November 2014- Let the Holidays begin!

This month started out with some promising changes at Matt's work. There were some management transfers and Matt is really excited to be working with a new like-minded manager in their small store. He hopes to spend more time home with family, less stressed out at work, and working in efficient ways that will profit everybody. We gave him breaks by going on day trips, just Otto and I. We went to Scottsdale together
 In the mean time, Matt's been blowing off steam practicing his drums again once or twice a week. Otto enjoys it, and they sometimes sit down with Otto in Matt's lap while they play the Djembe together. Well, Otto actually scratches and feels it while Matt is trying to play it.







We received a membership to the Phoenix Zoo as an early Christmas present so Matt, Otto, and I took advantage of a Saturday before things get really busy to enjoy an afternoon with the animals. Now that Otto is facing forward in his stroller, he can actually see trees, bushes, and the occasional fence or railing. I tried to lift him up to see the sheep but I'm pretty sure all he could see were rocks that moved. Well, we had a great time anyway.
Most of the month was spent preparing for the exciting events happening at the end of the month. November 22nd was National Adoption Day and also our assigned court date for the finalization of Otto's adoption. In case you weren't sure how it works, Otto had been "placed" with us at birth through the adoption agency's custody. Then, they h
ave a 30 day waiting period before we can petition for the adoption. This waiting period is an Arizona law having something to do with paternity rights, but we already had everything covered in that department so we just had to wait. Then, we signed the legal paperwork and petition at the Mesa courthouse. They told us that there is usually another 90 day waiting period for the actual court date assignment, but if National Adoption Day happens to fall before that time, they will waive the waiting time and allow us to finalize earlier.


We took the chance to get it done. National Adoption Day is a huge event, all the courtrooms are booked all day to do adoptions every half hour. There is food, bounce houses, games, characters, music, crafts for the kids and they take our family photo when it is all said and done.

We had a full support team of friends and family there with us. Tummy Mommy Marissa was all set to come, but unfortunately she had to work and was very disappointed. We missed her, but her brother and his family were there to get pictures.

As the date approached, I was more nervous than excited because I thought about all the people I had invited to come watch us fumble our way through this. I had no idea what to expect when we went into that courtroom. I also had a hard time getting too excited about the finalization because I never had any doubt that it was going to happen or that it changed how I felt about Otto. He was our son from the moment we met Marissa. Mostly, this is a credit to how great she made us feel. She included us and involved us from that moment on and I feel gratitude for that gift every day.


 All this was, was making it legal. I am more thrilled with idea of taking him to the temple. I think about how amazing it will feel to have him sealed to us for time and all eternity just like Matt and I were sealed to each other. Still, the finalization in the courtroom turned out to be very exciting and a lot of fun. Hearing the judge say his full name, Otto Joshua Earl and then have everyone clap and cheer was an incredible high.
 I am in such a debt to my good friend Sarah for being so excited for us, giving us adoption gifts, taking pictures. She has been there for every step of the way. I keep thinking, "What have I done for Sarah lately?" Well, I guild her into our morning work-outs every morning. Oh, I'm just the worst.
To dig that hole a little deeper, she invited us to join her family for Thanksgiving! It was delicious! I made sweet potatoes and bought the pies at AJs and they did everything else (did I mention that I'm the worst). She took photos of the kids!









The Saturday after Thanksgiving we packed up the car, dropped Lucy off at the kennel, and headed to Las Vegas. My parents and sister met us there to spend a few days visiting and relaxing. They even made us a Thanksgiving dinner there, too! Then, they babysat Otto for us while we saw a movie and walked around Caesar's and The Venetian. It was our first date out in months! We saw a restaurant called Otto Pizzaria.










Some things we learned about Otto this month:
1. He might just be the cutest little cherub baby ever, with rosy chubby cheeks, blue eyes, and adorable gummy smiles.
2. He could be recorded for baby commercials and voice overs because he had the sweetest little giggles, sighs, and baby noises.
3. Otto is rolling around the floor and play pen very easily now. He doesn't push his legs down enough to scoot yet, but he likes to lift his arms and legs and move them like crazy all at the same time for several seconds. It is hilarious and will try to get it on video soon.
4. He gets excited and squeals the most high pitched screams that sometimes only the dog can hear.
5. He might just be the most soggy baby. He spits up about every ten seconds, drools constantly, and goes through 5 burp rags and 3 bibs a day on average. The doctor says it isn't acid reflux because it doesn't bother him. No. In fact, he seems to enjoy it very much and laughs when I wipe his face.
6. Matt wants to claim Otto's first word is "Dad" even though I'm positive he doesn't associate it with anything and therefore doesn't count. It is usually, "DADADADADA" but sometimes he just screams the one syllable, "Dad!" and looks around matter-of-factly.

