Finally... We got pictures.

It has been forever, so I finally decided that it was time to quit being a bad parent and take my kid to get some pictures. Reanna was extra nice to bring Bryndle along so that we could get a couple shots of the 2 babies together.

They both behaved better than I could have expected.

I love that my little man is so dang photogenic.

It is kind of sad that he has gotten so big so fast, but I am loving each new stage. My baby doesn't look like a baby anymore. He has officially turned into a little boy. I keep teasing Russ that it's time for another, but don't worry, no surprises. We both know that is not something are ready for yet. Cody keeps us pretty busy.

Halloween!!

Okay, I know its a little late, but I couldn't pass up posting this. We all dressed up as pirates this year, but I know all anybody really cares about is the kids!! Aaarrgghh!!

Cody was trying to run away in this picture! He is at the uncooperative age, and I have a feeling that stage is going to last into adulthood.

Bath Time

Cody and Brindyl had spaghetti for dinner and were dirty little piggies, so we threw them in the tubby together. They play together so cute, and both want to be the center of attention. It is so nice for Cody to have a cousin that is so close in age. I love my Cousins and have so much fun with them. Our friendships continue even into adulthood. I hope that Cody will be able to have the same experiences with his cousins.

Cody is getting so big. I can't believe our boy is already 14 months old. It took him a while to get up on his feet, but he is now all over the place. Walking has opened up his little world so much. He is definately a 1 year old, when Cody wants something he wants it now. He is such a joy and makes us laugh all of the time. He is learning lots, and growing so big.

Customer Service

Just so everybody knows, I got it all worked out with PC laptops and I will be getting all of my money refunded. I have to admit, I totally lost my shit, it was a little embarrassing, but the only way I could get my point across was to make a complete butt of myself.... and I have to say, it totally paid off in the end. I am a little ashamed to admit that it was pretty invigorating to not take no for an answer, lay it all on the line, and make them do whatever they had to so that I would shut up and not scare away every single one of their customers. Previous recommendation still stands.... be very cautious before giving them any of your business. I promise I have more fun posts coming in the near future.

PC Laptops Does Not Love You!!!!!

Please anybody out there who is considering buying a computer or Laptop, do not do business with PC Laptops. They are scam artists who lead you to believe that they are taking care of your best interest, but in all actuality they are just out to screw you!!! PC Laptops does not love you!!! They love your money. Now most people probably will not have the same problems that we have had because they are not technology challenged. But just be warned because these are exactly the type of people they prey on. They tell you that if you don't know much about computers they will be there for support and help you out. Instead they see how much money they can con you out of because you are an easy target. They will charge you the same amount of money in upgrades as it cost to buy a brand new computer or laptop. Like I said... most people are smarter about computer than we are and this would not be a problem for them, but if you are also easily suckered or technology challenged, BEWARE!!!!

A Day at the Zoo

We went to the Hogle Zoo last Saturday for Cody's cousins birthday. We had lots of fun seeing all the animals, especially all the new babies.

This is my little monkey, he fit right in!!

Cody got to ride the wolf on the mary-go-round with mommy. He totally loved it until the last 2 times around, then he was done.

The baby giraff was so cute. He eventually got up and walked around. It was so cute to watch it interact with its mommy.

Baby Zuri was being shy. She just kept hiding by her mommy. I don't blame her though, there were like 2 million people at the zoo, she was probably scared. b

Cody hanging out on Daddy's shoulders. Russ has a funny look on his face. We can just blame it on him working all night and only getting a few hours of sleep.

Hope you had a Happy Birthday Kenadie!!

Hiking up Waterfall Canyon.

Russ and I have decided that we would both like to lose weight and get in shape. Working opposite shifts and trying to take care of Cody make this kind of difficult so we decided that as long as the weather permits we will be going on hikes every Sunday afternoon. Our monster of a child outgrew his snuggle so we went to Sports Authority and purchased a fabulous baby back pack, which Russ gets to carry Cody in.

I swear Cody is his Dad's little clone!! Cody adores his Dad and is happy as can be riding on his back up the mountain to Waterfall Canyon. Russ is still smiling in this picture because I took it before we started on our adventure.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY CODY!!!

