They we so cute together and I am so grateful that they have eachother. It's going to be so much fun watching them grow up together.

Maddux, Greg and Ralph doing Maddux's favorite activity...WRESTLING!

3 months

2011-03-06T00:35:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get a few pictures take of Ambrie at 3 months and asked my sister to do a little photo shoot with her. Photography is a little hobby of hers and I think she is really talented...how lucky am I to have her around?
Here are a few of my favorite pictures of our sweet little girl:

We love you so much Ambrie girl. You have your Daddy wrapped around your finger already and your big brother adores you. I feel like the luckiest Mom in the world to have you as my own.

Mesquite Getaway!

2010-06-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

We decided to get away for a night on the weekend of Father's Day....so we headed to Mesquite to spend a night at the Casa Blanca and take advantage of the sunshine and the pool!

I was stressed about all of us sleeping in the same room since Ambrie still gets up a couple of times a night but Maddux and Greg slept right through it. She did much better than I expected! :)

Maddux was in heaven with the pool and especially this water slide! He LOVED it! I took him down it only once because most of the time I spent out of the pool with Ambrie but Greg took him down it so many times!

I loved sitting at the edge of the pool with Ambrie on my lap and my feet in the water watching my two boys just play and play and play!

It was so nice to get away and enjoy great food, a beautiful pool, and time to relax with my three favorite people!

Ambrie's Blessing

2010-06-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have so much family come into town to support us for Ambrie's blessing. It was a perfect day and Greg gave a beautiful blessing. My Mom made Ambrie's dress for her out of her wedding dress and it turned out gorgeous. It fit her perfect and made the day even more special. Here are a few pictures:

Our little family

The whole gang

A close up of sweet Ambrie girl

A full length shot...all the flowers, beads, and lace are from my Mom's wedding dress. This picture does not do it justice, it is beautiful! My Mom is such a great Grandma. She has so many grand kids yet still finds time to do thoughtful and special things for each of them...and for me too. I couldn't be more lucky to have her as my Mom. Thank you Mom...from both of us!!

DISNEYLAND!!!

2010-06-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

We took Maddux and Ambrie to Disneyland for the first time this summer and had so much fun! We went with Greg's parents and his sisters family. I was worried that Maddux wouldn't like the rides and that it would be hard having a newborn along for the ride but it turned out to be such a fun and exhausting day!

Here we are on the very first ride of the day...the new Toy Story ride in California Adventure...it was a 3D shooting game where you got points for shooting targets. It was such a cool ride. I did horrible because I had Ambrie attached to the front of me but Greg and Maddux did pretty good.

We spent most of the day on all the kids rides since this day was all about them. This was the Dumbo ride and Maddux was making us go up and down so fast that I thought we were going to break the ride. Greg and I were laughing so hard and as soon as it finished Maddux wanted to go again.

This was my favorite Mom moment at Disneyland...Maddux is one of the BIGGEST CARS fan ever! He has all the toys and has seen the movie a million times. When we walked up to these two life size characters he was in awe. He got so excited and said "Hi Mater!" :) He loved touching lightning and asked if he could go for a ride in him. It was the best part of the day for me. Well worth the trip! He also loved seeing these two again in the Pixar Parade which was awesome...I totally recommend it!

It was an amazing day and Ambrie was so good. We actually got to ride more rides than I thought we would and Maddux got to play with some of his favorite people, Daddy, Grandma and PaPa, & cousin Nate for the whole day in the happiest place on earth...What could be better than that?

The Aquarium

2010-06-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

While in California visiting Greg's parents we spent a day at a huge aquarium. It was so much fun! They had HUGE fish tanks and petting areas where you could see sharks, sting rays, sea lions, otters and more. It was very cool.

Here is Greg, Papa and Maddux at their favorite part...the shark petting pools...Greg could have spent the whole day right here.

Maddux's favorite parts were the sea lions, and seeing the Nemo fish

Maddux feeling the sharks

It was such a fun day and the perfect way to spend an afternoon with Grandma and Papa!

2 Months

2010-06-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ambrie is already 2 months old and I can't believe it!
She had her 2 month appointment this week and she is exactly 10lbs.
We were excited she gained almost 2 lbs from last time and love that she has stayed little longer

Here she is sitting up like a big girl in her Bumbo...so cute!

Maddux has been growing too and loves getting into things. One day we found him with about 20 bandaids stuck all down both arms. And on this day he was caugth trying to give Boca (our dog) a shower. Yes...that is the WHOLE BOTTLE of purpole dog shampoo dumped out in the shower and on the dog! It was a disaster and we had to give both Maddux and Boca a bath to get the mess cleaned up. We sure love this little guy...he keeps us on our toes!

The End of another year!

2010-06-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

It was very bitter sweet to say goodbye to my class this year.

I was able to go back from maternity leave for the last three days of school to finish up the year with my 4th graders. It was sad to say goodbye to this great group of kids. It will be my last year teaching 4th since I have taken a half day Kindergarten position at my school next year so that I can be home with my kids more. It made saying goodbye even harder. I know it is the best move for me right now but I am sad to leave my colleagues and friends in the upper grades. I am excited and a little nervous for the change.

Easter 2010

2010-06-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Maddux loved Easter this year!

Here he is helping dye easter eggs!

He was very excited about the Easter Bunny this year and got eacited about everything that he got to do

Here is the Easter basket after he followed the ribbon path and found it!
We spent Easter at home this year since it was so close to my due date. It was fun to do it at our house but we missed being with family!

Family Family and more Family

2010-06-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

The best part of having a baby is all the family that come visit...

Greg's parents (PaPa and Grandma Harris with the kids!

4 Generations on my Mom's side
My Mom (Grandma Jo), Great Grandma , Ambrie and Me

4 Grenerations on my Dad's side
My Dad (Grandpa Bill), Nanny, Me and Ambrie

Ambrie with her cousin Brandon (Janae's little guy) who is just six weeks older than her.

She's Here!

2010-06-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Ambrie Jo Harris was born April 9th
She weighed 7lbs. 9oz.

Coming home from the hospital

The new big brother. He is so sweet with her and loves kissing, holding and looking at her sleep.
Right at the beginning he struggled with not having all the attention but now he loves her so much. When he hears her crying he always says "It's okay Baby Ambrie" and he also tries to give her the paci and sing to her when she's sad.

The whole family

She came home a perfect and healthy little girl. She has a little acid reflux which caused her to gain weight slowly at the beginning and she spits up constantly but other then that she is as sweet as they come! We love you baby girl!

Day at the LA Zoo!!

