Favorite Memory of 2008

How can I choose just one?! This has been such a wonderful year that picking one is nearly impossible. This picture sums it up for me.

This is our humble little Christmas tree. I had decided that we didn't need to decorate this year, but Bill surprised me with this tree and ornaments.

Since our beautiful Samuel was born, I have spent many hours rocking him in our chair, staring at this tree. I must have had a million thoughts run through my head. I thought about my trials that make me stronger, my Heavenly Father who comforts me, my amazing family and in-laws who love us so much, our great friends, our precious son who already makes us laugh and wears us out, and most of all, my sweet husband and best friend who works so hard, is such a good example to me and makes me want to be a better person.

To me, this tree represents my Savior who made all of these blessings possible. I'm so grateful for this holiday season. It has taken on new meaning for me this year and I'll never forget it.

Sammy's First Christmas

We had an amazing Christmas this year! We received the best Christmas present a little early and are so grateful for our little Sammy!

We drove down to Washington DC a couple of days before Christmas to be with Bill's family. It was a wonderful way to spend the holiday. The normally four hour drive took us 7 hours on the way there and 9 on the way home. With several stops along the way to feed and change a baby, it can add a few hours! Sam has already been in 5 states in his short four weeks of life. I added Maryland and Delaware to my list. I'm almost to 50! We had such a good time with Bill's parents, brother James and sister Tina and their families!

On Christmas Eve, we read the story of the Nativity and sang Christmas carols. Sam was the star of the show!

Christmas morning was so fun watching all the kids open their presents and eating delicious food! This was such a special Christmas for us. We are so grateful to be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior, for His restored gospel and all of our many blessings.

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and wish you a happy and healthy new year!

Footloose and Fancy Free!

We took Sam back to the Orthopedist today to check his hips after wearing the brace for two weeks. She said that everything looks and feels great and he doesn’t need to wear it anymore! We are so thrilled and grateful! He’s been such a trooper through the whole thing. What a huge blessing! He just looks so sweet with his legs free to stretch and move around.

Storytime with Daddy

Feed me Mom!!

It Stuck!

It snowed a couple of times early last week, but yesterday we had our first real snow storm. It didn't stop all day and left the sidewalks and streets very slushy and icy. Bill's parents rode the bus up from DC and took us out to dinner. It was Sam's first official outing (besides visits to the pediatrician).

Yesterday was the first day I really felt like going out, but with the weather, walking a couple of blocks to have dinner was all I could muster. Tonight, however, we bundled up our little Sammy and braved the bitter cold to go to Rockerfeller Plaza to see the infamous Christmas tree. It was beautiful! There were people everywhere, so we snapped a few pictures, stopped in a couple of stores and then headed back home.

Two Weeks Old!

Time sure flies when you don't get much sleep! It seems like one day just melts into the next and I can't keep track of the day or time. It snowed today, but didn't stick.

Samuel has adjusted very well to the constant sound of traffic, sirens and subway rumble we hear all day long. He's become a pretty good eater and sleeper with the exception of a few rough nights.

When we were discharged from the hospital he had lost 8.5 ounces. At our first appointment with the pediatrician 3 days later he had gained back one. Two days later another 2.5 and another two days later, 2 more. They are pleased with the consistent gain, so we don't have to go back until he is 5 weeks old.

We did, however, have to go to an orthopedist for an ultrasound on his hips. The pediatrician detected a slight hip displacement in both of Sam's hips. It's apparently pretty common in breech babies which is interesting because I was also a breech baby and had a congenital hip when I was born (one hip socket hadn't fully formed). So I had to wear a brace for several months as an infant.

Well, like mother, like son, Sammy has to wear a brace for 2 weeks that will keep his legs bent so that the soft tissue in his hips can finish developing. He's done pretty well with it so far, but gets a little frustrated when he wants to stretch out his legs. The orthopedist doesn't think it should be a problem after that and for that we are extremely grateful. I think he looks like a little hockey goalie. Look out NHL!

Bill has taken 3 of his 4 finals, but has been such an incredible help to me, all while trying to study like crazy. Thursday afternoon we'll be ready to celebrate!

I am slowly recovering. I felt really good early last week and kind of overdid things and hit a wall last weekend. I've been taking it easier these last few days and feel much better. We are really looking forward to a fun Christmas!

Our favorite face Sam makes

Ban on Laughter

Since having some pretty major surgery, I have had to put a ban on anything that makes me laugh. Anything more that a little chuckle causes a lot of pain for my abdomen and incision. Those of you that know Bill will understand how hard this can be. He is constantly making hilarious little jokes that send me into an excruciating laugh attack.

Last night was a doozy. When my alarm for Samuel's second feeding went off at 4:30, Bill sat bolt upright and started saying things that made absolutely no sense. I thought maybe it had to do with school and the final he had taken earlier that day. Then he started to make a little sense, and then back to total nonsense. I was writhing in pain with laughter and he thought I was being mean by laughing at him. I knew I had to remember it all to tell him in the morning so I wrote it down. I can't think about it too much even now because it sends me into hysterics.

Here are some of the latest pics...

Sam and Daddy watching the BYU v. USU game

Daddy changing a diaper. Bill hadn't ever changed one until Sam was born.

Our little peanut

Cab ride to Sam's first pediatric appointment.

Homecoming

Karen and Sammy are home! The doctor had to test for jaundice because Sammy looks a little yellow. Luckily it wasn't serious enough to stay another day, and it should be gone in a few days. Sammy is feeding much better and Karen can't wait to get some sleep.

Now we can get back to our normal lives. Ha!

One of these pictures reminds us of Karen's dad, Pete. For those of you who know him, can you guess which one?

Almost Home!

