Fun February

How ironic it is to me that we were so concerned about me having this baby early (the last week of January). Here we are, now past my due date, and still no baby. Truly, I am thrilled that he has continued to grow and get healthy inside me all this time. Of course, Chris and I keep talking about how we can't wait to meet him and are more and more anxious every day, but we are fine to wait until he's ready. :) My mom arrives this evening, so hopefully Matt will arrive soon for her sake! I hate the thought of wasting her precious time here in Utah. I'm so grateful she's willing and able to come.

So, here's the last couple of weeks that I thought would contain another brother for these two crazies, but they've managed to stay busy on their own.

My sister-in-law brought us some Madeleine's (yummy little cookies coated in powdered sugar) around Valentine's Day. I set them on the table next to the door as we chatted for about a minute. I swear it was less than 60 seconds when I glanced down and the plate was gone. I quickly excused myself and started hunting for Niko. I found him in his "hiding place" between our new couch and futon with the plate of cookies. As soon as he was discovered, he started stuffing the cookies in his mouth as fast as his little hands would move. I vacillated between scolding and laughing and finally decided to just chuckle... and take a picture. What a little rascal Niko can be!

More fun in a box

Thanksgiving Point Dino Museum Fun

We enjoyed a nice Lyon Family dinner at Stina and Taylor's house on Sunday, the 15th. Amber was in town on photography business, so it was nice to all get together. Stina and Taylor have three dragons. Sam wasn't at all scared and enjoyed petting them. Niko preferred to keep his distance. :) (We had a little fun with him... check out the video at the bottom of this post.)

(L-R) James (SO great to have you join us!),
Phil, Bran, Daniel, Taylor

Sam playing in the cats' tower

Ashton, Stina, Amber

Chris (yes, with a sticker on his forehead),
Niko, Uncle Michael

Moi at 39 weeks

We take very few pictures of Sam asleep because he is such a light sleeper. This particular evening, we were sure he needed a diaper change, so I snapped a picture before waking him. Such a love!

Fun at the chiropractor's office

This is a pretty typical scene of late. Niko loves to de-pant himself and Sam. Then they play the demo song on the little toy piano we have and march around in circles. It's loads of fun for them.

I just love the backwards, sideways hat on Sam. :)

Niko had Sam in fits of laughter as Sam would reach for the lamp and Niko would snatch his hand away, telling him "c'est chaud!" ("it's hot!") Sam just laughed and laughed.
Thank you, Amber, for a lovely visit. She came to town for a couple of weddings and several other photo shoots, but it was really nice to visit with her during the few lulls in her schedule.

And this is the bump at just about
40 weeks (Friday, the 20th)

Sammy the Snuggler

Niko being tortured by all of us trying to "get him" with the dragon.



Hopefully the next post will include little Matt outside the womb... :)

Visit from Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa

The highlight of our day today was a surprise visit from my Clawson Grandparents. They were in town for a couple appointments and were able to stop by for a short visit. I've been trying to get up to visit them (they live an hour up the canyon) for a month and a half, but have been unable to, so it was lovely to see them. While we chatted, Sam climbed up next to Grandma with his insistent requests to read a book with her. Grandma happily obliged.


Niko pulled his baby act the whole time they were here, but still got the attention he sought.

I little miracle occurred during the visit. We receive our mail about 95% of the time after 4pm in the afternoon. This is one of Chris's worst pet peeves, but doesn't bother me too much. Today, however, the mail came just before 12 o'clock noon, right during my grandparents' visit. We had received a Valentine's card for Niko yesterday in the mail. Niko loved opening it and we had called Grandma to thank her. She mentioned that she had sent Sam's at the same time, but it didn't arrive yesterday for some reason. Today, since the mail came early, I checked and sure enough, there was Sam's Valentine's card from Grandma. Being a little less aware of things, I thought it was a great opportunity for Grandma to open the card with Sam, so that he could actually see that it came from her. Together, they ripped open the envelope. When they pulled out the card, I exclaimed enthusiastically, "Whoa!" Sam mimicked me with the same tone and said, "Whoa!" It was so cute. Then he made the sign for bird, looking at the penguin on the cover of the card. It was so precious. We just love this kid. :) I fetched Niko's card from the fridge and both boys paraded around with their "cadeau" (gift). It was so nice to have those little moments with my grandparents. Thank you for coming by!!

Niko Photography

Later this evening, as I was putting Sam down, Niko got a hold of my camera and took several pictures. These were the best ones. I thought it was cool to get a glimpse of life at Niko's level.

Preggie Pics

I'm trying not to be impatient, but... i feel bigger every day. I swear this little guy is going to keep cookin' for the next couple of weeks. As long as he's healthy, I can put up with the discomfort. :) I thought it would be fun to post a few preggie pics. I wasn't good about keeping up with them, but here's what I've got.

13 weeks

20 weeks

26 weeks

30 weeks

34 weeks

38.3 weeks... but who's counting? ;)
(Tuesday, 2/10)

We loved having Stitch over for a play day :)

So, can I pop now? How about now? Any day, kiddo... come on down!!

I'm In Love for Valentine's Week

With the celebration of Valentine's Day this weekend, I think about the loves of my life. Besides the germs floating around our house of late, love is in the air, too. I revel in being home with my sweet boys. I love the times when my hard-working, doting husband is able to join us. I wish I could bottle up the little moments of laughter and tickling and just dancing in circles. Even the messy faces, overtired whines, and bonks on the heads are precious to me. What a joy it is to be able to care for my little family! Wish I had more words for my gratitude... I'll work on that. :)

Hugs
p.s. Notice Niko wearing a bib backwards.
It's his version of wearing a cape.

A thoughtful friend brought me flowers
(I think they are spider mums) the last
week of January when I was on bed rest. They
continue to bloom and are still so beautiful.

The Ever-Entertaining Huggies Box!

Papa snuggling with his boys

Poor Papa had a long Sunday - can you tell?

Niko decided to jump inside the toy cupboard.
Sam thought that was pretty cool and helped.

Tired boys