Last night, I put Bradshaw in the stroller to run a few errands before Dustinn came home. My timing was perfect for a colorful sunset. (This is the view from our street.)

[Below] And this is where Dustinn works.

4 Months: Happy Birthdays!

Today Bradshaw is 4 months old and my sis Polly is 12 years old!

Like Father, Like Son

An Obsession With Dung

My little sister Genny is serving a mission in South Korea. She recently sent a book entitled "Who Pooed On My Head?" Here is her translation:

One day a little mole popped his head out of his hole to see if there was trouble. And just then, something very weird happened. (All of a sudden, a long brown squishy thing fell on the mole's head. Kerplunk! It looked just like a sausage.) "Aah! What's this? Who pooed on my head?" The mole cried. (But the near-sighted mole couldn't find a single thing.)

"Hey you! You pooed on my head, right?" The more asked the pigeon as it flew by. "Who me"... No it wasn't me!" The pigeon replied. "My poo looks like this." (Right then, liquid white poo fell and went splat, right in front of the mole's feet. The mole got white spots on his right leg.)

"Hey you! You pooed on my head , right?" The mole asked the horse as it was eating grass in the field."Who me? No, it wasn't me !" The giant horse replied. "My poo looks like this." (Right then, kadunk, 5 big burly horse poos fell in front of the mole. They were like dark-colored apples. It was truly amazing, spectacular)

"Hey you! You pooed on my head , right?" The mole asked the rabbit. "Who me? No, it wasn't me!" The rabbit answered back. "My poo looks like this."(And at that moment, tink tink tink, 15 rabbit poos that looked like dark-colored peas spouted at the mole. The mole yelled, "Oh crap!" and nimbly dodged the poo.)

"Hey you! You pooed on my head , right?" The mole asked the goat who looked like he had just woken up from a dream."Who me? No, it wasn't me !" The goat replied. "My poo looks like this." (Right then, plicket plunk and poo that looked like chocolate eggs tumbled down on top of the grass. This pleased the mole very much.)

"Hey you! You pooed on my head , right?" The mole asked the cow as it finished chewing it's cud. "Who me? No, it wasn't me !" The cow answered. "My poo looks like this."(Suddenly splurt, and a yellowish green colossal pile of cow poo fell right next to the mole as it gushed onto the grass. The mole rejoiced that the chap who pooed on his head was not the cow.)

"Hey you! You pooed on my head , right?" The mole asked the pig."Who me? No, it wasn't me !" The replied the pig. "My poo looks like this."(Right then a pasty poo pile went plop and fell on the grass. The mole plugged his nose.)

"Hey, you two pooed on my head ...." The mole intended to ask but did not as he got closer. He saw two flies sitting on two big pieces of poo, eating and getting very plump. "Finally I met some friends who can help me out." thought the mole to himself. "Hello, my boys, could you maybe tell me who pooed on my head?" The mole asked. "Hold your horses and say still." The two flies buzzed around, took a sniff of the poo on the mole 's head and said.... "Ah, this is the deed of none other than the DOG!"Finally the little mole found out who pooed on his head.

CHUBBY HANS! The butcher's dog.The mole quickly scrambled on to the top of Chubby Hans' doghouse. (A moment later, a little raisin-like poo went schwink and fell onto chubby Hans' broad forehead.) Only then could the little mole happily smile and vanish into the ground.

I Wonder...

Shout out to my sister Kate! I sat next to this painting at church on Sunday and it reminded me of her. When she was little she said the first thing she would do after the Savior comes is run to the zoo to pet the lions. Hehehe. Or in Nelson's words "teeheehee."

I haven't listened to I Wonder When He Comes Again since I was in primary but I pulled it up today; it made me quite emotional.

Prepare every needful thing...

I play a little game with Bradshaw: I don't pick him up out of his crib until he smiles.

Some days, he'll want me to ask about his nap or sing a song before he'll reward me with a smile but usually the boy is squealing with delight and grinning ear-to-ear.