I can't believe that our baby boy is already 1!! Time has flown by!! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital, a brand new perfect little spirit that would bless our home more than we even knew. Cody brings continuous joy to our lives and we just can't get enough of him.

Cody enjoying his first birthday cake... by time he was done with it, I think it was literally liquified all over that park pavilion!!

Cody's cake was a Farm Cake. He mostly loved squishing it in his hands. Such a boy!!

Good thing we had Anni to open Cody's presents cuz he was so over that in like 3 minutes!! You see him crawling off in the background. But seriously we (Russ and I) were so excited about this gift. Its the old fashioned Fisher Price Little People farm. My Mom and Dad have been saving this on the shelf for over 20 years!! It is brand new, never been opened, in its original packaging. He also got the old fashioned Air Plane. Cody got so many nice gifts... we absolutely love everything.

Cody isn't walking quite yet... for which I am grateful!! He stands really well, but hasn't quite built the confidence to take a step. He has about 50 nick names... Atilla the Hun (you better run, run; here comes Atilla the Hun Hun), Mogley (cuz he crawls up on his feet just like in jungle book), Boo, Monster. We love our naughtly little baby who cracks us up on a daily basis... I love every new stage and cherish every moment. He is growing up too fast. We are greatful for a healthy boy that is growing like weed.

Cody continues to do something that cracks us up on a daily basis. When we got back from camping he started a new thing that we just couldn't believe until it happened a few days in a row. When he gets tired he crawls into his room, pulls himself up to his crib, and screams until I bring him his bottle and put him in his bed. I had to get a picture of it, because I knew nobody would believe us.

Cody crawls all over the place, pulls himself up to EVERYTHING, and gets into anything he can reach. He patty-cakes and waves bye bye, smiles at everybody, and LOVES mommy and daddy. We still can't believe that he is 10 and 1/2 months old. We are going to have a 1 year old in less than 2 months. Time is just going by way to fast, but we are loving every minute.

***

Russ is at the middle of his semester and doing a great job and getting as much work done as possible. He is working very and is dedicated. I am very impressed with how much he is accomplishing considering that it is the middle of summer and there is so much more fun stuff to be doing outside.

***

Otherwise not much going on, just staying busy with school, work, and of course the monster.

Camping In Idaho

My parents have some land in Virginia Idaho, which is about 30 minutes north of Malad. They have turned it into a very fun weekend get away. They have installed slides, 4-wheeling trails, sand boxes, and they keep a trailor up there for anybody who would like to visit. We spend the 4th of July weekend in Idaho camping with the whole family. Cody had so much fun with all of his cousins. We went swimming 2 days in Lava, watched fireworks, got almost rained out, 4-wheeled, and thoroughly enjoyed everybodies company and soaking up the sun.

This is Cody and his cousin Bryndle sitting in the trailor eating licorice. The are getting to the point that they can sit up and play together. We have to keep a close eye on them because they love to pinch, scratch and grab. All in curiosity, but somebody always ends up crying in the end.

The Beauty of Mobility

Cody got his first car!! He cruises around the house like a little mad man. It is hilarious to watch him get into the cabinent or knock over the garbage can, and then turn and look at me like "Wow Mom, that is quite the mess you are going to have to clean up!!" I wish I had pictures of it, but he always does it when my hands are wet doing dishes. He is becoming an independent little boo, but is still too frog legged to crawl. He doesn't want to be held, but doesn't want you to leave his side. He is fun and full of giggles, I just can't get enough of him!!

Pearly Whites!!!

Cody started cutting a tooth last weekend. I really wasn't expecting it, but we are so excited. It's just barely coming through the gums... so pictures are still to come when there is actually something to see. We have only had one rough night so far. I feel so bad for the poor little guy because he was just so miserable. I think its extra hard to see him sad because he is usually such a good natured little guy. Even still, when he is sad and miserable he tries to put on a happy face.

Easter Weekend

We had so much fun this Easter weekend. We were able to just relax and spend time with our families. Cody got a John Deere Tractor, which he is still kind of indifferent about, but I am sure he will love it when he gets a little bit older. We haven't got a picture of it yet, maybe I should work on that.


On Sunday we went to Russell's brothers house and had a very nice dinner and an Easter Egg Hunt. Cody was not that interested in egg hunting, but he loves being outside.


