4 months

Last month...Blake turned three months old. Better late than never. :) He had just gotten into smiling and had rolled over maybe once.

On Tuesday Blake turned four months old. He is still such a happy little guy, especially when he is being held. He loves watching his big sister do all of her craziness and especially loves to giggle when he is talked to or tickled. He is ticklish on his tummy and his neck, and this mama can't get enough of it! He is grabbing at toys and loves to suck on his fists or arm. Blake is definitely more chill than Macee was at this age. He is doing everything at his very own pace. He can only roll from his tummy to his back going toward his left, only when he is having a good day. One of the positives to this is that he is such a cuddler! Oh, how I've always wanted a cuddler. It is amazing! He sleeps great at night, only waking up once from about 7:30-7. This boy is still such a stinker for naps though! 30-45 minutes is all we get unless he is cuddling me.

His four month stats: 

Weight: 14 lbs 4 oz - 25/50th percentile

Height: 26.5 inches - 90/95th percentile

Head: 42 cm - 25/50 percentile

I guess we'll have a tall boy on our hands!

two months

Blake is two months old! He is such a stud and we are so happy he is in our family. At two months, he is a champ at holding up his head. He loves standing on our laps while we talk to him. He loves to smile and coo at us. He loves to watch his big sister. He loves being held way too much, and actually hates being put down. He has gotten sleeping at night down pretty well, but naps are really sketchy. Ben and I are starting to see this sweet boys personality and it is so fun. He has such a sweet and sensitive soul. He is already so mild and tender hearted. I love having both ends of the spectrum with my children. Macee will definitely be the protecting big sister to Blake with her strong, spit-fire personality.

At two months he weighs 12 lbs 6 oz (75/90%) and is 23.75 inches long (75/90%). His head is 40 cm (50%). I'm looking forward to many more months with this big boy! I love watching him grow.

visiting family

Ben had planned a deer hunting trip with his dad for the end of September. Sadly, they got a deer. Anyway, I, feeling bad for myself that I'd be left at home for a few days all alone with two children, planned my own Utah visit. I was there with the kids for a week before Ben got there (thanks to maternity leave from work). We missed Ben while he was at home without us, but we had such an amazing time with family and friends. We canned tomatoes, played at the park with the amazing Fall air, played in Salt Lake with friends, had mommy dates with Tiffany, got a surprise visit from aunt Crystal who lives in Hawaii and spent lots and lots of time lounging around and chatting. We only had a single accident that we could have done without. Macee fell in the tub and almost bit her tongue off. People usually exaggerate about this kind of stuff, but this time it was for real. She had only a small piece of tongue on the bottom and on each side of the cut. Thank goodness for a grandpa who she preferred more than me at the time. He babied her for as long as she pleased. She may have a scar on her tongue, as weird as it sounds. But, Macee had an amazing time with her grandmas and grandpas and I think they felt the same. We have been seeing them a lot lately, which I'm not complaining about, so Macee is really getting to know them and they are really getting to know her. It is so fun. I always knew that living away from my children's grandparents would be hard, but getting to see them frequently makes it just a little easier. I am so grateful for my family and I wouldn't know what I would do without them.

Playing with grandma's therapy toys. 

I wish I could say that Macee has a good diet, but you're seeing it right there...I'd be lying.

I hate that I didn't get any pictures of the Hardings with my kids. I am terrible at bringing my camera around so I never thought about it while I was with them. We had just as much fun with them though, and my kiddos love them just as much. :)

a special blessing

While we visited Utah Ben gave Blake his baby blessing. We felt like it was important for our family to be there and the timing was perfect with our trip. We are so grateful for the love and support that we felt there. I am one lucky woman to have a man like Ben; and Blake is one lucky guy to have a daddy like Ben. He did an amazing job with the blessing. You could just feel Ben's love for his little man during the blessing and the spirit was so strong. He was blessed on the same day as his cousin Eliza. They are going to be the cutest little cousins together, only being 1 month apart in age. Blake looked so handsome in his blessing outfit that his great grandma Creamer made for him. Actually, grandma Creamer made all three of the kids' outfits. So much talent in that woman!