2010-01-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas we had the opportunity to go to the LA Zoo for the day with Grandma Harris, Aunt Taryn, and his cousins Nate and Macy.

Maddux LOVED seeing all the animals up close and being out in the sunshine! It was such a fun day! I wish we lived closer to a zoo so we could go more often!

Maddux is TWO!!

2010-01-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

On Maddux's birthday, after opening gifts first thing in the morning Greg and I took him out to breakfast to celebrate!

We even let him sit next to Greg like a real big boy would...which resulted in a very wiggly meal!

He picked out the smiley face pancake with "nanas", "ice cream" and "staberry" on it!

After breakfast we took him to pick out a new "big boy" bed and then finished the morning at the park even though there was snow

I didn't get any pictures but that night we all went to a SUU basketball game ...which he thought it was really fun.
Happy Birthday Sweetheart! You have made the last two years an amazing adventure. I feel so lucky to be your Mom!

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

This year Halloween was so much fun! Maddux LOVED everything about it. He loved wearing his costume, he loved going trick or treating and actually understood what it was all about, he loved getting candy in his bucket and love helping us answer the door to pass out candy to other kids in costume! We had so much fun and seeing how much he loved everything made Greg and I so excited to see him discover all the festivites in the upcoming months! We really can't imagine life without him around..he makes holidays seem magical again! Here is a little video of some pictures and videos of Halloween 2009!

The Many Faces of Maddux

2009-08-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

Maddux 's new favorite thing is to bring me the camera and then he says "cheese"...meaning, that he wants me to take pictures of him.

The funny thing is that he makes all these crazy faces, wants to see what they look like on the camera, then he laughs at himself and wants to do more.

The problem is that I can't get a decent smile out of him anymore! So frustrating. I try to tell him to just smile normal but he squints his eyes...says CHEESE...and does this silly grin! It is hilarious.

I hope it's just a phase because he really does have a super cute and normal looking smile.

A Day at the Lake

2009-08-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Our friends, the Almonds, invited us to the lake last weekend to hang on their boat for the day! It was beautiful outside, except for the wind, but we had so much fun! Maddux loves being anywhere near water and is almost too brave. He wants to do everything by himself even though he can't and gets frustrated when we won't let him. Greg was able to wake board and wake surf while I just soaked up the rays and swam a little. Here are a few pics of our day...for video of Greg surfing and wakeboarding you'll have to check out our Maddux videos blog.

Maddux Driving the Boat

Greg Wakeboarding...such a good looking man!

Maddux in the car ready for a day on the lake

Madisson and Maddux on the boat!

Girls Day

2009-08-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

I recently went to Las Vegas to have a spa day with my Mom and two of my sisters. It was so much fun! I took Maddux down and my Dad spent the day with him while us girls went to the spa to work out, swim, and get massages and then we went out to eat after. It was nice to be able to relax before I head back to school...and Maddux loved hanging out with Grandpa for the day!

Here we are ready for our workouts!

Maddux hanging with Grandpa in their chairs

My Mom and Maddux...he is so lucky to have such great grandparents

In the car...he was showing how excited he was to get home and see Daddy!

BBQ at Woods Ranch with Friends

2009-07-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

We decided to head up the canyon one night with friends for a BBQ, Fishing, and Smores!!
Maddux loved being outside exploring and was busy the whole time getting dirty, catching fish, and eating marshmallows. I love living in Cedar City during the summer time because of nights like this...

Family Picture by the Fishing Pond

Maddux posing on a rock...I am lucky I got this shot right when we got there because he was way to busy for pictures after that.

A big tire by the picnic area for kids

The very best part of the night was when Maddux got to help reel in a fish...he LOVED it and he LOVED the "fishy" he kept saying "eyes" and trying to touch the fishes eye. We ended up just catching and releasing it and Maddux still is talking about how the
"fishy gone...bye bye"

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to have Greg's parents come and visit us in Cedar City for the 4th of July!

Here is what we did while thery were here...

Fireworks in our favorite spot...it's tradition to watch them here

Maddux at the fireworks showing us how he closes his eyes...notice that he really just squints because he wants to see your reaction. He did better than expected with the loud fireworks.

We also went to an indoor swimming pool in St. George that is really kid friendly. Here he is floating..he was so relaxed in the pool.

This was his favorite thing at the pool it was a "Froggie" slide that he could do by himself. I think he would have gone down it a hundred times if he could have...he cried when we would take him away from it.

Loving doing "bubbles" with Grandpa in the back yard

Also, Greg and Ralph (the Harris Family Studs) ran in the Enoch Day's 4th of July Parade and did awesome! Greg finished 1st overall and won $10 and a 4th of July Decoration. Ralph also won $10 for finishing first in his age group.

It was a great 4th of July!

Almond Wedding

2009-07-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Recently Dyllan, the son of my best friend Kim got married in the Salt Lake Temple. Greg and I were able to go up to Salt Lake by ourselves for the weekend and attend the endowment and the wedding. It was so fun to be able to be a part of it.

Here is their Family Picture

Madisson, Connor and Jaxxon

Family Vacation

2009-07-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a family vacation this summer to the beach. We rented a really cute condo on the beach and the three of us spent a week there. We went a few beaches, swam in the community pool, and spent a day at a really cool outdoor mall. It was relaxing and a lot of fun. It's the first big vacation we have taken since having Maddux. After a week at the beach house we visited Greg's parents for a weekend and were lucky enough to welcome a new niece into the family. Greg's sister Taryn had a baby girl. They named her Macy she was 6lbs. 11 oz. and is just the sweetest little thing. It was so much fun to be able to spend this time together relaxing and then end the weekend with family. Here is a little movie of our whole trip. Hope you enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Water Park

2009-06-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

We took Maddux to this really cute water park in St. George and had so much fun.

Here he is all ready for the park!

There were so many kids running around that he was hesitant at first..he just stood there looking around

Once he warmed up he loved the waterfalls probably the most

He would even try to stick his head in them to get his hair wet. It was so cute. I think the next time we go we will have to bring some of his buddy's along so feels a little more comfortable.

Grandma is trying to convince him that it's fun!

They also have this big water fountain that he liked but while we were over here he saw some bikes that kids had laid down on the grass and he walked over to one of them and grabbed the water bottle off of it and tried to take a drink...it was funny but gross too!

I just LOVE summer...water activities, sunshine, and hanging with my little guy!

Girl's Night Out!

2009-06-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

One our way to California for our family vacation we stopped in Vegas for a night to see my family. Since the boys were watching the NBA playoffs we decided to leave the baby's with them and have a girls night out. It was so much fun! We went to a drive in movie theater and watched the new disney movie UP! It was a blast. Here are a few pictures...