These were a couple of the Eggs that Cody collected, and you guessed it, his dad put them there. The look on his face is priceless, he is like "what are you doing to me now??"



My mom did not want to do an Easter Egg hunt, so instead my mom and dad took everybody swimming. It was so much fun, and we found out that Cody is a fish!! He loves the water, and did so good at kicking and splashing. After swimming, we all went out to dinner at Garcia's.

Grandpa Paul Charleton

Russell's Grandpa Paul past away last week. He was 88 years old, and lived an amazing life. Attending his funeral was such a great experience because it allowed us to learn about his life and what an amazing person he was. Grandpa Paul is Russell's Grandma's second husband and he was such a sweet man with the greatest sense of humor. He served in the Navy for three years during WWII. After working on farms his whole life, he truley knew the meaning of hard, back breaking work. We will miss this great man, but we know that he is in a better place. His suffering is over, and for that we are grateful.

This is Cody with Grandma and Grandpa Charleton when he was about 4 months old.

Doesn't he look good in Orange.

Cody is finally sitting up like a big boy!! I can actually get him to play with his toys and not arch back while throwing a fit because he isn't being held. Yes, my child is VERY spoiled, but we are working on that. He is so much fun to play with, I just can't get enough of him.

***

Cody went to his 6 month well baby check, and I have to say I am surprised at what the scale had to say. He is 19 lbs, with is a little less than 2 lbs difference from his 4 month appt. Also, he is 27.5 inches, which is only a 1 inch difference. By the ache in my back, I could have sworn that thier scale was broken, it has to be more than that.

Cody also got a hair cut about a week ago. I love his spikes.

He is becoming such a little stud.

Favorite Toy of the Day

This is a pound puppy that was mine when I was little. My parents got one for my sister for her birthday, and I just had to have one too. It was the only thing that my little 2 year old heart desired. Knowning that I would want one too, my parents bought this one for my birthday and hid it in the top of thier closet until that day came. I was not going to have any of that though. I would whine and pout and cry and say "I want my pound puppy!!!" My mom would patiently tell me that I didn't have a pound puppy yet because it wasn't my birthday.... but I knew better than that. I would stand in her room and point at the top of her closet crying and say that I knew it was up there, and that I wanted it right now. My mom tried to reason with me and tell me that if I got my pound puppy now, then I wouldn't be getting anything for my birthday. Apparently I did not care about birthday, there was nothing more important than having my pound puppy right now!!! Sure enough, my mom gave in and when my birthday came and I didn't get any toys, I didn't care because by dang, I had my pound puppy.

I am glad that this has been Cody's favorite toy of the day. He has been carrying it around and giving it kisses non stop. It is fun to see that the toys you played with when you were younger are still cool.

Transformation!!

I can't believe how much my baby has changed!! It is so amazing how much difference 6 months makes in a little persons life!! I have loved every stage of Cody's developement. I loved bringing home my sweet little cuddly newborn, and now I love my into everything, giggly, sleep through the night 6 month old.

Happy Six Months Baby Boy!!

I can't believe that Cody is already 6 months old. It has gone by so fast. Life has changed so much in the last six months its like a whirl wind. I have a new job, Russ is still in Thoracic (by the way he is horrible at keeping me updated on whats going on there :). I have been so busy and I just try to spend every moment that I am not at work with Cody and Russ. Cody continues to bring so much joy and happiness to our lives. He is growing like crazy and is finally rolling and lifting himself up. Cody is also being a great helper with this blog post. Russ is amazing at taking care of him 3 days a week, they have so much fun together. We are all so blessed and just lovin life.

This is Cody's snake. He loves it and plays with it all the time.

Cody reaches for everything. We are going to be baby proofing before we know it.

Not quite crawling material yet, for which we are grateful.

I Got A New Job

As most people have probably heard by now, I am starting a new job on Monday. I will be working at Hill Air Force Base as an Occupational Health Nurse. I am really excited about this new experience. It will be very different from anything I have ever done, but that's to be expected considering that I have only really worked in Thoracic ICU.