Blake and Eliza

Only our second family picture ever

So handsome, thanks to grandma Creamer!

one month

one day old

Does time really fly by that fast? Having two kiddos has kept me busy. Some days I feel like I haven't had the chance to sit down and soak in the love of my sweeties. I can't believe that Blake is already one month old. He no longer looks like a newborn. He is quickly turning into a baby instead. I have completely loved spending time at home with him and am dreading going back to work in a few weeks. Time really needs to stop! 

At one month, Blake is still trying to get a hang of his sleeping schedule. Or should I say, Ben and I are still trying to get a hang of it? He still likes to eat every 3 hours, even through the night. He loves to hang out late with mom and dad, even after big sister goes to bed. He is definitely most awake and alert in the evening...not for a lack of me trying to change that. He is starting to get those adorable rolls on his legs and arms. Smiling still only happens when he is deep into a dream in the middle of a nap, which is always adorable. We all sure love Blake! We are getting into a good groove as a family and couldn't imagine life without him being a part of it.

Of course Macee wanted "picture too" with her baby. Bed head and all, I sure love the sweetness of this girl, especially with her babies. 

our birthday girl

It's hard to believe that we welcomed Macee into our loving family two years ago. The gift of motherhood that she blessed me has been an experience that I never would have dreamed of. Being a mother has been one of my greatest blessings, as well as my greatest challenge. Each day is different. Each day is special in it's own way. I am not perfect, and each day our family grows and learns together. And for that, I am forever grateful for.

Macee has taught Ben and I about a deeper love. She stole our hearts from the moment they placed her on my chest. Since that day two years ago, we continually, each day, fall more in love with her. More in love with our lives as a family. 

I never want to forget my two-year-old Macee. These toddler years have been so fun, yet so difficult. She has so much "sugar" and so much "spice" all wrapped into her cute little skinny body. It amazes me each and every day how such a sweet girl can have so much attitude. But, gosh, I sure love it. Macee loves to give big hugs and big kisses with those juicy lips. She will randomly surprise us with a huge squeeze in the grocery store or when I'm cooking dinner. She never hesitates to give kisses to anyone she knows. (We're going to have to work on her selection as she gets older so she's not kissing absolutely everyone). She has the most sensitive little heart and is very good at recognizing other's feelings. Macee's energy is amazing. She has one speed: running. There is very rarely a slower speed until her head hits the pillow. It definitely keeps me on my toes. Macee has the most contagious laugh. She will laugh at herself, the dogs, or just out of pure excitement. She has quite the personality. Macee has a few other loves. She loves, loves her "Cece", or her blanket. It goes everywhere with her and she has to have it to sleep. If anyone knows Macee, they know about her Cece. That's just how important it is to her. Macee also loves dogs, being outside, reading books, music and dancing and unfortunately for me, TV. She still sleeps like a champ, 11 hours at night and a 3 hour nap during the day. If she doesn't get her sleep, we have a grumpy girl on our hands. She has already upgraded to a big girl bed and is so proud of herself for it. Macee is still such a light eater. She can go an entire day and only eat a few grapes. Not for a lack of me trying to feed her more. Macee is such a mother to her babies. She takes great care of them and is so compassionate to them and their "feelings" that Macee dreams up.

Macee is the best big sister. Her and Blake had an instant connection once we got him home from the hospital. I know they knew each other before this life. Macee completely understood that Blake was her little brother; she was now the big sister. I know that Macee was foreordained to be the big sister. It is such a special role in a family and I'm so happy that Macee is the one filling the role. She gives Blake kisses all over, strokes his head and helps me take care of him. I'm so happy that this sweet girl chose us as her family; chose Blake as her little brother. I wouldn't want any other life and I'm so proud to be Macee's mother.