Mom, Me, Deidre and Janae

Deidre and Alisha

Janae and her little girl Brooklynn

My mom and I

Daddy's Boy

2009-06-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

Recently Maddux has become Greg's little shadow. He just adores his Dad. He wants to be wherever Greg is and loves helping him. Greg is so cute with him too...he is always explaining everything to him and letting him try things out. Maddux even cries when Greg leaves the house and gets so excited when he hears the garage open and knows he's home....he runs to the garage saying "Daddy..daddy" and opens the door. (Unlike when I leave and he simply says Bye! and waves to me)
Watching the two of them together is one of my favorite things in the whole world.

I feel so lucky to have these two boys in my life... I couldn't ask for anything more. I love you both!

End Of The School Year!

2009-06-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

This year was hard for me to say goodbye to my kids! I LOVED my class this year and was sad to send them onto fifth grade. Here are a few pictures from our last day of school together

We made tie-dye shirts for our dance festival performance. We taught them the Hustle and the Electric Slide. It was so much fun!

The worst part of the end of this year was that my family...all three of us got the flu the last week of school. Maddux got it the worst and so both Greg and I had to miss a few days of school to get ourselves and our little guy better. He got it so sick he got dehydrated and had to get an IV. Here is a (self-took) picture of us at the IV clinic. It was definitely an emotional and hectic end of the year!

New Calling

2009-06-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was recently called to be the achievement days leader for my ward and I love it! This is a picture of the girls on one of our activity days doing facials. They are such a great bunch of girls and I feel lucky to be working with them.

Candice's Wedding

2009-06-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

I was able to go to my little sisters best friends wedding in the SLC temple. It was a really neat sealing and it was so much fun to hang out with my Mom and sisters!

One Year Pictures

2009-04-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we got Maddux's pictures taken and I think they turned out so cute! I was worried aobut how it would go now that he can walk but he did really good. The photographer was fast and got cute smiles. Here are a few of my favorites!

This is a classic Maddux smile...big!

I love his hands in this one it was totally a fluke but turned out adorable!

He looks so proud to be a big boy!

Our sweet little guy!

Maddux's Favorite Things

2009-03-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of Maddux's favorite things...

The shower...he always wants to get in it. He doesn't love it when it's actually on though. His favorite is opening and closing the door.

Eating snacks...he has a little snack trap that he loves to carry around.

Playing in the fridge...if he see it open he books it as fast as he can. He loves to open the drawers, take food out, and especially take all the condiments out ...since they are right at his level.

Taking all the books out of his little library. He takes all books off the shelves until he's surrounded in his books and then sits in the middle of them and either looks at the pictures or pretends to read.

We just love this littlle guy!

Mr. Walker

2009-03-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Maddux has officially stopped crawling. He loves to just walk everywhere these days. He is getting pretty fast and we think he might start running soon too. He is really starting to show his funny personality and is such a sweetheart. His favorite things right now are mimicking everything that his Dad does, chase and hide and seek, playing with Boca (our dog), dipping his food in things, pointing to the parts of his body (especially "eyes" which he can say), getting into the cupboards and the pantry to bring us food he thinks he wants, and he still looks forward to bath time every night. Here are a few recent pictures of him.

Our handsome little guy

I'm gonna get you Mommy

Sitting in his Elmo chair with Mr. Tiger

Wearing Daddy's clothes

Valentine's Day 2009

2009-03-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

This year I decided that I wanted to take a little pressure off Greg and plan Valentine's Day myself. So I got a group of my girlfriends together and we planned a day date to my parent's cabin in Zion's. It was a surprise for the husbands and so much fun! We made invitations, invited our husbands, met for breakfast on Saturday, drove to Zion's, and spent all of Saturday and Sunday morning there! It was really fun to take charge for a year and I think it meant a lot to the boys! :) We are hoping it inspires the boys to do something creative next year too!

Our Little One Year Old

2009-01-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

Maddux has changed so much in the last little while. He really has started to seem like a little boy and not a baby anymore. He has got the most adorable personality that keeps Greg and I laughing constantly. He loves to mimic us (especially his Dad) and has started to walk a little too. (check out his walking on Maddux Videos) I can't believe how fast this last year went. I guess time really does fly when you're having fun! Here are a few recent pictures:

Mr. Napkin Head

Lovin' a massage...we could not stop laughing at this picture!

Playing Basketball

Our very own Little Drummer Boy

Doing pull-ups just like Daddy

We were SHOCKED he could actually hold himself up! He even lifts his legs! So Funny!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T15:10:00.001-08:00

This year we spent Christmas Eve with Greg's family in California. One of their family's traditions is a Christmas Eve party that is themed. For example, the first Christmas I spent with his family was Hawaiian theme. You dress for the theme, we play games araound that theme and eat food that matches the theme as well. It's really fun!

This year it was Country Western theme. So we all got dressed up in Cowboy attire and headed to the party. The first part of the night was a suprise but all that we were told was that it would be outside, and dealing with horses. Little did we know that we were in for a Santa driven, horse drawn, trolley ride adorned with Christmas lights and music. So cute huh?

Here is our little family in front of the trolley...isn't Greg one good lookin' cowboy?

Here is the whole Harris family

It was a little chilly but we each had comfy blankets to snuggle with and yummy hot chocolate to keep us warm and toasty

Maddux wan't too sure about the huge horses...you can tell by the watchful eye he has on them.

After the trolley ride we headed back to his Aunts house for chili, cornbread, coleslaw, and Resses peanut butter cup s'mores for dessert.

It was a really fun Country Christmas Eve!

Family Night

2008-12-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

For family night we bought a Costco gingerbread house kit...It turned out pretty good. Here is a picture of our masterpiece!

Maddux wasn't much help...he just wanted to eat all the candy and icing...but it was fun to do together.

Happy Birthday Maddux!

2008-12-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

Maddux doesn't officially turn one until Sunday but since it is such a crazy time of year we decided to have a little party for him early before everyone heads out of town for Christmas. It was fun to have friends over to celebrate with us! Here are some pictures of all the fun!Maddux's Baseball themed birthday cake

At first he was very unsure of the whole cake but he quickly figured it out and ended up LOVING it!

Here is the little cake they made for just Maddux to devour all by himself!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweetheart!

Hospital Scare!