***

It was kind of bitter sweet when I found out that I got this job, because I was really sad to leave TICU. I wasn't looking for a new job, the job found me. It seemed stupid to not at least try to get the job though, considering that it is lots closer to home, more money, and I will be working with my way fun cousin. As I applied and interviewed for the job I just started getting more and more exicted about it. It really seems like something I will enjoy. It will be like working in a clinic, which is something that I have always been interested in.

***

Even still, I was sad to leave the ICU, my patient population, and of course my good friends in Thoracic. So I spoke to my manager and we worked something out. I am going to stay in TICU PRN. Yeah!! I will get to be a bedside nurse every once in a while and I will get to see my TICU friends! Most importantly though, I get to work with my favorite co-worker, Russ.

***

These are pictures of Cody with some of our co-workers

Katherine was so sweet to come visit us twice while I was on maternity leave

Cody with Bryna in TICU. They match, no hair!!

Cody with Allison, Mary and Breawn. I never noticed before,

but he kinda has a funny look on his face in this picture.

Toy Time

Over the last two weeks I have noticed a lot of advancements that Cody has been making. He is sitting up so big and playing with his toys so well. This is monumental because he is a spoiled boy who needs lots of entertainment. I am so excited that he can entertain himself for a few minutes now. It is so much fun to see him grow and see the transformations he is making.


Cody loves to play with this seahorse that Grandma Flint gave him because it is bright and has a handle for him to grip.


He loves to put his toys up to his mouth and sing to them.

Our Big Baby Boy

Russ took Cody in for his 4 month well baby check and the damages are.... 17.1 lbs and 26.5 inches long. He is such a big boy!! One of the biggest struggles that we have had with Cody is getting him to sleep through the night. I kept thinking that he is a fat 4 and a 1/2 month old baby, and this really shouldn't be an issue. What it all boils down to is.... you guessed it, he is so spoiled rotten. So after receiving some advice from a co-worker, we decided that we just had to let him cry it out. It was the hardest thing to do, but we did it, and after only 3 nights of crying he is now sleeping through the night. He is sleeping for about 10 hours a night. It is the most wonderful thing in the world!! I can't believe we didn't do this sooner.

Cody enjoying his jumperoo after a full night of sleep.

One Year Ago Today

It was one year ago today that Russ and I finally stopped denying the obvious, took a pregnancy test, and found out that our baby was on his way. We were at Bear River Lodge snowmobiling with my Sister and Brother-In-Law when we found out the good news. It was a bitter sweet moment, I think we were mostly in shock. Cody is the best thing that has ever happened to us. He has blessed our lives in so many ways. He has brought so much love, laughter, and joy into our home. He has brought a whole new meaning to our lives, and helped us realize what is most important. Cody has given Russ and I a tiny glimpse of the amount and type of love that our Heavenly Father has for each and every one of us. He has taught us that our plan is not necessarily God's plan, and that if we have faith our lives will be blessed in more ways than we have ever thought possible.

This is what happens when I tell Russ to get Cody

ready for bed.

Cody with his Uncle Tim and cousin Annie.

Tim was with us on that snowmobiling trip and

it just so happens that it was his Birthday.

So we want to wish him a very Happy Birthday

and tell him that we love him and appreciate

everything he does for us.

Shoulda Been a Cowboy...

I have to begin by saying Thank You Aunt Jessie for the adorable clothes. I have been waiting to put them on Cody forever. The shirt is absolutely precious, note the pearl snaps and the cute cowboy detail. Cody got lots of cute clothes, but this outfit is just precious. I can't believe Cody is already four months old!! He has been our greatest joy. Even though he doesn't sleep through the night, and he is what we like to call "pure naughtyness," we could not be happier with our perfect baby boy.


Notice his little tuft of hair that only grows
right down the center of his head.

Rice Cereal

Cody had his first experience eating rice cereal with a spoon the other day. It was more entertaining than anything. He had this look on his face that said, "Mom, what kind of foul crap are you trying to put in my mouth?" Still, I persist. We eat rice cereal twice a day, and in a couple of days we will add something else. This is Cody's favorite time to start blowing bubbles. Needless to say, we are both a mess by time feeding time is over. Then there is Russ sitting on the couch laughing at us. I just tell him, "Don't worry, one day I will be at work, and it will be your turn."



He's not really sure what to think.


Now he has decided that he doesn't particularly
like it. But he is stuck in the bumbo, so what else
can he do?