Lemonade

Mom, Becky, and I did a little shopping Friday afternoon and met dad for lunch. Zander woke up while we were eating so grandpa decided to give him his first taste of lemonade. I was hesitant at first, but I let him have a taste. He thought that was pretty good stuff!

Homeward Bound

I couldn't hardly get to Twin fast enough last week; I was so excited to see everyone and show Zander off. All the grandkids loved holding the new babies. Thursday was nice because we had nothing planned so I got to stay in my pjs all day and hang out with Mom and Becky. Friday was shopping and Heather's baby shower, and Saturday was a hair cut and picture day. Sunday was Cora's blessing and my first time back to church with Zander. I loved spending time with everyone and getting to stay longer than a weekend. It ended too quickly, but at the same time Stephen was missing us, so it was time to head home. Zander did really well on the drive to and from Utah--not a peep was heard from him. He slept well and is just such a good baby!

 First time meeting Cora

 Thank goodness for mom. She watched the two babies as Becky and I finished making our jewelry

Lately

When I was at Kristina's house last Monday, Becky texted me and told me they were coming to Twin Falls for a visit. As soon as I read that text I started crying because I am so excited to see her! I can't hardly stand to wait three more days to go to Twin. The whole crying thing--I haven't been the same since I got pregnant. I am incredibly emotional no matter what is going on. I hardly ever cried before, and I would especially never cry in front of people, but since becoming a mom I have a whole new perspective on life. I see everything so differently and my priorities have shifted.

Speaking of priorities, Zander is growing! I know its inevitable, but Kristina just had her little girl four days ago so I went to the hospital to visit her. I held her little angel, and again, shed a tear as I stared at her. I realized Zander is no longer a newborn because baby Paige is half the size of Zander and she was almost a pound bigger than he was. I boxed up all his newborn clothes last weekend along with my maternity clothes. I am excited for him to grow and develop and learn new things. He has found his hands this past week and tries to fit his entire fist in his mouth instead of a few fingers or a thumb. He is also holding his head up really well and becoming a little more independent when I try to burp him, he won't lean his head forward in my hand anymore; he has to hold it himself.  He is smiling more and more every day, but the best news, though, is that for the past three days he's been sleeping for seven to eight hours a night! 

Well, Wednesday morning I am setting out to Twin Falls for a few days. Wish me luck because Stephen can't come with me this time so I'm driving the three hours by myself with Zander for our first road trip. I can't say that I'm not nervous, but Zander does really well when we go out....for the most part. Should be fun!

Zander

I'm not sure why I forgot to put these on here earlier, but here are Zander's newborn pictures. A lady was taking pictures of all the newborns at the hospital, so she came to our room right before we left to go home.

Made Me Laugh

I went to visit my friend Kristina yesterday and as soon as she picked Zander up he was all smiles. I haven't seen him smile so much, but I didn't think to take a picture until a little later and this is what I got! He is looking more and more like a Pettingill every day. Just trying to master the grouper!

Highlights of 2013

February
I was called as activity day leader (love this calling!)

March
Becky announced she was pregnant with baby # 2
I found out that I was pregnant!!
Olivia West was born (on my birthday)
"Landscapes by Christine" is off to a great start
Ella West was baptized

April
Stephen and I celebrated our four year anniversary

June
We planted a successful vegetable garden
Daniel Kasteler was born

July
We announced we were having a BOY!
Our basement flooded
We redid the hallway and our bedroom

August
We spent a long weekend with the Washburns on the shores of Bear Lake
I quit my job!
We redid the spare bedroom and turned it into the nursery
Stephen got a pay raise
Becky and Lance moved to Spokane (Boo!)

September
We took a trip to cascade springs
We had our first campout with friends in maple canyon

October
I made my first real square patch baby quilt (with help)

November
Cora Cox was born
Zander Washburn was born
We had our first family Thanksgiving

December
Savannah Pettingill was baptized
We had our own family Christmas
Adam and Lynnette came for a visit

Christmas Outing

Christmas day was a lot of fun this year with just the three of us. As much as I wanted to see our families; I'm glad it was low key, especially since we were up really late the night before. I had to sleep in until after 9:00 because I was so exhausted from the day and night before. Stephen was up a few hours before me and wanted to open his stocking while I slept a little longer, but I told him he had to wait. I felt bad after I got up that I told him to wait because he was so excited, and then I had to ruin it all. Sorry babe. Next year you can open your stocking as soon as you get up.

We started a tradition of writing clues on all our gifts so we have to make a guess as to what is inside before opening it. We don't really keep score, but its really fun to see how close we are. Because of this tradition it takes a little longer to open all our presents. We all spoiled each other and had a great time.

We went out to a movie that afternoon just to get out of the house. I fed Zander before so he would, hopefully, last the whole movie, but he started to fuss at the best part of the movie so I had to take him out and feed him again. I didn't mind, but the annoying thing about it all was that I missed the last 45 minutes of the movie and that whole time I was trying to wake Zander up to feed him. Evidently he was still in a deep sleep. I thought about going back in to watch the rest of it, but I didn't want to walk in and then have him hollering again so I just stayed out in the hallway holding him. When I took him out of his car seat he was just drenched in sweat. I mean even his blanket was wet. The poor boy! It was probably a good thing I took him out of the movie otherwise I wouldn't have noticed how incredibly hot he was. It's a good thing I didn't bring his coat this time.

Anyway, we had a great Christmas. It was fun to have Zander join our family because we love him dearly.