2008-12-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning of Thanksgiving weekend Maddux woke up and was having trouble breathing. He was taking really short quick breaths and couldn't seem to get a good deep breath. We were still in Las Vegas but Greg and I were worried about him so we called our paediatrician in Cedar. After telling him what was going on he suggested that we either bring him to his office or take him to an emergency room in Vegas. So...we rushed home and met the doctor at his office where he proceeded to try a breathing treatment with Maddux and check his oxygen levels and determined that he was under respiratory distress. He told us his recommendation was to admit him to the hospital so he could get on oxygen because he believed that if he continued to breath the way he was that eventually his little body would give up because it was having to work way too hard to get oxygen in. I was so scared and in tears as we took our little guy to the hospital. We ended up having to stay at the hospital over night and most of the next day too.

BUT I am happy to say that after one purchased nebulizer, lots of breathing treatments, two ear aches, and one hospital stay later he is home, happy, and on his was to healthy! It was a terrifying experience and one I would be happy to never repeat!

Maddux is such a happy baby that you could barely tell he wasn't feeling well

The crib looked like an animal cage at the zoo but he didn't seem to mind it

Here is our cute little patient in a mini hospital gown and all

We love this guy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

This year we were lucky enough to spend Thanksgivng with my family in Las Vegas. It was a strange year seeing that there was only seven of us total at the dinner...which is a small group compared to other years. It was fun to cook all day with my Mom and little sister Deidre while Greg, Dad, Grandpa, and Maddux watched football. Here are a few pictures of the day!

Maddux ready to eat his First Thanksgiving dinner!

Grandpa and Deidre

Mom and Dad

Out little family

Maddux having a little taste of everything. You can tell he was excited to be handed a plate with so many options! He loved it...easpecially the pomegrnate fruit salad. His least favorite thing on the plate was the turkey...go figure! :)

11 Months Old!

2008-11-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my little guy is already 11 months old! It seems crazy to me that he's almost one! We just think he is so cute and so funny lately...he loves to get into everything these days...the kitchen cupboards and the bathroom drawers are his favorites! He is always standing up next to things but has no interest in walking just yet. He still only has two bottom teeth...but we think the two top ones are finally coming in. He eats just about anything by gumming it to death and just loves food in general! He is the most amazing gift we have even been given and we feel so blessed to have him in our lives! Here are a few recent pictures.

Mr. Monkey

2008-11-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

I know it's not Halloween anymore but I still wanted to post pictures of Maddux in his costume since this is like a journal for me. He was the cutest monkey ever! Here are a few good shots of him. The funniest thing was that he loved it! I was nervous that he might hate it but as soon as we showed him what he looked like in the mirror he LOVED IT!

Region Champs!!

2008-10-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know...my husband Greg is the Head Coach of the boys Cross Country Team at Canyon View High School here in Cedar City. He has done such an amazing job with the team since he has become coach... and this year he has a really good varsity team.

Yesterday was the region championships, which is the last big meet before state, and his team place FIRST!!! 4 of his boys placed in the top 6!! (who are pictured above) It was so much fun to be a part of this amazing accomplishment for Greg and his team!

I am continually amazed with all of Greg's many talents...not only is he an amazing runner himself but he is also such a good dad, a really good teacher, a great husband, and obviously an awesome coach! Here is Greg and his varsity team

Greg being interviewed by two newspapers! Such a celebrity! Autographs anyone?

If you want to read the whole article click here.

The Regional Champs! Good Luck at State boys!

October Bunko Night

2008-10-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

I recently joined a Bunko group of 12 really cute girls...we meet once a month...it's really fun. Six of us in the group work at Iron Springs Elementary and the other girls are a combination of a photographer, hairstylists, and stay-at-home moms.

Since this month was October the host decided it would be fun to dress up! Here are the costumes we all came up with. It was a blast!

I feel lucky to have such great girlfriends!

Cold weather blues!

2008-10-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

Well it's officially winter weather here in Cedar....which means warmer clothes, no more playing outside everyday, and the dreaded snow!!

Here is Maddux playing inside in some new winter gear

The first offical snow of the winter....and it's only Oct. 11th!!

It's not Maddux's first snow...since he is a December baby but it was fun to see his reaction to it now that he's old enough to realize what's going on...he loves it!

Sprinkles Monster

2008-10-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Greg brought home doughnuts for breakfast this morning and he bought Maddux his very own sprinkled one. Since it was his first time eating doughnuts we gave him the whole thing...

He was a little timid at first but not for long

He didn't actually end up eating very much of it but...he LOVED it

By the end he was a sprinkles monster!

St. George Marathon!

2008-10-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the St. George Marathon and Greg and Ralph ran in it! It was crazy weather....but Greg did AWESOME! He ran the whole 26.2 miles in only 2hrs and 41min!!! He is such a stud! We were so proud of him! It was 20th place overall and seventh in his age group which is a really competivite age range. Ralph also did so good getting third in his age group.

It was nice to also have Greg's family here to support him. Taryn, Midge, Me and the babies hung out together most of the time which was so much fun. Everytime we have the boys together I always wish we lived closer to them because they are so cute together. These first few pictures are of me and Taryn with the boys hanging out in the car because it was raining and cold. We stayed in the car as long as we could. Midge found a premire parking spot right next to the finish line so we were able to stay in the car till the last possible moment.

When we finally did venture out to see Greg and Ralph cross the finish line it was quite the task...two babies, one stroller & three umbrellas...it was crazy but worth it!

Here is Grandpa with the boys after we got home...the boys are decked out in the shirts we made for them!

Here are some pictures of the fronts of their shirts:

Maddux's says: Daddy and Grandpa's Future Running Buddy

Nate's says: Go Grandpa and Uncle Greg!

and the backs...

Maddux's says: "My dad is faster than your dad!"

Nate's says: "If you want to get second place...follow my Grandpa!"

Picture Time

2008-10-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law recently got Maddux's pictures taken for me as a surprise! (So nice! huh?) I think they turned out so good!

What's not to love about this sweet little guy?

Sand Crabs!

2008-09-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

While we were at the beach Greg showed Maddux a sand crab and he picked it right up and tried to eat it!! GROSS!!!

Everyone thought it was so funny...except me!

Can you belive he wanted to eat that?

Good thing Grandpa is right there...he's pretty close to making it in his mouth!

Nate on the other hand wanted nothing to do with them...smart little guy!

1st Beach Trip!

2008-09-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day we were able to make a quick trip to California to see Greg's family and some of his friends who were visiting from England! The best part of the trip was taking Maddux to the beach for the first time! He LOVED it! He was unsure about going in the cold water but he loved the sand...especially eating it! Here are just a few of the pictures we took!

Grandpa dug a huge hole for the boys to stand in! It was too cute.

Ralph, Greg, and Ryan took the babies on a bike ride while us girls got to lay out! Both boys fell asleep but Maddux was so asleep he tipped over and had his face smashed in the corner which is why you can't see it!

