On May 2nd, we had Clayton’s baby blessing! We were also grateful that so many members of our family came to the event. It was such a touching experience. I am so thankful that the priesthood of God (the power to act, bless and serve in His name) is here on the earth. We love having Clayton a part of our family. We couldn’t imagine life without him.
Here are a few random pictures that describe the happenings in the Carlsen household…enjoy!
Yes, I know a picture of Sienna on the potty isn’t what you were expecting, but we had to document the 13 pairs of panties. At first, encouraging the switch to underwear was difficult at best, requiring the use of candies, chocolate, etc. Now, she has obviously made the switch and now enthusiastically wears not one pair, but as many as she can find. I love toddler logic.
We are the proud owners of a lawnmower! If you’ve ever heard us describe our house, you’ve heard us talk about our yard; we love it! I’m sure the thrill of yard work will wear off soon, but right now we are still enjoying it! Isn’t Jeff so handsome?
Washing the floor – I love kids at this age. Everything is fun; especially when you are wearing Daddy’s shoes.
Love this little girl’s pig tails!
Jeff got the kids ready all by himself and snapped a photo just before church. Thanks, Jeff!
So when my sweet mother came out help with the baby, she did endless dishes, laundry, cleaning, organizing, unpacking, reading to kids, potty training, shopping, being my therapist, and meal preparation. Did I mention she also put in a garden? She even allowed the grandkids to help? Of course, This tripled the amount of time it took to complete the task, but what’s a loving grandma to do?
While working in the yard on a rainy evening, we saw a rainbow! It was a little chilly, so Sienna requested Grandpa hold her in his jacket. Grandparents are the best!
Why sleep in a crib when you can take a nap on Grandma?
Here is a man who loves being a Dad! Jeff is such an involved parent. He will play with the kids for hours, but is still a good, consistent disciplinarian. The kids love him and it’s not hard to see why.
So Ethan went to a pirate themed birthday party a few weeks ago, and I caught a few pictures of the little shindig. I love children's birthday parties. Now matter what is planned they all show up excited and have a great time. I dressed Ethan up in his best pirate attire and he stormed the vessel!
It takes a brave man to hold a piñata that a bunch 4yr olds are swinging at.
Okay, so I’ve had my hands a little full the past few weeks, but here are a few pictures of the newest addition.
In the wee hours of March 30th, 2010, Clayton made his big debut into the world. He came quickly; here is the time line -
2am: Julie wakes up with contractions
2:30am: We leave the house for the hospital
2:50am: Arrive at the hospital in record time
3:25am: Dr. Morel comes in the room; I’m told it’s too late for anesthesia – which I wasn’t thrilled about.
3:39am:Clayton born! 8lbs 1 oz, 20 3/4" long. Dr. Morel invited Jeff to don gloves and help deliver the baby. He guided Jeff’s hands as they maneuvered the head and shoulders out. What an unforgettable experience for a dad!
I actually did more yelling and screaming than Clayton did. Afterwards, I apologized to the doctor and nurses and assured them that I was generally more pleasant to be around.
Enough with the story; enjoy a few pictures of our little guy.
Christmas this year was wonderful. We bought a real tree, trimmed it with ribbon, lights, ornaments, read Christmas stories, ate yummy treats, and had lots of short scripture studies that helped Ethan (and the rest of us as well) learn about how Christ’s life and sacrifice is the reason for the season.
On Christmas Eve, Ethan and Sienna both got new pairs of snuggly warm pajamas (the zip-up kind with feet – too cute!)
The Christmas Eve story this year was a book entitled, “Beyond Bethlehem” which told of the events in Bethlehem surrounding Christ’s birth, but also covered the events in America as well.
Ethan is really good at indentifying letters and recognizing some words, so he helped distribute the presents this year. Good Job, Ethan!
Ethan and his fire truck. The two have been inseparable ever since. Wish we could say the same thing about Ethan and his clothes.
The bracelet Jeff gave me – good job, Jeff!
Ethan drawing a “guy” on his new AquaDoodle pad. Only$7!
We spent the rest of the day with Pete, Tasha and their kids and had Christmas dinner with them. We love spending time with their family; Ethan and Sienna are entertained for hours by their cousins! Whew! Thank you!
Not that I planned on doing Christmas cards this year anyway, but if I did, this would not be on it. Ethan loves Santa; no problems with Santa. Grandparents and Santa (in that order) are the providers of all good gifts.
Sienna and Santa? Not so much. The blurry mess in the background is me wrestling Sienna while attempting to get close to Santa.
Unfortunately, this is a picture and not a video. If it were a video, you would have witnessed a pregnant mommy wrangling a toddler while trying to smile a “everything- is-just-fine-smile.” I’m sure it would have provided more entertainment, but the picture will have to do.
Oops! I’ll skip the excuses and apology and cut the chase. My darling Jeff turned 32 on Dec 11th! We made lasagna, Caesar salad and cheesecake!
Although we got him a speedlight sb-600 for a gift (it’s a camera attachment), Ethan was very insistent that what Daddy really needed was a monster truck. Ethan talked about it for days. So, here it is. We also sent daddy on a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the house for bags of treats. Ethan loved the anticipation of daddy looking for hidden treasure, but Sienna uncovered several of the hiding places before Dad even had a chance to look! It was so much fun and the least we could to for our hero Daddy who provides such a wonderful life for us.
I’m hoping this kind of post won’t embarrass my husband too much, but it’s a freebee, so who can resist that? Thanks to my friend, Mikael, for posting this on her blog!
I ordered one of these cute nursing covers for FREE (only paid $8.95 for shipping). Click HERE and use the promo code Christmas.
Nope not the holidays..it’s when my parents come! I get projects done, go shopping by myself, sleep in, my home is always clean, laundry folded, dishes done and kids happy…yes, it’s pretty great.
She loves being like brother!
Piggyback rides with Grandpa!
Grandparents are the best!
