The Joys of Motherhood

3 am. Changing baby's diaper. Poop SHOOTS out onto my forearm. 6 inches of thick, gooey poo on my arm, and some on the carpet. Oh, the joys of motherhood!

Cody's Baby Blessing

Cody's blessing went really well. Chad gets nervous, but he always does a great job. I'm SO grateful that he has the priesthood and can give me and my kids blessings. It has blessed our lives so often, and always brings great peace. Everyone in our immediate families came to participate and support (except my brother's family in DC. I guess they have a good excuse), and I appreciated it so much. It was a great day.

My preschool table worked out perfectly for the kids. It was so cute to see them all eating there together at the short table.

It was perfect to be able to set up tables in the basement and have the family eat there.

family photos are difficult with two kids! But here's a semi-decent shot.

Aunt Breanne- she's always got the magic touch



mom and baby

Aunt Julie

Grandma and Grandpa Baxter

Grammy and Grandpa

(he's getting a little sick of being passed around and posed for pictures by this point)

Ella and Cody (looking a little concerned that he's being held by a 3 yr old)

Captured a smile. He's pure Smith here.

Little scrawny Cody. This is the same outfit Chad was blessed in. It was fun to have that passed down, although it was a little big since Chad was a whoppin 10lbs. 3oz. at birth! Good thing we waited a few months to bless Cody so he could catch up. :)

A Very Merry Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year. I just love spending it with our families, it's always great. Here are a few highlights:

Megan made this hat for Jayci Christmas morning. She whipped it out pretty fast. It just matched Cody. Jayci looks like a little homeless girl with her dirty face and crazy hair. I have to chase her down to get a picture of her these days!

She really did not enjoy opening presents. We had to open them for her because she had no interest. This stroller was about the only thing she was interested in. I felt a little guilty Christmas Eve realizing I really hadn't gotten her hardly anything, but Christmas Day proved that I'd made the right choice. I'm taking advantage of not buying much until they actually care. With that said, Cody got nothing from us. I don't think he was too offended. Yes, we're cheap.

Cute little Ella holding her new cousin. His cute Christmas jammies were from Grandma Baxter.

Chad and I gave his dad what must have been his favorite present: a sweat band. He wore it all day! What a good Grandpa, reading to Jayci. She loves him!

Chad sure was thoughtful this Christmas. He gave me this beautiful picture of baby Jesus. He said it looks like Cody. That was perfect because I've really felt a special spirit this year with a new baby who makes me think of the precious baby Jesus.

Chad also got me a new bed frame! It was actually supposed to be my Christmas present last year, but we never went and got one, so this year he actually picked it out and had it waiting for me in the shed. Doesn't he have great taste? I love it. My mom gave me this bed spread, which I also love. Our bedroom is greatly improved! I wish I had a before picture because it was pretty sad. Chad finished these matching night stands last summer (made in high school by Chad and Joel), and Breanne picked up these matching lamps for a steal of a deal at a yard sale. Breanne's going to help me make it even more stylish by painting it and adding some decorations, can't wait. I'm really wanting to decorate my house cute lately, I just don't have the eye for it, so help is great. It also helps our bedroom that Cody is now in his own room. What a blessing that is!

Tutu Girls

I have lots I'd like to update, but for now I thought I'd share these adorable pictures. Julie and I had fun making these cute matching tutus for our girls on New Year's Eve. They have fun putting them on, and Jayci and I had a fun dance party one night. So fun to have girls! Ella and Jayci are the only two girl cousins on my side of the family, so they have fun together!