Blake Benjamin Harding

Blake Benjamin Harding was welcomed into our little family on August 17 at 6:24pm. He weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and was 21 inches long. He was almost identical to Macee in his stats. He has a perfectly little round head full of blonde peach fuzz. He looks just like Macee from the nose up, but has completely different lips and 100% of Ben's chin. He is beautiful. We love everything about him. We couldn't be happier that this sweet spirit has made it safely and healthily into our family.
We chose the name Blake after his great grandfather. Grandpa Harding is a sweet old man with such a soft heart. He is a hard worker and loves his family, especially his beloved wife, with everything he has. This particular great grandson is important to grandpa Harding. Blake is the first, and possibly the last, boy grandpa will see to pass along the Harding name. That really means a lot to grandpa, so in turn it really means a lot to Ben. I know that Blake will grow up to make grandpa Harding proud. He will be able to look at grandpa Harding, as well as his other relatives, as good examples. Examples that he should be following.

outside fun

I love the weather here in Arizona. I just wish I could convince all of my family and friends to transplant their lives to come live by us. :) Anyway, we spent the evening playing outside yesterday and got some darling pictures of Macee deep into the fun. We are so, extremely blessed to live in a cul-de-sac in such a nice neighborhood with a front yard to play in. I feel completely safe letting Macee play for as long as her little heart desires. And she usually plays naked, which makes both of us happy.

I love that her eyes are closed in full concentration of blowing the bubbles.

Posing for a picture

Coloring with chalk in serious business. It is much easier done when you can lay close to your art work. 

Getting ready to run through the sprinklers. I'm actually surprised she ran through the sprinklers after she was shot in the face with one as Ben was working on it. Water rarely phases this girl, but she was not happy about it.

It was HILARIOUS when the bubbles would land on my arm.

catch up

I have been MIA for quite some time, but we have been having a lot of fun these last few months. As always, I have been terrible at taking pictures, but I will recap what I can through pictures. 

Clear back in February, Macee "hepped" her daddy build our awesome box gardens in the back yard.

Again, clear back in February, my mom came for a weekend visit. We had so much fun playing outside and going to the Phoenix Children's Museum. I may be biased, but Macee is one lucky girl to have this lady as her grandma.

In March Macee got her first set of pig tails! I was so proud. She looked like such a big girl going to nursery for only her second time with pig tails. The leaders couldn't get enough of her. 

Grandma and Grandpa Harding came for a visit in March. We went to Rudy's for our birthday dinner. Best food ever! Macee was spoiled with way more soda than I'd like to imagine. She loves her grandma and "papa".

Macee was in heaven with Gma and Gpa Harding loving on her for a whole week!

A little ice cream break.

We went to the damn and it was all Macee could do not to jump into the water. I was a nervous wreck the entire time. It didn't last long. 

Jan and Spencer came for a fun visit in April. We went to Sonic just before they flew home.  Looking at this picture, it's hard to imagine that mine and Jan's babies are only due 2 days apart. 

We went on a small little hike to Hole in the Rock. This was Macee's leash that worked quite well!

Jan and I with Macee overlooking part of Phoenix.

Grandma Ashdown came for a very unexpected visit in April (for a funeral). We got to see her so much more than we had expected and was so grateful for that! Grandma is the ONLY person Macee will let brush her teeth, so she was getting a good scrub in while she was here. 

Um, caught in the pantry! Naughty girl. She was after a "two"...or in other words, chocolate. I tell her she can only have two pieces at a time, therefore, she is convinced they are called "twos".

We have loved all of our family visits! We were in heaven when the weather in Utah was so terrible and we had the sun shining down here. It was like we had family flocking to us (or to the sun). :) We were good with that. Somehow I didn't take pictures of Aunt Tiff and Uncle Car while they were down in April. Macee completely fell head over heels for Uncle Carston and would even run to him for comfort. Tiffany and I had fun getting ready for our babies to get here during the week. When Carston got into town, we had fun barbecuing, sitting around the fire, on an adult only date and playing frisbee golf. Thanks for all the visits everyone!!! We have the best family in the world.

happy easter!