Last night, Dustinn & I talked about how good our home feels when it's clean and tidy. (Dilworth Young said, "the dusty, ill-kept room with its unmade bed is the devil’s best means of discouragement") I really want to have a "house of order" but this is not one of my talents. I've started a schedule to keep me on task:

Monday-laundry

Tuesday-floors

Wednesday-bathroom

Thursday-kitchen

Things change a little bit. Like, nowadays I'm scrubbing the tub every day (thank you Mom for being such a good teacher) cause the little guy loves to bathe. And when he's crawling I'm sure I'll have to do the floors a lot more.

Okay, the point of my rambling is to find out: WHAT WORKS FOR YOU? Tips? Comments? Suggestions?

How cute is the baby?

When my brother Colton was little, we’d play this game with him:
Val: How cute is the baby?
[Colton would put his hands on his cheeks and blink] Sooooo cute!
Val: How smart is the baby?
[Colton would tap the side of his head with his finger] Sooooo smart!
Val: How strong is the baby?
[He’d flex both his arms above his head and scowl] Sooooo strong!

In Colton’s honor, we are going to play the same game with Bradshaw.How cute is the baby?
Bradshaw loves “blankies.” To soothe himself, he’ll twist a blanket around his fist and rub the blanket against his cheek. We think its sooooo cute!

How smart is the baby?
Bradshaw was sitting in his baby carrier during church and dropped his binkie. He reached down, grabbed it, held it right to his mouth and started sucking! (He grabbed it backwards…so he was sucking on the handle but, hey, he’s less than 4 months old.) We think he’s sooooo smart!

How strong is the baby?
Now that the boy’s got his neck and head under control he’s moving on to bigger and better things. He’s trying to sit on his own as this little video demonstrates. He doesn’t last for long but we think he’s sooooo strong!

Happy Little Boy

Christmas: Part II

This is the 1st time I have returned to the cabin since Bradshaw was born. Naturally, the entire cabin and everything in it reminds me of those first few days with newborn Bradshaw. ...Dustinn had to leave for work in Boston the day before the hospital discharged me. My mom volunteered to stay with me, drive me to LA and help me move into an apartment.
BUT since I had an emergency c-section after complicated labor, we decided to rest and recover for a few days at the family cabin (in Utah, near the hospital.)
There was no difference between day and night because Bradshaw never slept more than an hour. I felt like the gift of his life was so unbelievable that it was probably too good to be true. I was in a hyper-vigilant state; constantly worrying if I was giving him the proper care he needed. He was little, fragile and infinitely precious.
My mom said every time she turned around I was crying. Panicked, she'd ask, "what's wrong Valery?" Each time I replied, "he's just so perfect."
I remember discovering Bradshaw preferred to sleep with his legs pulled up to his body. I was ecstatic! I thought, "I understand him! I can tell what he needs! I can be a mom!"

Okay...now that I'm done reminiscing, here are pictures from last week at the cabin:

The cabin, all snowed in.
My sister KT & B-Rad
All of us were lying under blankets together until the heat kicked in
Our little family
The next day, my mom & Bradshaw napping

Bradshaw's introduction to snow

All my siblings (plus Dustinn) spent most of the day building this awesome tubing run

This picture makes me laugh (do you see how Bradshaw poses just like me? head tilt & all!)

At night, Colton used the tubing trail for snowboarding...lucky I caught this moment since I couldn't actually see through the camera's view finder.

PARTY!

December 28th my cousin Debbie Worsham married Elio Valenzuela in the Salt Lake Temple. Let me tell you about the reception at the city hall:

The Worshams lip-synched and danced to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and Debbie & Elio had a coreographed dance to "How Sweet It Is." (They were adorable.)
Then, when everything was calm on the dance floor, hundreds of balloons began falling from above. Loud latin music began and the wedding party came running out in masquerade masks and crowned guests with party hats, leis, noise-makers etc. The groom led the congo line and all my cousins, aunts and uncles packed the dance floor. By the time we left my heels were killing me but IT WAS SO FUN!!!

Side note: when the balloons first fell, all the kids ran out screaming and stomping on the balloons. In the middle of the children, stood my dad, the biggest kid of all, running after and popping balloons. He was jumping around and dancing all night.....I loved it.