7. He LOVES bath time since we got the Bloomin Bath and he can sit up and kick his feet in the water.
8. Otto loves pretty girls.
9. He sticks his tongue out when he is nervous and doesn't know how else to impress.

10. He can pull himself up to sitting while holding onto me, and then to standing.
11. His red/blonde hair is coming in. He looks like his Tummy Mommy, but he could kind of pass for resembling me and the Reeder family and so I am just fine with that.
12. Although he is old enough to start trying "solids", we learned that he is not mature enough to handle it quite yet. His gag reflexes are sensitive (hence never liking pacifiers) and trying mushed banana resulted in throwing up all his milk, along with the banana. We'll have to take it slow.

I am amazed that he is a half-year old already! 6 months went by fast.

We are so excited to get ready for the Christmas holidays with a little one. I used to pass the "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments in the store and sigh and wonder when I was going to get to buy one. I am thrilled to finally get that chance! We may not have much to spend this year, but we are going to try to make it special.

October 2014- A bit of silliness, really

What fun we are having! The month was kicked off with Otto's 4 month check-up and pictures. He seems to be on the small side considering his height and weight percentiles (head size is average), but I often get told by strangers "What a BIG boy!" or "Oh, he's a chunkers!" So, what do I know? He's healthy, happy, and growing. Doctor is always impressed with his social development because Otto smiles and laughs and coos (and cries) appropriately.
Otto's adorable Halloween themed pictures can be seen on this blog's pages. Again, I give a lot of credit to professional photographers because that session took a few hours, many tears (some of them mine), and a lot of breaks. It was especially hard to get all the set and props perfect, place the baby perfectly into the pillows, only to have him arch his back and slide down taking the set and props with him.
We have all been working hard at improving our hobbies and enriching our lives with creative talents. Actually, a lot of that has taken a backseat to re-figuring out naptimes. Otto has been working on learning the sign words for milk, and more, and learning to hold his own bottle. He's also reading the classics and applying to Harvard.

About the middle of October was Fall Break for our All Aboard friends. We took that chance to join the Crisp family at the zoo for a fun day in the sun. Otto's "cousin", Connor was excited to show him around the zoo.









Otto got his pictures with the Otters.
That same week I was complaining about how I had not seen Tummy Mommy Marissa in some time and wanted to arrange a get-together. Low-and-behold, she called to say she was in town and wanted to stop by!

She looked amazing after spending two days at a hair and fashion conference. It was so fun to catch up.












The next week we were graced with a visit from one of our most favorite families in the world, or good friends, the Maxfields. We enjoyed dinner together, and their girls were delightful.








The next day, I saw them again for a surprise visit to All Aboard,where we used to work together). Robin managed to get a selfie with the whole group. Lisa, Renton, and their girls, Me (holding Otto), and Rhonda clear in the back holding Anna (Shannon's daughter).



We visited the local farm's pumpkin patch to pick out Otto's first pumpkin.











I will admit we had a rough and stressful couple of weeks here at the Earl household. Otto is still sleeping beautifully through the night, but has recently had trouble falling asleep for naps. He allows himself to get overtired and crying is the only proper reaction. The scary part, is that it can happen anywhere, anytime. Grocery store, car, home, at school, when guests are over for dinner, and there is no such thing as "crying it out" to fall asleep. There is just crying. Meanwhile, Matt is going through major transitions at work and has been slammed with a lot of responsibilities so he has been taking that stress out on his drum set while Otto gets ready for bed.

Luckily, the swing broke. This may seem like a major disaster since the swing is the only place he naps for any length of time. However, we went to the second-hand store and found the most beautiful, comfy, magic swing in the world. It looks and feels like a cloud, has music and lights, and a quiet motor. He now sleeps for 2 or 3 hours at a time. It seems as if things are looking up again.