The best picture we could get of Macee's Easter dress. Her hyperactivity is killing my pictures!

We had a fabulous Easter this year spent egg hunting, playing at the park, eating ham, dying some eggs and going to great lessons at church. I love Easter sunday because all of our meetings are focused on the most important thing to each of us, the atonement and resurrection of our Savior. You always leave church feeling edified and on a spiritual high on this particular Sunday. It also really helps that Macee is in nursery now. Have I mentioned how much I love that??

Waiting for the big hunt. Macee is wondering what in the heck is going on and Ben is spotting all the eggs to take her to. 

Blowing bubbles is pretty neat to a toddler!

After the successful hunt- 6 eggs in total! After she realized there was candy in the eggs, the hunting was over, it was time to eat the candy.

The Easter bunny brought Macee a new bike! We have yet to figure out how to peddle, but it will come.

Dying Easter eggs with shaving cream. I thought this would be a cleaner process. I was wrong. 

is it a boy or a girl??

We had our big surprise appointment today. We were happy to find that it was a healthy, already very active little...

Watch the video and enjoy! PS...my little girl is cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK78IqoTknk 

baby #2

Baby #2 will be joining us on August 22nd! I am in the second trimester and I'm just barely getting around to posting about our family's newest excitement. Where have I been?? Ben and I had the surprise of a lifetime back in December, just days before we visited family in Utah. We decided to share our big news during our Christmas celebrations, although I was only a few weeks along. Lucky we did because there was absolutely no hiding the belly that was already showing...at 4 weeks along. I was always told that the second pregnancy would be different. Your body knows what to do this time. You know what to expect and plan accordingly.... the list goes on. So, with great bribery from friends...here I am at 16 weeks. I didn't expect to look like a whale already, but oh well!. :)

16 weeks and counting!

Anyway, we are super excited for a new little family member to join us. Heavenly Father obviously has a plan for us so we are moving forward with faith that I can handle two little children at home while working and that Macee will adjust just fine sharing her mommy. We'll have another summer pregnancy, so wish me luck in this heat!

I can't leave a post without my princess, Macee. She just turned 18 months today. I snapped this picture of her while she was helping me with laundry a few days ago. After she climbed in the dryer, I had to throw Zoe in there with her just so she'd stay for a picture. Do any of you have advice on how to keep a toddler clean? I think this was taken in the morning...and this is what she looked like. 

Helping mommy with laundry

happy late valentines day!

*Just a warning, this is a long one. It will probably be boring for most of you to read. But waste your time if you must.* 

I don't post enough about the amazing hubby I have on here...so I thought I would take a minute on the day of love to write 14 things I love about him. And of course Macee, I can't leave her completely out.