They boys favorite part was playing with water and sand in buckets!

Such a cute little beach baby!

Cross Country Mania!!

2008-09-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

I have had these pictures forever and have not had the time to sit down and post until now! We spend lots of time these days at the High School Cross Country Meets supporting "Coach Harris" and his team! His boys are doing so good this year so we are very proud!! Here are a couple of cute pictures we took when Greg's parents came to visit and went to two meets with us!

So Smiley

Hanging out in the new stroller

Cheering on Daddy's team with Grandpa!

Maddux is Crawling!

2008-08-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Maddux's 8 month birthday and he decided that he wanted to just start crawling! We were so suprised! His favorite things right now are his Dad, Gerber puffed stars, and trying to copy noises we make. He is just the cutest baby ever! We feel so blessed to have him in our lives!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

7 Months Old

2008-08-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little guy is already 7 months old! It's crazy how much he has grown and changed in the last month! He has stared sitting up all by himself, rolls everywhere and has started getting on his knees and rocking back and forth...so were waiting for him to start crawling any day! He makes lots of noise and has become so expressive! He is still such a happy baby and so much fun to have around. With the summer coming to a close I am having a hard time with the realization that I have to go back to work and don't get to spend every second with him. I hope and pray everyday that I can be strong enough to handle this challenge. Here are a few pictures of him recently.

Swinging in the backyard

Me and Maddux

Him and his buds at the lake...McCoy, Maddux and Jaxxon

Walking on Daddy's new treadmill

My Camera is back!!

2008-07-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July weekend we got our camera mixed up with some friends of ours at Lake Powell and they accidentally took ours home with them to Arizona! I have been dying to post about all the fun things we've been up to but have not had any pictures. Good news is that my camera finally came in the mail today! Yea!! Here are pictures of : Swimming with Maddux, A 4th of July hike to Kanaraville Falls with Grandma and Grandpa Harris, Maddux's first time watching Fireworks, and Lake Powell with Greg's best friend Nick and his cute family.

Memory Tag

2008-07-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend had this on her blog and I thought it was so fun!! I look forward to your comments!

Here are the rules:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! (Please remember that my mom will be reading this!)

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. I can't wait to see what people remember.

Day at the Lake!

2008-06-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday we decided to go to the lake with the Almonds and the Atwoods. It was a perfect and super relaxing day!

Here's Me, LeAnn, and Kim...we are all 4th grade teachers at Iron Springs Elementary!
I am so lucky to have such fun girls to work with!

Greg and I hanging out on the boat

And last but not least here is my super hot hubby cliff jumping!

Maddux Giggling

2008-06-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I LOVE SUMMER!!

2008-06-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

What a blessing to have jobs that give us two and a half months off to spend together as a family during the best season of the year...SUMMER! Greg and I have had so much fun this summer already hanging out with our little guy! He just turned six months old and his personality is really coming out! He is always smiling and has stared to really laugh, which I love! He thinks Boca (our dog) is so funny...he loves to just watch her and always smiles when he see her. He loves to be outside and loves water whether it's the bath or the lake or a pool. He's on the verge of getting his first two bottom teeth...which has been hard on him and on me. He adores his dad and Greg adores him too, which is the sweetest thing to watch. I couldn't feel luckier to have these two boys in my life! Here's a few pictures of what we've been up to this summer...swimming, boating, and seeing family!

Greg and Maddux hanging out in our blow-up pool in the backyard...we fill it with warm water from the washer and Maddux loves it!

Maddux at Quail Lake on our best friends boat. He's practicing holding the rope so next summer he can wakeboard!

Maddux hanging out with Dad in his favorite spot on the boat...under the steering wheel where it's cool and shaded.

Me, Audrey, and Janae when they came to visit us in Cedar!

California Trip

2008-06-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

We headed to California this past weekend to visit Greg's family. It was a long car ride with a baby but worth it...we had so much fun hanging out with Greg's parents, his sister and her cute family, and extended family as well. Here are a few of the fun things we did while we were there...

Greg and his Dad ran in a half marathon and both did so good! Greg finished in 1hr and 12 min!! He's such a stud! It was fun to take the boys to cheer him and Grandpa on!

Greg's parents hung this cute swing in their backyard and both Maddux and Taryn's little guy Nate LOVED it! We got one to hang in our backyard too!

One of my favorite things we did was take the boys swimming in a little blow up pool in the backyard...after we put them on a towel to get some pictures and they turned out so cute! Isn't it crazy how different they are...Nate has adorable blue eyes and blond hair while Maddux has dark brown eyes like his dad and brown hair! Both are just too cute if you ask me!

While they were swimming this was Maddux's favorite toy...it's a little fish we would fill with water and then put in his mouth and as you can see he would bite down and squeeze all the water out...it was so funny!

Hanging with Nate

2008-06-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with the boys this last weekend. It's only the second time we have had Maddux and his cousin Nate together. They are so close in age that it is fun to compare them and watch them play together. Since they are the only two grandkids so far on Greg's side they get a million pictures taken of them. Plus... we tried to get professional pictures done and couldn't get them both smiling so we were determined to get a couple on our own...here are just a few

Both boys at the half marathon cheering on Uncle Greg and Grandpa!

Playing on the floor while wearing thier cute matching outfits from Grandma!

Maddux got to meet his Uncle Ryan for the first time! Here are both Dad's holding their sons...so cute!

Maddux and Nate jumping in their jumpers together

5 Months Old!

2008-06-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Maddux is 5 months now and has so much personality! We are both home with him for the summer and are loving spending all our time with him! He has turned into such a easy baby...he hardly ever cries and is constantly jabbering and smiling his huge smile! We feel so blessed to have such a sweet little spirit in our home. Here are a few of his favorite things these days!

He got an Excer Saucer for Christmas and we recently put it together and he loves it! It's so fun to see him figure out how all things work. His favorite is the spinner he hits it over and over to make it spin!

He also loves to eat now! I only feed him once a day and I think he gets more all over his face and bib than actually in his mouth but he's learning! He get so excited when he see me with a spoon and food. He starts kicking and reaching for it!

He also loves to just lay on the floor and talk to whoever will give him attention. He still loves to be sang to and read to. I keep expecting him to start rolling all over the place but he hasn't yet. He can roll and does every once in a while but it's not all the time.

By far though his favorite toy is his jumper. He gets so excited when he's in it and will laugh and make noise and jump really high. It entertains him longer than anything else...it seems like he would get bored of jumping but he just LOVES it! The coolest part is that it's not very big and it fits on any doorway so we take it with us alot...like on vacation and stuff...it's really handy!

