Pierson - Week One!

Direct Quotes!

Okay - so I have a couple quotes that I had to share - one from each of my boys.

First - Canon is asked the other day by one of my girlfriends, jokingly, which does he like better "the puppy or the baby"? He answers quite honestly "I don't know". Puppies are more playful I am guessing.




Second - My best friend came to pick up the boys so I could have a little nap time with Pierson. While they were in the car together - she asked my boys if they were grateful for what I had given them (baby brother) and all that I have done and suggested that maybe I be more grateful and thankful. Canon replies that, yes, it is cool what mom did for me and that he is very grateful for his little brother. Blaze pauses a minute and then says "Do you know what is cool?" My friend is expecting something profound from this little four year old and hopes to hear how grateful he is as well. But no - he proceeds to say: "What's cool is taking off your training wheels and riding your bike down a hill". She laughs and says "oh- you are going to be one of those kind of guys"


It was too funny. Apparently Blaze is not that interested in his brother yet and doesn't think that having a baby is better than riding a bike without training wheels.

HE"S HERE!!!!!!

Yeah! We had our Baby Boy!

Introducing Pierson Lawrence Don DeGracie!



Originally due June 10th, surprised us at 3:00 am on Friday, May 16th when he decided today was the day. Darren can attest that I was in such denial that this was happening. I literally pulled out the pregnancy book to look up "signs of labor" just to make sure. It took me less than 15 minutes to realize the pain was bad enough to be labor so we decided to go to the hospital. I had called my sister to come sleep with the boys and called my mom to let her know he was coming. She was shocked. On Wednesday, I was told that I had a good 2 weeks before we would see any action and I had prepared to "get ready" by then. I didn't have a bag packed, didn't have anything for the baby to come home in, etc... We just got in the car and sped 90 MPH to the hospital, NOT conveniently located 20 minutes away. By the time we got there - I was dialated to a 5 and was told I had about 5 hours to go. By 10:00 am, they said it would be soon and that they would like to try a "practice" push. It took one push for the nurse to realize he was already on his way out. Within minutes of rushing off to find the doctor and 3 pushes later - HE ARRIVED.

He was born at 10:30 am (exactly) on Friday, May 16th. Weighed 5lbs, 7 ounces and measured 17 inches long. He was quite small and 4 weeks early so he had a couple of troubles at the beginning but he has overcome them. He had fluid in his lungs and needed an xray but it turned out to be okay. He had low blood sugar, low temperature, low oxygen and several other small things normal to small, early babies. We didn't get to see him much on his first day due to precautions and testing but we were glad he was being taken care of. They put an IV in his poor little head to give him antibiotics and to feed him if needed but thankfully he didn't end up in the Newborn ICU which was the plan. Today he weighs 5 lbs, 3 ounces and prefers sleeping to eating. His pediatrician has labeled him "Happy To Starve", rather than "Lives To Eat" (like his dad). We have to wake him every 2 hours to eat, which kills me because he looks so peaceful. He is such a sweet little baby and rarely cries, just squacks.

Here are a couple of pictures of my sweet baby (professional photographer needed). There will be better ones to come as I realized, due to his low temperature, that he was covered up from head to toe so he is hard to see in some of these. We will strip him of his bedding so you can get a good look of this little guy.

Bragging One More Time!

Just had to let those who care know that Blaze received the "Golden Ball" today after his tee-ball game. This most prized golden ball goes to the best player of the day. A couple of the kids noticed that Blaze was doing really well today and exclaimed throughout the game that they thought Blaze would get the ball. Blaze wasn't expecting it and was so excited when the team voted for him to receive the "golden ball". He was so excited to let everyone know that he quickly called Grandma, Ranie and Jo to let them know of his accomplishment. And of course - I had to document it with pictures.

The Only Good Thing About Taking Kids To The Doctors

Okay - So I had another "baby" doctors appointment this morning and had to take Blaze with me. And I have to tell you that this time it was well worth taking a child, or my child for that matter. If you know Blaze - you know that he says whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Well - this time it actually helped my situation. You all know that when you have a doctors appointment scheduled at a certain time, they never call you back until you have put in at least 20 minutes in the waiting room. And then once you get to your room, you are expected to wait another 20 minutes for the doctor to walk in. Why they schedule appointments is beyond me - they should just tell you what day to show up and you can come at your convenience within that day.

Anyway - to my point.

After the long waiting room wait, we were asked to come back, did the usual "weigh in", "pee on a stick", "blood pressure" etc. Within 10 minutes of sitting in our room, with the door shut, Blaze decides it has been long enough. He gently opens the door but abruptly exclaims that his mother is falling asleep in here waiting for the doctor. After realizing that didn't get their attention - he then exclaims minutes later "how long do we have to wait in here?, we have been waiting long enough". Then shuts the door to see if he caught a reaction. Much to my surprise - within seconds the doctor walks in and Blaze immediately lets him know how long we have been waiting. The doctor apologizes and says he will do his best to hurry. Sadly for me, no questions were asked or answered as he did his measurements, listened to the heart and was quickly pushed out the door by my impatient son. Oh well - I will be back in a week I guess.

