Grandma, Double-G, and spring

We went to St. George this weekend! It was a short trip with my mom, sister, and little P. He absolutely LOVED it! It is so nice to have a little boy that just wants to play all day. We did virtually everything we needed to there without him tracking us down and getting in the way. He stayed downstairs and played with his older cousins' toys the entire weekend! We had several projects to do while there. One was to make, or buy, a wreath for grandma's front room. My grandma is all girl, old fashioned, and frugal. She loves the color pink. Her kitchen is pink-original 1960's decor, her walls are pink, her clothes, and everything else she can get away with. My mom and sister and I went to Tai Pan to price out flowers and get some ideas. We came across a wreath with NO greenery in it. It was beautiful. I was convinced we could make her one for much less than $130. We went to Michaels and bought the flowers and wreath, and 1 1/2 hrs later-voila! We LOVED it. Most importantly, grandma loved it! (under $60)
We also cleaned out the closet in one of the rooms and made a DI run. We took some old toys off my aunts' hands, and had a great road trip, not to mention the spring weather!
We also took P out to the Dairy-the one my grandpa worked until his death last year- so P could see the cows. He was scared to be put down, but liked to imitate the moos! Here's some pics of us at the Dairy.

We all fall down

P took a tumble at the playground this week. Though he was all bloody and hurt, he didn't want to leave. He cried at being hurt, he cried for leaving. Thus the toddler years have begun!

It's official!

Evan presented his dissertation last friday. It was a well thought-out, well thought-through presentation, one of hundreds he's done, though I've never seen him so nervous. His committee was there-all 5 professors, causally sitting at the back, and colleagues and family were there. It was surreal to listen to perhaps the most critical presentaion of his whole life. He did well. At one point, Evan's sister Terri turned to me and asked, "What language is he speaking?" To be honest, I didn't understand it either, but I liked the pictures. Evan did a wonderful job. They kicked us out of the room while they interrogated Evan for 30 min, then kicked him out to deliberate. He passed! He had a few minor edits on his paper, and now, he's submitting it to the library. The last step! Next week he will be officially graduated!!!!!

I'm grateful to have married such a smart, grounded man. Though his research and career won't save the world, or solve political problems, (I don't care about those things) he puts food on our table and money in the bank. I love you so much. I'm proud of all you've accomplished. I'm glad you're done, and I would do it all again just to see how happy you are! I love you Dr. Zaugg!

P enjoying his meal at the Olive Garden. Doesnt' he look happy? Happily he wasn't there at the presentation!

18 Months Old

Porter,

You've brought such happiness into our family. We love your friendliness and energy. "Hi," you say to everyone, and "bye" as well. There's nothing in the house that you can't climb. You love to help me with everything. You love "Super Why" and anything with music. You dance with your head and feet, and sing the Elmo song. You're still my shopping buddy, and act so well in public. You love to sleep, and wave good-bye as we put you in the crib. You love the outdoors, no matter the temp. Long car rides are getting better as you interact more with us. You know that the green light means "go go go!" You are starting to use your imagination and can play more by yourself. We love to hear your voice as you try new words and sounds. You love reading, and playing ring-around-the-rosy, but you don't fall down (at least not all the time). Do the rules not apply to you? We love you Porter-boy. Please always keep that sweet disposition! Keep the sensitive side that gives you sympathy for others, and always know you can do anything you put your mind to!

Love,

Mom and Dad.

Just can't hide it anymore

Have you ever gotten to the point where you can't bend over to tie your shoes? Where bending over to get something requires some thought, hesitation, and extra time? Have you ever noticed your waistline losing its curves? Yeah. I'm there. Not only did I lose the biggest loser contest, but I've gained it all back, and then some. I have been battling the scale for months now, wondering just how high it'll go before I get to see my "normal" weight again. I've been sucking in my tummy everywhere I go, in hopes that no one notices how fat I'm getting. In fact, the fat isn't just evening out my mid-section, it's distributing itself to my face, my butt and (gulp) my thighs. My skin however, couldn't be better! Is that a small consolation? maybe. Perhaps its time to tell everyone again that I'm pregnant! Not that I've kept it a secret, but I definately can't hide it anymore. (unless I am just getting fatter). I haven't been sick, or lazy, I just never know how to tell people. How do you bring that up in a conversation? It makes me feel like I'm asking for congratulations. Awkward! So, if people ask, I'll tell, but everyone will know eventually.

I thought I could hold off for a few more weeks without breaking out the maternity pants, but alas, they're in my closet, ready to to go. My shirts? Well that's a different story...I don't NEED them, but I'm so sick of sucking it in so I don't look rediculously weird in my normal shirts.

I'm 18 weeks and feeling great. I didn't show until past 20 last time, and I thought I'd get there again, but this baby has suddenly grown overnight. My due date in Aug 1st.

We've been so cautious about telling people because we don't seem to stay pregnant half the time. I miscarried before Porter, and again last summer. We wanted our kids closer together than they'll be, but we're just grateful we get another one! I'm excited to be pregnant in the summer again. There are tons of reasons to love it: No bending over to tie your shoes, your hair doesn't grow as fast, so shaving your legs happens half as often, and you get to take your baby out instead of go stir-crazy at home.

Yes, this time we're finding out what we're having, and I can't wait. It seems doubly exciting cause we haven't done this before! Any thoughts? We go back and forth each day, but mostly I think it's a _____(Insert gender here).