 First things first. My love, Ben.
1. I love that he is a worthy priesthood holder. I know that's such a cliche thing to say, but it's true. He uses his priesthood to bless our family and members of our ward frequently and I'm so grateful for that. His example to Macee and our future children will be invaluable in this.
2. I love that he works so hard in our community. We've only lived here for a year and a half and I think he already knows everyone in our town. He works hard as the only male family therapist, he is the assistant wrestling coach at the high school and he is the Elder's Quorum president in our ward. There's never a time when he is out of the house not serving someone else.
3. I love his energy! Holy cow, this man never stops. Okay, he's not a morning person, but when he gets going, he stays busy and somehow accomplishes all of those things mentioned above.
4. I love that he's good-lookin'. And I must say that he made a dang cute baby. Enough said.
5. I love that we share the same goals. I was talking to a co-worker the other night and he was saying "I find it stupid that people can meet and choose to be with someone for "eternity" (doesn't believe in eternity obviously) when they're 20. How can they make that big of a decision, especially when you change and grow so much in your 20's." He must not have realized that I was married at 20...and even had a child, by complete choice, at 23. I am so grateful and love so much that Ben and I are growing and changing together and we're both completely happy with where we're going as a family.
6. I love that he is so smart. He flew through school and didn't only finish it with awesome grades, he also remembers practically everything he learned. To me, that is amazing. Most people have to re-learn in the "real world".
7. To go with #6...I love that he excels at everything he does. If he isn't the best, he can throw a little fit. But, I've learned that these fits are okay because they're what makes him become the best. He always says "I'm never satisfied, and that's a good thing because it makes me want better, want more."
8. I love that he loves me. He tells me everyday and I do love having that confirmation.
9. I love that he is naturally athletic. Pretty much any sport that he tries, he is good at. I sure hope that our kids get this talent from him, and not my complete lack of coordination.
10. I love that he is such a good daddy. He loves playing with Macee and will get down on the ground and roll around with her, cuddle with her on the couch, and gives her tons of loves. She loves him back just as much.
11. I love that he is a handy man. He is currently working his butt off on building me gardens in the backyard.
12. I love that he is passionate. He has a tough side when he has to, but I love that his soft side can come out.
13. I love when we get to have pillow talk. I love the deep conversations we can have, or even the light ones about the happenings of our days.
14. I love that he is truly my best friend. I love spending all and any of my free time with him, even if we are just working around the house.


Macee, my wild child.
1. I love her expressions. This girl has a face of many expressions. My favorite is her surprised look. Of course I can't catch it on camera, so you'll just have to trust me when I say that it is the funniest thing in the world.
2. To go with the expressions, I love that she has learned to roll her eyes at me. It is still in such a cute, not a sassy way, so I'm going to love it up while I can. Ever since she learned how to do it, she rolls her eyes just because she knows she's funny.
3. I love her spunky personality. I complain that she is so hot and cold, extremely happy or super mad, but I do love it. I know that it will get her places in life and it keeps me on my toes.
4. I love that one of her best friends is our dog Zoe. They fight like sisters and love like sisters, it's hilarious. Nobody can get Macee laughing like Zoe can.
5. I love that she is finally getting the concept of loves. She is starting to cuddle more, give big hugs and juicy kisses on the lips.
6. I love how much she loves her daddy. She is an angel for him! And all he has to do is be in her presence. She's a momma's girl, but there is nothing like seeing her eyes light up when I tell her that daddy is home. Sometimes I think that she is just ready for a break from me.
7. I love Macee's big blue eyes. They compliment her fair skin and strawberry hair perfectly! We get old people in the store commenting on those beautiful eyes all the time.
8. I love that she is such a fish! We take a shower together every morning and it is always a fight to get the water on us. She loves the water in her face and running over her head. Every time we attempt to wash her hands, it ends up more like a complete bath.
9. I love that she is tough. I'm pretty sure that I have a tom-boy on my hands. I love that when she falls, I stand there and act like I don't care and every mom around me is running to her side. She gets herself up and looks at them like they are crazy. Do they really think that I don't care?? I just know my baby.
10. I love that she sleeps through the night! And has for almost a year now. It is a huge blessing to me. She's also a great sleeper around noise, which is so important to me! She can sleep through almost anything.
11. I love that she is so friendly. I can hold her in my arms while she talks to strangers. I may change my mind about this when I can't corral her in my arms to keep her safe.
12. I love that she is finally big enough to entertain herself! It just melts my heart when I notice that the house has been a little too quite and I walk into her playroom to see her playing with her baby.
13. I love when her eyes light up when I come in her bedroom to get her in the morning. She has to grab her blanket and dog and then we're off to talk about Zoe. Every single morning. I love it.
14. I love when Macee dances. This girl has got some serious beat. If she hears any music, on the radio or on the TV, she starts dancing her heart out.