1st Day of School 2016

The kids all wanted to gather around Nona for the back to school picture. They were all sad to leave her and worried that they would miss all her firsts this year. Luckily she has made sure to save some of her activities and cuteness for when everyone is home in the afternoon.
Miya is in 8th grade at Harrison Prep this year and we are starting sports at Mann Middle School this next month. Cannon is in 7th Grade at Harrison Prep and is enjoying his friends, but pretty bored at school. Lyla is in 4th grade at Tillicum and has the new teacher Ms. S and isn't super happy with her class. I have been in to check it out and it is pretty out of control. Hopefully with a little help it will get better. It was hard for me to have them go back to school because they are so helpful with Nona. We have all adjusted pretty well and surprised that we are done with the first quarter already.

Summer Life 2016

 Nona loves a bath and doesn't even come close to fitting in the sink anymore, but she still loves the bath. She never liked having more than just her feet in the lake this summer, but love warm water baths.

 Nona loves chillin' with her big sister, Miya. Miya is so good with her and loves helping and holding her.

 Miya and Nona's hands.

Cannon laid down for and was out. So fun to see my big kids still look like they did years ago taking a nap.

Miya doesn't like holding Nona while we are out in public because we have had 4 people as me if Nona is my first grandbaby. They think Miya is her mom. I have decided it is because I look so good they can't believe I just had a baby and not because I look old enough to be a grandma. 

Andra

 Andra holding Holly (Katrina's baby)

It is always hard for me for the first year after having a baby. This time around I decided that I needed to talk to my doctor and get on some medication for my depression. It is helping a ton. The day I came home from the pharmacy I was worried and discouraged because the pharmacist couldn't believe I would take the medication while breastfeeding. One of the tender mercies I was blessed with was Andra at my house when I arrived. She is a labor and delivery nurse and so smart. She text a mid-wife friend about the medication and talked me down and let me know I could take it and still breastfeed. Also Andra is funny, kind, beautiful inside and out. I am so lucky to have her as my sister-in-law and friend. Anyone that can make me laugh through my craziness must be super awesome. She is such a great cheerleader for me and I love her.

Cannon turns 12

Dear Cannon,

You turned 12 this summer and got the Priesthood in July. You talked about this big step for a few weeks before your birthday and the worry you had about the new responsibilities that would come with the Priesthood. You are such a deep thinker and really want to do what is right. I am so proud to be your mother. You are kind and tender, yet tough and smart. You still tell me you love me as you get out of the car at school, which, makes me so happy. You are witty and make us all laugh with your jokes. You are a good example to your friends and family. You love Nona and take such good care to be a good brother to all the girls. You are growing into such a great young man and I am so excited to watch your journey continue into adulthood. It is so fun to be your mom and I love you so much. I am so grateful Heavenly Father trusts me to let me be your mother. You have great things in store for your future.

Love,
Mom

 Cannon and Nona ready for church on his big day.

Moments to Remember

These pictures are two of the things I didn't expect to get to experience again after Lyla and I don't want to forget. I love being able to nurse my babies and the times I get to just sit and enjoy them. Nona was not an easy baby at the start, but these times have always been a blessing when I could enjoy her not screaming. She is such a great sleeper now. We have done sleep training and she is able to put herself to sleep with very little crying most night and sleeps from 7:00 until around 6:30 most nights. She takes great naps during the day and is mostly happy when she is awake. What a blessing she is to our family. I am so happy to have her here.