Maddux is

[3 months]

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Well it's time for Maddux's 3 month update. I can't believe he is 3 months old already. People said the time would move too quickly, but I didn't realize just how quickly it would move. At this exact moment I am looking at my little boy sleep. I can hear his cute little whistle coming from his nose as he breathes. I continue to tell myself I will remember these little things that make me so happy; however, my memories are already starting to fade.

I didn't realize motherhood would be so difficult. I knew the late night feedings and the constant holding would be draining at times; however, I didn't realize these things wouldn't be the difficult portion of motherhood. What makes being a mom so difficult is the same thing that makes it so wonderful: love. It is so hard to hear your baby cry [not just any cry, that 'I'm hurting mom' cry] and not be able to calm him; it's hard to worry all of the time about whether or not he is receiving the love and emotional care he needs; it's hard to see the moments pass so quickly I don't have time to enjoy them. This whole 'mother thing' has given me a greater perspective into my Father in Heaven's world.

Who knew it would be so difficult... and for reasons I wasn't even expecting.

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[ click images to enlarge ]

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[Things I don't want to forget about my little one]

• You love looking at yourself in the mirror when I do you hair. It's like you're making sure I'm doing it right.
  
• You will always smile at your reflection. We call your reflection your 'friendy.' He's always aloud to come over and play.
• We've already cut your hair once, and we plan on cutting it again tomorrow.
  
• We've started putting you in your jumper. You're still trying to figure it out.
• You've giggled a few times, and it's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard.
  
• You no longer like being on your tummy.
• According to our scale, you weigh 16 pounds already. You're a little chunk.
• You won't smile for the camera very often.
• You've started sleeping for eight hours at night. Yay!
• We've experience a very bad sacrament meeting with you. I'm pretty sure everyone was staring at me.
  
• You're extremely happy in the morning.
• You're really relaxed and content... just like your daddy.

Mama and daddy love you, baby...


Apologies for the messy bedroom in the video...

Pictures please!

Dearest blogger friends ... here are a few samples of my wedding announcements! I am hoping to open an etsy shop [or something of the like] as well as create a new blog in a few days to sell my designs; however, I need some more engagement pictures for my announcements. So, I am asking all readers of this blog a big favor: will you send me your engagement pictures?! Pretty, please! If willing, please send them to allisonoakey@gmail.com

[click all images to enlarge]
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This is my Vanessa design: 5x5 folded announcement

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This is my Ashlyn design: 5x7 folded announcement

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This is my Serena design: 5x5 flat card

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This is my Lily design: 5x7 flat card

Last weekend Maddux experienced his first vacation at the family cabin in Alpine, Wyoming. Alpine is only a little over an hour from Rexburg so Makay and I decided to pack up our things and take a mini-vacation. I forgot how much I love it up there. I have so many memories at this special place. It such a nice get-a-way... and it's close, too! [and free, which makes everything better... obviously].

Mom [without make-up, apologies] and baby relaxing while dad mows the lawn.

Our sweet Maddux hanging out on the couch.

Maddux and dad

One of the greatest things to do at the cabin is take the motorcycles out. We had to take turns [I guess someone had to watch the babe].

Makay and I spent our honeymoon at the cabin. We took the motorcycles out then as well; however, it was a little more of an 'experience' then. We got both of them stuck in the mud. Poor Makay had to push his all the way back home. Luckily we were newly weds so we laughed the whole way home instead of complained. Honeymoon = bliss no matter what happens.

This is the view from the front porch
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Yesterday, we went to the Rexburg International Dance Festival. Ya know, I am really going to miss this place when we leave. Rexburg has some pretty cool things here [especially since it's so small!]. The festival had dancers from all over the world: Japan, China, Korean, Lethawania, Russia, Mexico, etc. They blocked off Main Street for the parade. We had a great time.

Maddux was a champ. He was just fine hanging out in the stroller. [Sidenote, I love this picture of him. I can't believe how big his is getting. He has already moved up a size in clothes. It's so sad. Makay was reading about child development, and infants are supposed to double their birth weight by the fourth month. Well this little tyke has already doubled his birth weight by 2 1/2 months. Yeah. He's 14 pounds already!]

The happy family!

I ran into one of my best friends from High School there. Ashlyn Rockower, now Ashlyn Oba. It was great seeing you, Ash!

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Maddux update: Maddux has now found his hands, and he thinks they're the greatest. He loves to chew on them. I always try to pull them out of his mouth, but I can only do it so many times. We're pretty sure he is already teething. [Unfortunate, I know]. He chewing on everything; he is definitely not lacking in the drool area; he calms down when we give him teething tablets. Huh. I didn't know it was possible to teeth this early, but alas, it is.

Family update: We have decided to go the nurse anethisist route. In order for this to happen, the following must take place: Makay needs three more classes [two of which will be completed in September, and the last will be completed in December]; Makay will take the TEAS test [the nursing entrance exam] on August 15th; We must apply to the accelerated nursing program in Boise by September; we'll hopefully be headed to an interview in October; If accepted, the program will begin in January 2010 and go through April 2011; Makay will work as an RN for one year and then apply to a CRNA program [which is 27 months]; When that is competed, we'll be making good money... hopefully! Whew... we feel really good about this new path. Makay is really excited. So, we'll see what happens!

I've been designing birth announcements and wedding announcements. I hope to be opening an etsy shop in a few weeks [hopefully to be followed by a website]. Wish me luck! I'll post more about this endeavor later.