So - I just had to tell you that even though it is a pain to take children to the doctors with you - sometimes it can actually be beneficial.

The Invitation!

Okay - I got some help and figured out why my invitation looked so x-rayish. Here is what it really looks like. (Obviously cut in half)

Canon is getting baptized this Saturday and we are all really excited. I made invitations for family and friends but apparently, I can't seem to get it to publish on this post correctly. For those of you out of town that received them, please don't think we actually expected you to attend. Just wanted to send a little announcement. I think he is pretty excited but hasn't asked a lot of questions. We are so grateful that he made this decision on his own and feels ownership for his decision. He is such a good boy and we are extremely grateful he is ours.

This card is actually supposed to have a black border, the door is brown not blue, he is wearing blue jeans not orange, a black shirt not ugly and I am sorry you can't read it. If I can figure out how to get it to display correctly, I will fix it. I think it turned out so good (thanks for your help Roger).

The Silverwolves!

Canon just started his soccer season and had his first game this last Saturday. He played so much better than last year and really enjoys the kids on his team. There are only 8 kids on each team and 6 play at a time so he has to run much more than last year. He is doing great considering he tires easily. I am really excited to see how good he gets over the years. Having boys is so much fun.

The Mighty Mudcats

Blaze started his tee-ball season this last week. He has had 3 games so far and is playing really well. He is pretty excited to play but would love to play without the tee. I told him he has to wait one more year before he can hit without the tee. Next year he wears the most adorable miniature sized baseball uniforms - can't wait for those pictures. Here are a couple of pictures in his latest uniform and up to bat. He hit very well yesterday - smacking the ball past 2nd base. The coach on the other team made sure he got to run to second because his hit was so great. We are so proud of our little athlete.

I'm A Little Teacup...

My best friend took these pictures of Tink while babysitting her the other day and I think they are adorable. Hopefully she doesn't mind me sharing.

I Have Been Tagged - Finally! :)

Tagged!

10 Years ago:
Married 3 years with no kids.
Just bought our first house.
Started a new job, which I am currently still working at.

5 things on my to-do list today:
Work from home.
Do laundry, putting it away sucks!
Play with my new puppy.
Watch Biggest Loser finale! Can't wait!
Balance checkbook and pay mid-month bills. UGH!

Snacks I enjoy:
Double Stuff Oreos, Butterfinger, Mountain Dew and Salt & Vinegar chips

If I were suddenly a billionaire:
Build my dream home, travel to every tropical paradise with my husband, pay off my family's debts and share the wealth, adopt a little girl, buy a new Denali and Corvette. How much more do you want to know?

3 bad habits:
I peel off my nail polish.
Reading celebrity magazines.
Using too much hairspray.

5 places I have lived:
Sandy, Utah
Cedar City, Utah
Provo, Utah
Riverton, Utah
Herriman, Utah

5 jobs I have had:
Sears
Discovery Zone
Southern Utah University Athletic Trainer
Quality Concrete
Axiom Design

5 things people don't know about me:
I am ambidextrous.
I cry in almost every movie.
I have a hard time asking for a baby-sitter.
I want to sell everything and move to Kauai.
I love sun-bathing.

I now tag Heidi Lewis!

The New Addition To Our Family!

Well - I finally got a little GIRL! I have been on a cloud since Saturday! Let me tell you why!

The boys had a super long birthday party on Saturday in Orem, Darren was aerating all day in Orem. I thought I would be able to take advantage of the time alone and actually get things done but of course, that did not happen. I ended up meeting Darren for lunch which turned into an outing of looking at 4-wheelers, scooters and then motorcycles. Please don't ask me why! Next thing you know - we pull up to a little pet store (the same one where we got Zona 12 years ago). I looked at him completely puzzled but figure we are just getting crickets for our dragons. Within minutes, I am holding the most adorable 6-week old puppy. Darren right then and there says "get her". I am like "WHAT?? Are you kidding?" We are having a baby of our own in 6 weeks. He didn't care - surprised? He was ready to drop the money and walk out but not me. I left the store, called tons of family members, my best friend and then questioned every reason why or why not to do this. Even my vacations came to mind - but considering we are house-ridden for a year or so, there aren't any vacations (besides THE DREAM ONE!) in store.