Christmas: Part I a

(Scroll your mouse to get the slide show moving...I couldn't figure out how to change the song btw.)

This Christmas was spent with my family in Texas. (The plan is to spent the first part of the holiday in Texas then fly to my cousins wedding in SLC and spend the second part of the holiday in Utah.) Bradshaw has been spoiled rotten with attention. He is constantly being held, entertained and kissed.

P.S. Do you prefer the slide show feature or images in the body of the blog?

Dustinn's Tag

5 Things I (Dustinn) was doing 10 years ago:
-getting my license
-deliberately NOT dating at 16
-learning to play drums for our band because our drummer moved
-bowling every day with Stephen pan and leo
-dying my hair every conceivable color

5 Things on my to-do list today:
-play with bradshaw
-eat leftover birthday cake
-present gift of the heart
-hang out with paces
-enjoy vacation with my beautiful wife Val

5 Snacks I enjoy:
-apple juice
-ice cream
-orange juice
-fruit
-anything really. I'm basically a garbage disposal

4 Things I would do if I was a Billionaire:
-buy a helicopter and learn to fly it
-buy a beach house
-visit every country in the world (Egypt, Australia, and Antartica would be first, followed by most of the Pacific Islands)
-keep working

3 of my BAD Habits:
-ESPN
-bad posture
-not being social

5 Jobs I have Had:
-arby's
-subway
-American express translator
-construction-pools
-managing apartments
-ibm accountant
-pwc auditor
-monitor consultant

5 Things people don't know about me
-i lived in Nigeria for a little while
-I've sworn allegiance to the queen of England
-i was charged by a puma
-i had a 6 inch mohawk once. And it was a real mohawk with the sides shaved--not one of those fake-hawks
-i neutered my cat (my grandpa's a vet and he supervised me)

-Dustinn

Tagged

Elisa tagged me. Hooray!

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago:

-Canoeing in the lake near my house with my best friend Amy. We wrote our wishes in a bottle and threw it in the lake. My family then found the bottle and made fun of us (the wishes involved young men in our stake.)
-Going loco studying for AP exams.
-Arriving early everyday to school to spend extra time in the art room.
-Receiving my patriarchal blessing
-Having dance parties with my sister Genny in our room over the garage

5 Things on my to-do list today:

-Finish my Gift of the Heart (at Thanksgiving, each family member draws another family member's name and makes them a gift for Christmas.)
-Cut Bradshaw's nails
-Bathe Bradshaw (or rather watch my mom bathe him...he loves bathtime with her)
-Go clothes shopping with my sister Lindy
-Assign roles and find costumes for our nativity production

5 Snacks I enjoy: (this is an easy one!)

-Half-baked chocolate chip cookies
-Boneless skinless crispy salty chicken (Sister Chimuti makes it best)
-Gala apples with creamy peanut butter
-Ice water
-Fresh pineapple

4 Things I would do if I was a Billionaire:

-Get an extremely thorough medical exam
-Hire a cook and house keeper
-Get Dustinn that beachfront house
-Have Angela Kubheka, Zanele Duma & Nonkulunkulu Hodi come visit me

3 of my BAD Habits:

-I apologize for everything (whether I was involved or not)
-I have a hard time saying no
-I worry excessively (about my health, finances, drowning, car explosions, carbon-monoxide, Colton's physical safety, lead poisoning, offending someone)

5 Jobs I have Had:

-Waitress at Bari's
-Kumon Math Tutor
-Nursing staff at Four Winds Hospital
-Teaching Assistant
-MyPublisher Customer Service Rep

5 Things people don't know about me (this one is really hard!)

-My normal temperature is 97.3 F
-I had a lion attack my car while I was in it
-For many years, I knew my dolls came to life when I wasn't in the room
-I ran a marathon
-I've met President Bush

Dani Wilde, Elisse Jackson, Janina Herbert, Julie Bird and Dustinn--Tag, you're it!

Faith in America

Dustinn wanted me to explain why I posted Mitt Romney's "Faith in America."