Sisters Reunion

2008-05-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Every summer my sisters and my mom all get together and have a sister reunion. We always try to do something fun together and take that time to catch up on eachother's lives. I really look forawrd to it every year. This year we decided to have a photographer come and take pictures Here are some of the cute ones.

Melissa, Olivia, Janene, Deidre, Me, Joanne, Janae

Craft Day & Picture Day at the Smith's who have a awesome backyard that entertained all the kids for hours while we talked and made a really cute house decoration.

Since our kids are still little we bring them all with us...especially since this year we all have new babies. Maybe one day when our kids are older we can do sisters reuion without bringing the kids...because this many kids tends to make things a little hectic at times. We love it though!

Here are single pictures of each of the families:

Going Back to Work

2008-05-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

About a month and a half ago I unfortunately had to go back to work. It was such a crazy and emotional time for our family. A week before I was scheduled to start work again my babysitter called and quit on me. I was devastated and even considered quiting. Instead, I tearfully searched for a new babysitter praying that something would work out. I quickly found out that no one had openings except one lady who live 20 min. away and who I was not comfortable with...but she was my only option.

That Sunday I ran into a friend of mine who told me that she had mentioned our situation to a friend of hers and that her friend had said she might be willing to watch one little guy to bring in a little extra money. I of course burst into tears and said "maybe this is the answer to my prayers!"

Greg and I went to meet Samantha that next week and just loved her and her family. She has three kids of her own, a boy age 1 and two girls ages 6 and 4. As we were leaving her house she said "I know you think that this could be an answer to your prayers...but I think it's an answer to mine."

Needless to say she is wonderful! We have become great friends and her family has become very attached to Maddux. I feel so blessed that they are a part of our lives. Here are a few pictures of Maddux with her cute kids.

Maddux and his best bud Ryder

Maddux hanging with the girls

Sadie (6) and Skyler (4)

Such handsome smiley boys

I am so excited that in just three weeks I get to be home for the summer again with Maddux. It can't come fast enough!

4 months old

2008-04-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Maddux is four months old and so much fun! He has decided that he loves to make noise, smile, take baths, and put everything in his mouth (oh and he drools like crazy...as you can see in the pictures)
He has grown a lot in the last few weeks and has started to get a chubby little face...so I thought I would post a few updated pictures!

Maddux and Daddy, how cute is that tongue?

Me and Maddux hanging out

Picture Time!

2008-04-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to get professional pictures taken of Maddux for a long time but I just never got around to it. So, last weekend we finally took him. I was nervous about him being fussy or not smiling but he did so good and we got some great pictures!

He loves his tounge, and often smiles with it out... so I love this one!

This is one of my favorite pictures...look at those cute brown eyes, just like his Daddy's!

Here he is lounging like a big boy....can you believe how fast he's growing?

In the end it was a really fun experience...I can't believe it took me so long to get professional ones taken! Better late than never!

Bath Time!!

2008-03-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Maddux just recently got big enough to move from the hammock stage of his bathtub to actually sitting in it. It's crazy how fast these little guys grow.

He already liked the bath but now he gets so excited when he gets in the water that he starts kicking and splashing and make a huge mess of water all over the counters and the floor!

I have to be careful now when I bathe him to make sure I'm not wearing anything that can't get wet...notice the water spots on Greg's sweatshirt!

I am so gald he loves bath time...it's my favorite part of our nightly routine too! Here he is after, all bundled up! He is too cute!

Greg's New Toy

2008-03-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

I think Greg has wanted a new motorcycle for as long as I have known him...I finally agreed that he could have one...as long as he follows rules that I've set! :)

He has big plans for some rides he can take when the weather warms up. He has only been able to ride it a few times since he got it becuase it's still a little too cold!

Lets hope Maddux doesn't want to ride one like his Dad anytime soon!

Update Pictures

2008-03-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a few new pictures of Maddux!

Tummy Time

One day when I went to get him out of bed he was smiling so huge! It was adorable so I grabbed the camera and got a few pictures!

One more of him when he woke up from his nap, so happy!

Ready for bed!

Maddux's Blessing

2008-03-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, March 2nd we blessed Maddux Alan Harris

He was so handsome in his white tux.

On my side my parents, Deidre, Janae and Booroklynn, and my Brother Ryan and his family all came! We are so lucky to have so much support!

On Greg's side, his parents, his grandma and his Aunt Sue all came from California to share this special occasion with us!

The whole Almond Clan also came to support us! We're so lucky to have such great friends!

4 Generations!

Goodnight Book with Daddy!

2008-03-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

Greg has started a new little routine of reading to Maddux at bed time...It is the cutest thing to watch. Maddux is so lucky to have such a good Dad.

Isn't it adorable that Maddux is really looking at the pages! I love my two handsome boys!

Colic, Colic, Colic

2008-02-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

Maddux has had colic since he was about two weeks old. I've heard that it's a stage that they eventually they grow out of it...I hope it's true!

At times its not that bad but there are days where I swear he has an upset stomach for the whole day! Last night and today has been one of those days. Since about 11 o'clock last night he has been crying a lot! He will occasionally fall asleep for only an hour and a half at a time and then wakes up crying again...it's so sad and so tiring!

There are a few tricks that have been passed down to me by my sister Olivia who's daughter also had colic and by my Mom. They are the only things that keep me somewhat sane...so I thought I would pass them along.

First is the Yoga Ball...I know it seems strange but you sit on it and bounce with the baby on your lap and I don't know why but it calms them down. This is an easy thing you can do and it gives you a much needed break from the screaming!

Another trick is "Baby Bliss Gripe Water" it is a miracle worker! It's a natural herbal water that you give them when they have a stomach ache and within minutes of giving it to them they calm down, start getting all their bubbles up, and usually fall asleep. It is amazing stuff! You can't get it in a lot of places so I have to order it off the Internet... but it is worth all the trouble. We don't leave the house without it!

The last trick is a tip from my Mom. She recommends feeding them herbal tea...either peppermint or chamomile flavored. It seems strange but it works. The warmth of the liquid calms them down and it also helps them get bubbles up. They won't drink a lot but even just a sip can help. They will usually fall asleep after drinking it... and it's good to know that after they wake up they will be starving!

Good thing Maddux is such a cute little guy because it can be so frustrating at times. I am thankful to have Greg around too because he is always willing to take a turn holding him when he's upset! Let's hope this stage is over soon!