Otto and I enjoyed getting dressed up for the All Aboard costume parade and waving at my former students (this includes almost every student at the school now). We also attended the church Trunk or Treat that evening in costume.



Otto helped the ladies at All Aboard get ready for their Fall Festival by filling up the ice buckets.









At the end of the month we celebrate Matt and my mom, Ann's birthdays. One at home, and other we celebrate from afar. Matt had a quiet evening at home with potsticker dinner and cupcakes. Otto got him a few dvd's of classic cartoons, looney toons, and popeye. They are excited to watch them together on Saturday mornings. I got Matt a set of Pearl practice pads for his drums that he is thrilled to try out.

We got a chance to send gifts to my Mom and wish her a Happy Birthday over skype. Otto was quite thrilled and entertained to see the people on the computer talking to him


Halloween kicks of the season of holidays and a year of firsts for our little family.
 Otto did get to dress up and entertain trick or treaters. Some even took pictures with us! Matt wanted proof that he dressed up. He wasn't sure what he was but I told him he could be the captain of my guard.


 Our friends, the Wilson's, joined us with their daughter to pass out candy and watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on our garage door.

September 2014-You Can Go Home Again

Last month ended on a cliffhanger. We were on our way to Brigham City for the annual festival of Peach Days! It was an exciting time. Otto had not met anyone from our family aside from the visits from my parents and sister in June and July.


So, Otto got to meet Papa Wheelie (aka Mike), and Grandma Becky for the first time! These are their first time holding Otto the day we arrived in Brigham City.

 He met Nana (Matt's Grandmother). We felt bad because every time she came over it was about his nap time and he started to get cranky. I hope she got to see a little of his cute side too as some point.

 Then, there was cousin Mikee! Otto is Micheal's only cousin on his mother's side so it was exciting for them to finally meet. Although, a baby of 3 months doesn't quite live up to the hype to an 8 year old who wants a run around buddy. So, he spent a lot of time playing with Lucy while we were visiting.

We had dinner with the family at Nana's on Sunday. It was great to get to spend some time with all of them.




Our week was VERY busy. By the time we got there, Otto was less than thrilled to be in his carseat so that made our packed schedule even more stressful. We had family in town from California to visit with my grandparents and wanted to see us, but they were leaving Monday! Then, we wanted to see Otto's Tummy Mommy's sister (who we hadn't met yet) that lives in Deweyville and she could only see us Monday. We loved meeting her at the park and seeing her whole family. Then, my mom had planned and prepared a get together with good friends at her house for . . .you guessed it,. . .Monday! Long story short, it was a great visit, but we had to constantly watch the clock and hop around which was unfortunate. We loved seeing our friends Chris and Jena, Bryce and Melanie, and our good friends from Arizona, Lisa and Renton. They were invited together because of one common denominator: They all have four year olds.

 Bryce and Melanie's Xander was already good friends with Chris and Jena's Jordis, but it has been my dream to see them play with Lisa and Renton's Ava! They put on adorable little shows and sing-alongs for us.

It was a great time and the adults got to visit and see each other. We were only missing Jena that night, sadly. Of course, everyone got to see Otto. I can't wait until he's old enough to try on costumes and put on shows for us!

By Wednesday, things had settled down and we had a nice dinner with my Mom's family and give everyone a chance to see Otto there. Otto's name comes from my Gradma Reynold's father's name so it was exciting when they met for the first time. My Grandma Reynolds loves babies. I am convinced that's why she had 8 of them!


We took advantage of Matt's cousin's husband starting his own photography business and got Otto's 3 month photos taken professionally. We threw in some new family photos for good measure. We are very pleased with the result. The photos can be seen on his 3 month page. I recommend his business to anyone in the Logan area since they are very reasonably priced and do a great job.

Thursday, Sept 4th, was a rocky emotional day. It happened to be our 10th Wedding anniversary and Matt's mom was going into surgery while we stayed and watched out for Michael and the house. Knowing this ahead of time, Matt had already given me a gift before we left. I always wanted a right hand ring. He gave me a beautiful opal ring that is framed with small aquamarine. Our birthstones.
We were confident that the surgery would be okay, but it was on our minds all day. Becky did great, and she has a long recovery ahead of her. We hope that in time she will feel much better than she did before the surgery.