After driving around for 3 hours and after being told that this is probably the best timing for the boys considering I will have my hands full with the new baby - I went back. I adopted the cutest little Micro Teacup Poodle. Her name is Tinkerbell but we call her Tink! She is the smallest, sweetest, cutest thing I could ever love. I have had no sleep in 2 days but have been on such a cloud - I don't even care. She is my little purse dog and I am so happy. My husband has been spoiling me lately, for reasons I am unsure, but he can't top this. She is so precious! The boys are ecstatic. Canon told us it was one of his best days - to be surprised with a "puppy that stays a puppy forever" (his words). Anyway - I can't say enough. These pictures are horrible but I took them late last night for you all to see. Just wait until the real photoshoot.

Without Training Wheels - Or Training!

So - Today was the first nice day for the boys to play outside this entire year. It's always been too cold or too wet. Because it was so nice, and I don't usually go outside, I sent the boys out to ride their bikes. I decided to take Blaze's training wheels off to see if he could try it a couple of times, or wait until his dad got home to help. So - I take the wheels off and he jumps on and takes off. WITHOUT HELP! No training, no chasing him down the street, no crashing, nothing! I couldn't believe it. It was like nothing - he mastered it. I was so proud...AND....grateful that I didn't have to run. He is so fearless - maybe I should be worried.

Canon's Family Birthday Party!

Canon just turned 8 years old on April 5th. We had my family over to celebrate his birthday, as well as my sisters' birthday. We played a really fun "how well do you know this person" game then opened presents. Canon had a great birthday this year and received everything he had asked for - he must be a pretty good kid. He chose "puppies" for his party decorations this year and had an ice cream cake, since he doesn't eat regular cake. He is such a fun kid and is really appreciative of what he gets. He keeps telling me, even days later, how great it was to get everything he did.

Happy Birthday Canon! We love you!!!!

Dinosaur Museum!

For Canon's 8th birthday this year - he chose to go to the Dinosaur Museum. The kids have been several times but this was my first time. I have to say that it was pretty awesome. I thought it would be small and boring but it was huge and had a lot of hands on things for kids to do.







After the museum, Canon chose to go to Olive Garden. We walked in and saw that my sisters, my mom, and three cousins were waiting for a table as well. Canon was excited to join them although it took us forever to get a table for 11. After dinner we went to Cold Stone and got ice cream. Yum! After dessert - we let Canon open his presents, since it was his actual birthday, before going to bed. He got a couple games, movies, and a Nintendo DS game. That night - he requested that we have a sleepover in the basement. We made beds out of blankets for the boys and Darren and I each took a couch. Within minutes of them falling asleep, I was back to my bed and Darren had snuck into the guest bed. We woke up early so they would never know that we didn't really sleep downstairs with them. Who do kids sleep on the hard floor all night anyway?

Interior Decorator For Hire!

I am not sure if this will work but I thought I would try. This is a little prank that Darren pulled on his football coaching buddy at Timpanogos High School. Frank was away at National Guard duty for 2 weeks so Darren got some friends of his to help him "redecorate" his office. It is hot pink and smothered with Disney princesses. Check out the link:

http://www.timpanogos.alpinedistrict.org/DEPARTMENTS/Technology/Collette/videos/PrettyinPink/index.html

Okay - I just realized that it doesn't work by clicking on it so try to copy and paste the link to check it out! Sorry about the technical difficulties!

Totally Shocked!

So - Yesterday was my 10th Anniversary at Axiom Design. Can you believe that I have worked at the same jpb for 10 years? It really is crazy to think it is possible although I know that most people do it. In comparison - there has only been one other person last that long at my work. This day was obviously a big day for me personally but quite busy as well. I couldn't believe how fast the day went and how much was accomplished.

At the very last minute - just after telling Darren that my work had forgotten that it was my anniversary - I was called into my boss's office. Now - I really shouldn't have expected that anyone would remember or that it should have been made a big deal - but you have to know me and know that I love providing gifts and treats for every occasion at work. And since I can't give gifts to myself - I didn't think I would get one. Well - get this. I am asked to sit down, which made me a bit nervous - but was then handed this gigantic board with the words "The Dream Vacation of Your Choice" written on it. I stared at it for awhile not sure what to think. I am then told that several locations for my 'dream vacation" had been researched for me and Darren and that I was just given an all expenses paid vacation for 2 - on Axiom. Isn't that just amazing? I was so shocked and still am that I just can't tell you how I feel or what this means to me. They couldn't have given me a better gift. If you have seen my house and know how I decorate - everything is tropical, Hawaiian, surfing or something to do with the beach.

I am so so thankful to have such a great place to work for and that the reward for doing so is so great. This just makes it worth it all. I do have to tell you what Blaze said about it. Of course I came home all excited to share and the first thing Blaze said was "I hate that present - that is a horrible present - you are not going on vacation without me, I won't let you". Of course I told him "too bad" but that didn't stop the tears and anger I had to deal with over the next five minutes. Even this morning he reminded me that I was never going to go on that dream vacation. Too funny!

Here is the magnificent gift on display for you to all be jealous about!



Of course my sweet husband also had a gift at home for me as well - 24 beautiful pink roses! What a sweetheart!