The Ups and Downs of Being a Mom

2008-02-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to be a mom. I was so excited when I got pregnant because I was starting a stage of my life that I had always looked forward to.... but, I had no idea just how neat it was going to be. Maddux will turn two months old in two days and it really has been two of the funnest, scariest, and most rewarding months of my life! At first I couldn't believe he was ours and I felt like I had no idea what I was doing but now it seems weird to think of our family without him. He has brought so much love and joy to our home.

Some of my favorite times I spend with him are in the mornings. He is always so happy when he wakes up so you'll notice that in alot of my picures of him smiling he's wearing his p.j.'s.

Here are a couple of pictures of him in his new Sunday clothes. He looked so handsome and grown up in the little slacks and vest.

I am sad to say that I only have 4 weeks left of my 12 that I took off of work to spend with Maddux. I feel so blessed and grateful that I was able to have so much time with him but I am very emotional about the thought of leaving him. I can't even say it without crying. It's going to be very difficult for all three of us. I know we will survive... but I am dreading it!

Maddux Update!

2008-02-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

Maddux is getting so big and is so much fun to hang out with. The more responsive he gets makes him seem like a little boy and not a newborn anymore. He has started to love being read to and sung to. He smiles a lot and tries to talk to you when you talk to him. We just can't get enough of him. Here are a few new picture of him and things that we have been up to.

This is just an adorable smiling picture Greg took of Maddux in his new shirt that Grandma Harris sent him for Valentine's Day!

Aunt Deidre came to see Maddux on her way to Las Vegas for the three day weekend.

This is his new thing...instead of sucking on his pacifier he pulls it out and sucks on his fist instead

This is one of Maddux's favorite things these days...it's a Baby Einstein mat with lights and toys that hang down. He lays on it and smiles and kicks his legs...he loves it!

He can SMILE!!

2008-02-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Maddux started smiling every once in a while and we were so excited...but the smiles wouldn't come that often so we could never catch one on camera. Well, it's been a week now and he has started smiling more and more. This morning right when he woke up he was so smiley...so I grabbed the camera and got this super cute picture of him!

I tried again later to capture another one and I was sucsessful yet again! I know I probably totally seem like a typical first time Mom because I am so excited about a smile... but it is so fun to have him look right at you and give you a big grin!

Although we were thrilled about all the smiles from Maddux...we had a rough weekend. Greg ended up getting food poisoning on Thursday night from Chili's and so he spent the whole night and morning throwing up. Maddux also had a little upset tummy that night and didn't sleep for longer than 1-2 hours at a time so I was pretty much up all night too. It was crazy! Greg thankfully was able to call in sick to work on Friday and then we spent the rest of the weekend trying to catch up on sleep and get Greg feeling better.

Me, Maddux, and Boca fell asleep on the bed in the guest room. We were exhausted! I couldn't be more thankful this weekend is over!

Babies Galore!!

2008-01-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to Las Vegas to see my family. One of the main reasons we went was to meet Audrey, my sister Janae's new baby who was only 12 days old. She was so beautiful!

Here is a picture of Melissa my sister in law and her three month old Lucy, Janae my sister and her 12 day old Audrey and then me with Maddux who is a little over a month old. What's crazy is that my sister Olivia is due on Monday with twin boys and my other sister Janene is due this summer. We will have 6 cousins all around the same age! Can you belive it?

We thought this picture was so funny. All the Dad's were watching sports and holding thier cute babies! Greg and Maddux, Matt my sister's husband and baby Audrey, and my brother Ryan with his baby Lucy!

I don't know if any of you remember the picture I took at Thanksgiving of my sister, me, and my cousin who were all pregnant...but here we are now all with our cute little babies. From the left is Brooklynn (Janae's oldest), me and Maddux, Janae and Audrey, and my cousin Andrea with her new baby Max.

I just had to post this extra picture of my Dad with Maddux. Isnt' it so cute that they both fell asleep together? Maddux loved being able to hang out with both Grandpa and Grandma this weekend. He is so lucky to have them in his life!

Great Grandma and Grandpa

2008-01-29T14:57:00.000-08:00

Maddux is lucky enough to still have great grandparents alive. He was able to meet my Mom's parents this weekend. I hope my other kids will have this oportunity too but with their health you just never know. I am very close to this Grandpa so it meant a lot to me to have him meet Maddux.

Maddux at one month old with his Great Grandpa, Ardell Wolsey

Snuggling up with Great Grandma, Thelma Wolsey

Maddux's First Time at Church

2008-01-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend we decided it was finally time to take Maddux to church. He looked so cute in his little church clothes! He actually slept the whole three hours so it was a breeze... I am sure this won't always be the case so I am grateful he made the first experience easy on me.

Three generations of Handsome Harris Men!

Maddux was obviously bored with the picture taking...Greg loves this picture!

Our Weekend

2008-01-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Harris, Taryn and Nate all came from California to visit us this weekend! We weren't able to go out much with both babies and the freezing weather...but it was so fun to spend time together. It was a weekend full of fussy babies, a half marathon, baby baths in the sink, Wii competitions, and lots of good food!

Here is Grandma Harris with Maddux and Boca...Boca loves Midge and gets very jealous when she is giving anyone else her attention.

Taryn wanted pictures of Nate in the snow so Greg and his Dad went out in the freezing weather and built this miniature snowman for her in our backyard. It turned out so cute. It was also Maddux's first time out in the snow so we took pictures too. We think it looks like the snwoman is tickling Maddux's ear.

Meeting Cousin Nate

2008-01-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend Greg's sister Taryn and his parents came to visit. It was Maddux's first time meeting cousin Nate and Aunt Taryn.

Here are our two sweet boys hanging out in their comfy carseat together. This was the only time we left the house...it's crazy how difficult it is to take two babies out.

Grandma Harris bought both boys this cute outfit so we took pictures of them in it. It was not easy to get a good shot of both of them.

We would have to give Maddux a pacifier in between pictures to hee him from crying. Nate kept looking at him wondering what was wrong. It was so cute.

We had so much fun hanging out with Nate and Taryn... We wish they lived closer so we could see them more often.

Here is Grandpa Harris with his two grandsons. They are

Our New Night Life

2008-01-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

We can't believe how much fun it is to have Maddux in our lives. It seems weird that there was ever a time when he wasn't. Although our lifestyle has changed dramatically we are so happy! Here are a few pictures of how we spend our evenings now.

Greg, Maddux and Boca just hanging out!
(Boca hasn't given up on being the center of attention... but she is trying to be tolerant of Maddux getting all the attention. As you can see, she insists on curling up next to whoever is holding the baby)

Me and Maddux hanging out after he has eaten dinner...I spend lots of time feeding him

Maddux relaxing in his new swing!

He loves it...aren't those pajamas so cute with the little puppy prints on the feet!

Our first date night with a baby!