After staking down our spot for the parade (yes 2 days early), Otto, me, my Mom, and my sister headed down to South Jordan for a Reeder family gathering and baby shower! I love baby showers and now I am even more thrilled when they are for me and my baby! My aunt Julene, Aunt Becky, and Katy made me feel so special with a children's book themed party. My aunts and cousins came with food and gifts and it was a great time.






Also, I loved the area they live so much I actually admitted to Matt later that I'd move where there is snow ONLY if we could live there. Isn't their house adorable!? I took pictures all up and down their street. Ugh.



Friday, it was time for PEACH DAYS!!!
My cousin Nicole and her boys came from California to join in the festivities (even though they aren't native Brighamites). They had a great time riding rides with Michael and enjoying the carnival. Granted, a couple rides proved too scary for them, but all-in-all I think they had a blast. We toted Otto around in the carrier and my Mom even kidnapped him a couple of times to show him off to people she knew.
Saturday morning, we enjoyed the parade! Michael and the boys had a great time chasing down candy up and down the curb and we enjoyed shouting out Woots and hollers to the parade entries. I love the parade, but you can't call them floats. There are maybe two actual floats in the whole parade. Eh, it's tradition.


Otto spent most of the parade on Nana's lap while his Momma and Daddy acted like little kids sitting on the ground in the front row. He only got fussy during the noisy parts.










As soon as the parade was over, we scrambled to find parking in the middle of town so we'd have a good central location to Peach Days carnival and Michael's soccer game behind the high school. Turns out, it was quite a walk to the game and we didn't bring chairs or shade. So we kicked it across the street and cheered him on.

 We spent the rest of the day with friends enjoying the car show and the booths. By evening, we decided Otto needed a place to cool off so we left him with Nana and Papa where they were camped out. They decided to keep him for the night so we could enjoy some adult time with friends we don't see often. Many of our friends travel from out of town for Peach Days too so know we won't get many other chances to see them.

Sunday we said, "Love you all, Buh-Bye" to our families in Brigham and headed home. It had rained and flooded terribly back home by Monday, but luckily we got home safely. We loved our visit, but after 10 whole days, 1 load of laundry, a car packed more full than when we came, and three sun-kissed faces, we were ready to be home. That was just the first week of September!!!

After we got home, Matt and I were both a little depressed. We were homesick. It isn't easy to feel like you're caught between to 'homes' and miss the one whenever you are at the other. We didn't do anything or go anywhere for about 2 weeks after getting back. It was nice when we finally dove back into regular life:

Bath time!

Getting a make-over!
 I did this as a favor to a friend who sells and wanted to try out different looks with Younique. She tried some products (lips) and colors (lips!) that I would never have thought to use. I couldn't help feeling like a gal from the 40s getting ready for a dance with the fellas (I did get dressed up like this just for a picture. I was bored). Why am I even mentioning it? Because this was the moment I got myself out of the funk and got to work. Cleaned the house and began getting out and socializing again!

The most exciting thing happening this month: We signed the petition to adopt at the courthouse. They informed us we would be receiving notice about our court time but the date will be on National Adoption Day, Nov. 22nd!! Here is Daddy Matt and Otto at the courthouse after we went through security. Yay!


Now we've begun working out in the mornings. I joined a group of ladies who have made a habit of getting up early and meeting at the GCC track. I am going to get super fit and ripped.

Here are a few things I learned about Otto this month:
1. He smiles, and now giggles, whenever I sing songs with him and use hands (his or mine) to do the actions. His favorite right now is 'Wheels on the bus'.
2. He likes to be sat up and likes to look around. His head wobbles less now, so he enjoys it for longer periods of time. Now, he can actually sit in his bumbo seat for several minutes.
3. He grabs items and brings them to his mouth. He prefers cloth items over plastic.
4. His babbling has mutated into more of long grunts and spitting sessions. I do hope the cute babbling and squealing comes back and that this is just a phase.
5. I have to put away all the 3 mos clothes, but a lot of the 3-6mos clothes are too short. Could he be tall for his age? I guess I'll find out at his next appointment.
6. Every once and a while, I'll catch his glance across the room and he'll be smiling at me. Then, I look at him and he raises his eyebrows up and down. He is such a flirt. It is adorable.
6. He can lift his head while on his tummy and as of TODAY he can actually roll himself over to his back!!!! Big Big Big deal to me.