First, Mr. Romney transforms a challenge to his campaign into a strength. He was asked to talk about his religion which would only divide people. Instead he redefined freedom as only a man in this particular strait could.
(Mr. Romney used the microcosm of the Puritans. They professed freedom of religion while accepting no religion but their own. Do we support the freedoms we proclaim?)

Second, the stories of our founding fathers inspire me. Mr. Romney's references to them reminded me of how fortunate I am to be a recipient of their sacrifices.

-Val

Twenty-Six!

The Simpsons

Third Street Promenade

This pedestrian only street is just a few blocks from our house. Dustinn & I love walking down third because of all the street performers. The child performers are incredible but my all-time favorite has been Nat King Cole.

Bradshaw & Lil' Miss Kaylie

A Spit-Uppity Day

(Bradshaw was not pleased that I chose to document this moment.)

MAJOR AWARD!

When I was growing up, my parents presented a MAJOR AWARD each Family Home Evening. My mom would very carefully cover the printed award so none of the children would sneak-a-peek as it was brought into the room. All eyes would be on my dad as he said, "This week. the award goes toooooooooooooooooooo(he'd point his finger and move it slowly from child-to-child; I'd hold my breath during this part)oooooooooooooooo NELSON!" Or Lorin, Genny or Val, etc. depending on the week.

The reasons for the award varied from "wearing big-kid underpants!" to "standing up for your values amidst opposition." This week the MAJOR AWARD goes to Bradshaw.

His ferocious appetite returned yesterday. (In fact, he was staring very intently at Dustinn and the next thing we knew he had his little gums gnawing on the side of Dustinn's face. He pounced!)

But that is not the reason for the award.

Yesterday, December 11th, he monumentally progressed in cognitive development. He rolled over for the first time. He laughed for the first time. He slept through the night for the first time (10pm-7am). Needless to say, Dustinn and I could not be prouder parents.

-Valery

Bradshaw's First Time Being Sick

No fever, no cough, no running nose, no stomachache...Bradshaw just completely stopped eating. Every time I try to feed him he screams in pain. Also, he won't sleep more than 45 minutes at a time during the night. He wakes up crying but not wanting to eat, just needing comfort.

It is terrible to have your baby in pain and not be able to comfort him. He got sick over the weekend so I have had Dustinn's support when I feel so helpless and nauseatingly worried. Dustinn plays with and sings to Bradshaw and makes him so happy.

Our wonderful pediatrician counseled with us on a Sunday afternoon and checked Bradshaw out. His stomach, ear, nose, throat and mouth are fine. The jury's still out on why he's decided to have an eating strike. He's not dehydrated, so we are trusting the doctor that he'll be fine.

-Valery

Why do you let Daddy dress me?

(Sidenote: I noticed some of Bradshaw's clothes were 'abnormally' stretched. Then I watched the clothes changing process; before Bradshaw's head, Dustinn pulled the pants over his own head.)

-Valery

The Getty

It's rumored that J. Paul Getty built The Getty art museum to avoid paying taxes. This museum is built up in the hills of Santa Monica and overlooks LA. Even though it's December the gardens are our favorite part!

Mommy, wow! I'm a big boy now!

Errrrr....I dressed Bradshaw 4 times today! 1. I was saving this cuddly 6M outfit (left) for Christmas vacation because I knew it would keep Bradshaw warm when we are snowed in at the cabin. I tried to put it on him this morning, but he started crying when his arm got completely wedged half-way through the sleeve.
2. Then I put on a large 6M onesie but it was too tight to snap between his legs.
3. I found 9M overalls (adjustable, right?) but his torso was too long to button them.
4. He ended up in a 2T shirt and 9M pants.

Bradshaw watching me upside-down (as I am strewing clothes across the room.)

-Valery

My Cute Dad & My Cute Baby

Yay! My dad planned his business travel through LAX so he could visit us (particularly Bradshaw.) I love catching my dad up on the little details in our life--he makes me feel so important! Come again Dad!

-Valery

Daddy's Running Partner