Merry Christmas

I sent out fewer of these than planned. But here's wishing the best to you and yours!

6!!!

Friday was Asher's birthday. It was also his last day of school before the break so he got to enjoy the class Christmas party as part of his birthday fun. The rest of the day wasn't too eventful, aside from KFC for dinner (his choice) and Kevin surprising him with his favorite treat-- Krispy Kreme donuts.


Saturday was the big bash.

This was Asher's first real birthday party with friends and needless to say it was a much anticipated event. Once he decided on the theme, he would google "Kung Fu Panda Party" daily, then call me in and point out all the party supplies that he wanted to order. So funny. All in all I'd say the party was a success. Here are a few photos (unfortunately I couldn't be troubled to take pictures while wrangling 15 children). But, we did have some fun games, a pinata, and decorations all upstairs where the camera wasn't.




Most of all I'd like to say that I love Asher more than anything and I'm so grateful he's been mine these 6 years. He truly is the best of the best. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Caroling and Christmas Lights

Sunday night our family paid a visit to my grandparent's home to sing some carols. Then we headed downtown to Temple Square for the lights, followed by chicken pot pie at Pa's. Ever heard of Christmas spirit?

meeting Grandpa and Nanny



the quickest way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear





cold enough to make you cross-eyed:)

Stuff

First things first, a few updated pics of Vi. When asked if she's a good baby, I must admit my first response is, "um, no." But truthfully it's all my fault. Whatever I happened to be eating is tormenting my poor baby's insides. She wales all night long, but sleeps pretty well come 2am. On the off day that for whatever reason my diet isn't causing her extreme gas, she's an absolute angel. Every morning, after all the toots have been pumped out of her, she responds with smiles and coos. She also has the tastiest cheeks around.





Second, I had to document a little about the best babysitter in town. I remember thinking Asher was so old when Malcom came along. At 3 1/2 he was a great help and very self sufficient. But this time around, I must say, he has been a life saver. He can officially take care of Violet when I need him (and sometimes when I don't). I often times find myself wondering where she is... but no worries, she's in good hands. He'll take her to the playroom or to the computer to watch movies. Or sometimes just sit in bed with her. I love to watch him rock or bounce her and speak in a baby voice, "It's okay, sweetheart. Does your tummy hurt? Come on let's have a little burp, that's a good girl." I marvel to watch my 5-year-old succeed in soothing her sometimes better than I can. He's going to make an excellent dad someday.





Next, a little holiday fun-- Christmas Cookies!





And finally, 5 minutes of snow... which we had to take advantage of fast.

Thanksgiving

At the Morleys again this year. Our favorite place to have it. Yum!

P.S. I just stole this slideshow from Cambry's blog-- didn't want to assume false credit. Hee hee.

2 weeks old

My cute baby is getting big.

Happy Halloween

School Parade/Party



Super Heroes/Villain





The Trick-or-Treating Gang

Alright Already

Here it is nearly five days after the big event and already I don't know where the time has gone. Violet Jan Swiss was born at 3:22 am on October 23. We chose "Violet" long ago (not wanting to relive the Malcom dilemma) and Jan is after my mother, whose birthday she would have been born on had she waited 20 more hours to come - aww nuts.

I had my membranes stripped at my doctors appointment Wednesday morning and as luck would have it, went into labor just before midnight that night (a mere 20 minutes after laying down to go to sleep). After about forty minutes of contractions coming every 10 minutes, I woke Kevin. We called Chiara to come over, and got some of our things together and the next thing I know contractions were five minutes apart and painful. We arrived at the hospital just before 1:45am after having to stop for gas (curses!). Kinsey met us there, and the woman at the front desk didn't seem to believe I actually needed to be admitted pronto. After getting in my gown, they checked me and I was at an 8. They got the doctor, my water broke, and then I was at a 9 1/2 in just minutes. Things were going swell - nice and fast, just how we like it. Then the doctor tells me the baby is posterior. Even though I have a rim of cervix left, she says I'm welcome to push. Needless to say I was not liking this delay. It hurt much worse than I recalled and because I was so exhausted I began feeling lightheaded. Finally, after what felt like forever (about 50 minutes real time) she was out. With only her head visible, Cambry and Kinsey were announcing that she looked exactly like Malcom. She did. She was a big gal too, so when I was told she weighed 7 lbs 10 oz I was a bit surprised-- looked more like 9 lbs to me. With her squished face, she was like a little Sharpe puppy. What a love.

And just like that she's here. Practically perfect in every way, a teeny human being is the best thing I can think of. I always get a little sad to see the hospital come and go. The newborn phase passes so quickly and I'm never ready for it. I can't believe I have 3 kids. I can't believe I have a daughter (who I call "he" at least twice a day). I love my new baby.