The doctor said Karen and Sammy get to come home tomorrow! Karen has been progressing well. It's only been two full days and it won't be quite three when she comes home. They took out her epidural and iv today (Thursday), and she actually fell asleep for an hour or so. She shares a room so it's not always quiet when she wants to sleep. Her cut seems to be healing okay, but laughing makes it hurt. This made it a little painful for Karen when her roommate, who has a deep voice, told the nurse that her newborn daughter is the Queen of Poop. Luckily there was a curtain between us so she didn't know we were trying not to laugh. You had to be there.

Sammy is doing great. He's had a few good feedings but is still learning the tricks of the trade. He likes to suck on fingers even when he's asleep. Sometimes when he cries his little chin quivers, and he is startled easily when he hears a loud noise. We think he's the cutest little thing on earth.

We turned in the birth certificate paperwork today and our special little guy will be known as Samuel Peter Whitaker. These pictures are from the night of the delivery. I took some more pictures today but I can't find the camera's computer cord right now. I'll post them tomorrow, along with some pictures of Sammy and Karen coming home!

T-48 hours

Wednesday couldn't come fast enough for me! Even though I'm pretty nervous about having surgery, I'm more ready to not be pregnant anymore. Here's one last look...(Please ignore the dirty clothes. I was making chicken enchiladas when Bill started snapping).

Our little nursery

Grateful

I have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season. Here are just a few of the many blessings I enjoy...

Thrilling Future

Health

Amazing Husband

New Baby

Kind Parents & Siblings

Sight-seeing Year In New York

Gospel of Jesus Christ

Incredible Friends

Very Funny Nieces & Nephews

Inspiring Nature

Necessities & Luxuries

Great In-Laws

Happy Thanksgiving!

Spectacular!

To kick (no pun intended) off the holiday season, Bill and I went to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular a couple of weeks ago.

It was really a fun, family show and made me wish that I was a Rockette.

In my current condition, I couldn't manage a kick higher than a street curb, but I bet if I whip myself back into shape, I could give them a run for their money!

Pretty Pleased

While I'm not one that follows college football, there is one game a year that I do pay particular attention to. I'm also not one to rub things in, so I'll just end with these four musical words:

WAY TO GO UTES!

Kicking Back

We are slowly realizing that our days of quiet and relaxation are numbered. We are very thankful for the reason why, but are taking advantage of every spare moment we have to sleep in, nap and be just plain lazy!

Another Visit!

This weekend I had my good friend, Vicki, visit. It was so fun to have another visitor! I was kind of a party pooper since I couldn't be out all day walking around, but we did have fun. We saw Hairspray, the musical, went to the temple and shopped ('til I dropped).

We also met up with a friend of ours from my Seattle days, Jill. It was great to see her and we had a delicious dinner at The Smith.

Thanks for a wonderful weekend!

Showered with Gifts

These are some of my great new friends that I've made since we've been in New York. (Back row: Courtney w/ Addy, Rachel, Lacy, Sheena, Megan, Andrea & Kelli w/ McKenzie) (Front row: Steph, Me, Larisa & Taylor)

They threw me a baby shower last night and spoiled me with all kinds of great supplies and cute clothes and blankets. We should be all set for this baby!

Just Couldn't Wait!

Over the last few weeks, we have been slowly acquiring all our gear to prepare for our baby's arrival. All of the big items have come in nice, compact boxes, but they haven't stayed there long! Bill is so excited about it all that he has set it all up. I think I've gotten a glimpse of what he'll be like on Christmas morning in a few years. It's very cute!

Many of you have asked where we're planning on putting all of this stuff in our tiny apartment. I wish I had an answer for you. We're looking at rearranging some things, and it will certainly be tight, but we'll make it work!

Roadtrip!

We had such a great weekend! Friday evening, after Bill's first final, we hauled a big suitcase and a few bags of snacks on the subway to pick up our rental car.

It took about a half an hour to get out of the city and we made it to Scranton PA and spent the night. Some of you may recognize the building above from the opening credits of the TV show, The Office. Scranton is a pretty cool town.

We left Saturday morning and headed up through northern PA on back roads to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and small towns. It was gorgeous! Below is a picture of the Susquehanna River.

Our next stop was Fayette NY and the Peter Whitmer Farm. This is where the LDS church was officially organized on 6 April 1830. There is a beautiful visitors' center and the Whitmer home has been rebuilt to look the same as it would have back then.

Then we were off to Palmyra. We first came to the Hill Cumorah. It is right off the main road and there is a beautiful drive up to the top. We spent a few minutes up there and then went in to the visitors' center. Just as we were walking through the glass doors I recognized one of my old institute teachers sitting at the main desk, Brother Ed Pinegar. He was such a great and funny teacher and I didn't know that he and his wife were serving a mission there. It was fun visiting with him for a few minutes.

We decided that we wanted to spend the night in Palmyra so we could go to church the next morning, so we jumped back in the car and drove up to Niagara Falls for a quick peek. We got there just as the sun was going down, but got a pretty good view. It's an amazing sight.

We woke up early Sunday morning so that we could see the Smith Home, Sacred Grove and Palmyra Temple before going to church. It was pretty cold, but such a neat experience to be able to see where Joseph Smith received the First Vision and where the Restoration of the Church began.

After a very nice church meeting, we got packed up and checked out of our room and drove into the town of Palmyra. I fell in love! It is such a peaceful, pretty town. We stopped at the printing shop where the first Book of Mormon was printed, the grave of Alvin Smith and the Martin Harris Farm. (I don't think the garages are originals?) ;)

Sadly, we had to start back for Manhattan to turn our car in. It turned out to be another beautiful, crisp autumn day and the drive was great. I'm so glad we were able to squeeze one more fun trip in before Bill's finals and the arrival of our little pumpkin. We're getting very excited for this upcoming adventure!