2008-01-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

After the holiday's, right before Greg had to return to work, our friends convinced us go out with them to dinner at Rusty's. I was so nervous about taking Maddux out. I was so sure he would get hungry or start crying that we almost backed out. But I am glad we didn't... it was good to see our friends and he was a perfect angle the whole time!

Here we are at dinner with Merilee and Zane Jones, Kim and Dennis Almond, and our little family of three at the end.

Maddux slept through the whole event. He was so warm and snuggly next to the fire place that he didn't even make a peep! I was relieved and thankful.

More Pictures of Maddux

2008-01-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

The night we went home from the hospital. He was so tiny his newborn sized clothes were huge on him!

First bath at home with the help of Grandma Spelts, Aunt Deidre and Daddy!

Maddux wasn't sure he liked it!

Hanging out with Dad

Maddux looks a lot like Greg...what a lucky kid!

Maddux's favorite chair...Isn't this such a cute picture?

His first few moments on earth!

2008-01-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Maddux Alan Harris

He was born at 7:14 pm on December 21, 2007. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and measured 20 inches long!

Greg was a natural from the minute he arrived. I was exhausted (so we won't show you a picture of me) but so emotional and thankful that he made it here safely.

Greg went with him to the nursery as they checked him out and cleaned him up. When they finally brought him back I couldn't believe how perfect he was! Greg and I both feel so blessed to have him in our lives.

The Delivery

2008-01-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

After my water broke they gave me an epidural and we figured that he would be arriving soon...we were so excited and ready to meet our little boy!

Little did we know he wouldn't make an appearance until 7:14 that night. After 13 hours of labor and almost 2 hours of pushing he finally joined our family!

We were so happy to have him here!!

The Morning of Maddux's Arrival

2008-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 21st Greg and I woke up to a snow covered Cedar City! I was scheduled to be induced at 5:00 am so after Greg sholved the driveway at 4:30 in the morning we headed to the hospital.. It was very sureal. I couldn't believe it was actually time to meet my little guy. Greg and I were both nervous and excited to get things started.

At around 11:30 am Grandma and Grandpa Harris arrived from California. They were thankful to be out the snowy weather and we were excited to have family arrive. My progress was slow...I was still calm and relaxed and really hadn't felt much of anything.

At noon my Mom and sister Deidre arrived from Las Vegas. They were also glad to be out of the yucky weather and I was so glad they were there! I had been waiting to see my Mom all morning. I still had not felt much of anything up to this point and I was wondering if Maddux was ever going to get here.

Not to long after my Mom's arrival my water broke and that started the ball rolling...

My Due Date!!

2007-12-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's me...still very pregnant, still at school, and going crazy!

Well it's officially Dec. 18th, my due date, and there is no sign of little Maddux. I went to the doctor last night hoping for some good news but I am still just dilated to a 2 and 80% effaced. Which is what I have been for the last 3 weeks. Thankfully, I have an appointment set to be induced on Friday morning, Dec. 21st, at 5 a.m. It gives me something to look forward to. My colleges can't believe I am still here but my students couldn't be happier! (they are worried about me leaving them) If Maddux doesn't decide to come today or tomorrow then Greg and I have decided to both take Thursday off of school to relax a little together before I am induced on Friday and then he has two weeks off for Christmas Vacation. I feel really blessed that he gets to spend that time with us before having to return to work.

We hope that the next blog will be pictures of our little boy... we'll keep you updated!

Ward Baby Shower

2007-12-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

Last night my ward threw me a baby shower! It was so much fun! One of the mom's of a students in my class this year is also in my ward...she called about a week ago and asked if she could throw me a shower. Since it was last so last minute we decided that we would just all meet for dessert at the Pizza Factory and open presents. I didn't realize that she was going to decorate the restaurant, have games and more! I was so touched...it was so thoughtful of her. There are a lot of fun young girls in my ward who have babies or young families and it was fun for us to get together and be able to talk.

For an update on me...my days are full of wondering and waiting for something to happen. I am only 11 days from my due date. I am so excited for Maddux to get here but I am also anxious about the delivery. I just keep praying that nothing happens at school! I spend the evenings organizing the baby room, having heartburn like crazy and being uncomfortable. I can't sleep either...last night I woke up at 2 in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep until 5. I eventually woke Greg up at 4 and he kept me company for an hour. (He's such a cute husband!) We have another doctors appointment on Monday and we are looking forward to seeing if I have progressed...until then we are are staying close to home...just in case!

Girls Weekend

2007-12-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Greg headed to California this last weekend with a few of his boys from the Cross Country team to race in the Footlocker West Regionals. It was his last race of the year with his team. Only a few boys went and since the race was not to far from where Greg grew up my mother-in-law let them stay at her house!

Since I was going to be by myself... 8 months pregnant... Deidre and two of her best friends came down from Provo to hang with me for the weekend! It was a lot of fun! I'm just thankful that I didn't go into labor, which was a worry of both Greg and I.

When they arrived on Friday night we went to dinner for Candice's birthday! Then we went home, got in our pajamas, and watched The Holiday!

On Saturday we had a storm blow in and it SNOWED!
It was so fun to have them here!! I feel so lucky to have such an amazing family! I was happy though that Greg made it home before any signs of Maddux's arrival! I'm two weeks away from my due date and can't believe we get to meet him soon!! We couldn't be more excited!!

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

2007-11-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving this year we went to Las Vegas to see my family. It was a lot of fun! My mom had about 20 people for dinner. We arrived early on Thursday morning and stayed until Sunday. We were able to finish all our Christmas shopping while we were there...thanks to Greg for braving the crowds on Friday morning to get it done! We made the goal to get it all done this weekend so that we don't have anything to worry about with the baby coming so soon! About three weeks left...can you believe it?

Here's the huge table we all sat around for dinner!

My Mom, Janae, Me and Deidre relaxing while the boys did the dishes!

Stuffed for Thanksgiving! My cousin Andrea due Dec. 16th, Me due Dec. 18th, and my sister Janae due Jan. 26th.

This is a picture of Uncle Greg and Carter (Janae's son). They were attached at the hip the whole weekend. Carter loves Uncle Greg!! They played cars together and looked at the lawn mower in the garage a million times. Carter also decided that he did not want to eat anything at a table unless his Uncle Greg was sitting next to him. He even asked Grandma and his Dad to move over to make room for Greg. It was so cute!! The sad part was that when we got home on Sunday we received a call from Janae who said Carter had been crying because Uncle Greg had gone home and wanted to talk to him on the phone. I think carter would agree that Maddux is going to be one lucky boy to have Greg as his Dad!!