August 2014- We are at home

This entry is submitted a little late because we were out of town. You'll have to stay tuned for next month entry to find out all about our adventures. For now, check out our family pictures and Otto's 3 month pictures on the pages.
 Otto and I have been getting into the spirit of this 'staying at home' business. We have been working on a few projects. He is working on getting to a daily schedule and I have been working on using that schedule to my advantage and getting some things done of my own.He now wakes up for his first bottle at 8 so if I get up earlier I get a chance to get ready for the day. My favorite part of the day is when he sleeps all the way until 8 and wakes up babbling and cooing and giving me a big smile when I go to get him out of his crib. I can see him on the monitor smiling and talking with his hands folded together on his chest.
 Matt and I marvel that he usually goes down with a big smile after his last bottle at 8, and wakes up with a big smile. He is awake and lively in the morning and usually naps at 9:30 and 2:30 during the day. How long he naps depends on the day. Lately, he doesn't fall asleep for naps without a fight. I don't know who he's fighting with exactly, but he really likes to express his unhappiness about being so tired before he finally gives in to it. I'm grateful that I at least know what he needs so I can help the best I can until the struggle is over.

A few more things I've learned about Otto:
 1. He gives a great pouty frown right before he cries that could just break your heart and make you give him the world.
2. He has discovered his hands and that they can pull objects to his face. However, controlling them will take a bit more practice as the object usually ends up bonking him in the nose and getting tossed over his head.
3. He prefers his fist in his mouth over his pacifier. Unless he is getting swung or rocked or bounced WHILE the pacifier is held in his mouth and he chooses to start sucking.aka Really, just too much work.
4. The pacifier is a fun toy to linger just in front of his mouth. Try putting it in his mouth, however, and you'll be met with angry screams and it gets spit out.
5. He loves toys that tinkle or rattle.
6. When nothing else works, Gripe Water is the best.
7. He talks baby talk like a pro. He should be on a commercial, he has the sweetest sounding baby voice I have ever heard.
8. He discovered his tongue and likes to stick it far far out.

Most of the time it is all about Otto, but we have been working on a few things of our own. Matt has been working hard at work and hopefully leading the way for future opportunities. He often says how he needs to make time for his hobbies and is on the lookout for a good fishing buddy. I have been using some time at home to work on creative projects that will be many years in the works. I've also been seeking other stay-at-home moms to spend some time with and started a group on facebook that I hope will be a first step in linking other like-minded moms together.

Otto and I still go every Wednesday to see our All Aboard family and help the teachers with copies and projects they need done. We love to be a part of the All Aboard crew.

It has been difficult to adjust to our new family without any extended family nearby. We realize now how much harder we need to work to get some adult time, find babysitters, socialize with other families. It has been harder to be away from our family now than ever before. Matt's parent's are struggling with health concerns and we often wish we could be closer to help them and take care of our nephew.  I am grateful that my parents have been able to come and visit,

We spent  the last few weeks getting ready for our trip. We try to make it home for Brigham City's biggest event, Peach Days. It happens the weekend after Labor Day so we asked for the whole week off. It is a tradition of the native Brighamites to attend and this time we asked for a whole week. We planned to make our drive in two days, since we were anticipating more stops with a baby on board. We went shopping for some hats to protect that precious hairless head.


For all our preparing, it was time to pack the car! I was nervous about getting everything in that we needed, so I drew out diagrams, made lists, and we somehow managed to get it all in. Lucy, Otto, and I were in the backseat and Matt and I traded places driving.

Otto did amazing on the drive. He slept most of the way. We set up the pack-n-play in the hotel in Boulder City and he slept perfectly. Stay tuned next month to see what happens next. . .

Every day I look into his big, blue eyes and I cannot believe what a miracle he is. He is such a blessing to our family. He is an amazing gift I sometimes wonder what good thing I did to deserve. I am excited to continue this journey with him. Our next stop, finalizing the adoption, blessing him, and being sealed together.