Whatever It Takes

Yes, I'm back. Are you surprised? I know it's been 3 months, but I was just struggling with how to get back into the swing of things. The long hiatus wasn't due to lack of time, or lack of things to share. It was simply a lack of "know-how." I just didn't know how to go from writing about Sara to writing about going to the zoo? Bleh. Blah. Bluh.

So what did it take to get me to post again? I had knee surgery on Tuesday. It was nothing serious...just a minor, arthroscopic, get in there & clean things up sort of surgery. But I've been tied to the couch for the last 4 days and a person can only spend so much time on Facebook and Pinterest. I decided I had the time, so I might as well go for it.


So what have we been up to these last 3 months? Here is a quick recap of our summer through pictures:


Went on vacation with my side of the family to Bodega Bay, CA:

Spent many a sunny afternoon at the park playing in the water:

Played with Wyatt's best little girlfriend, Nora:

Discovered how much Wyatt loves black beans at Baja Fresh:

Had some good quality time with Brett's side of the family:

Attempted about 20 family pictures:

Took Wyatt on his first zoo trip where he perfected his elephant noise:

& realized we have quite the little athlete on our hands:

There is so much more that went on this summer - it was crazy busy! But this turned out to be a pretty packed post (say that 10x's fast), so I'll be back with more summer happenings and pictures in the next couple weeks. Or maybe even in the next couple days while I'm still tied to the couch (in between facebook stalking and pinning cool projects that I'll probably never do).

Happy Friday!

Boy oh Boy!

I can't believe the last time I posted about Wyatt was when he was 6 months old!?! He's 11 months now, people! Can you believe it? Obviously, there is a lot to catch up on, but let's be honest...how many of you (other than you, mom) actually care about all the "cute" and "cool" things my little boy did/is doing? Seriously, honestly, do you?

Well, I'm going to share anyway...but in fast forward: He crawled. He ate "real" food. He threw his food. He gained weight. He laughed. He was naughty. He laughed at being naughty. He was disciplined. He waved bye bye. He said "mama." He had his first Thanksgiving and Christmas. He was spoiled rotten. He saw his first snow fall. He went to the dermatologist (found out the "mole" on his forehead is actually a juvenile xanthogranuloma...nothing to worry about...should go away on it's own, eventually). He gained a love for dogs. He took his first steps. He got a black eye...and several more bruises. He should probably wear a helmet. He hasn't had a haircut, although he needs one. He cut 2 more teeth (and NOT the 2 front teeth...let's just say, it's a good thing vampires are "in" right now). He had his first plane ride. He loved on his Aunt Sara. He walked. He brought so much joy...and still is.

I seriously love this little boy so much. He has been such a blessing in our lives and I am so thankful that I get to be his mom.

let's face it

Yes, it's true....I'm back. For now at least. I can't promise I'll keep up with it like I used to, but I'll sure do my best.

See, here's the thing: I have definitely been putting this off. For multiple reasons. The main reason being, I don't even know where to start. So much has happened/is happening in our lives and I haven't wanted to face it. But I've had some time to deal with reality and I decided it's time. So let's just get right to it...

If you're reading this blog, you should be aware of what's going on with my sister. If you're not, then I have no idea who you are, but you can click on the link to the right that says "Sara's Story" and get up to speed. My mom has done an excellent job of sharing all that is going on with Sara and honestly, I am proud to call her my mom. If you have read any of her posts, you know why. She's amazing. And strong. And trusts God with her whole heart. And I hope and pray that some day I can be the kind of woman/mother she is.

Obviously, things have been pretty difficult lately, and I struggle with how to "feel." Most of the time, I'm just sad. Then I'm angry, with a tinge of guilt for feeling that way. Later I feel hopeful. And so it goes. My emotions change every day, every hour. It affects every aspect of my life. And I worry. I worry about how much life will change. I worry about not being a good wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend. But more so, I worry about Sara, my parents, and my siblings. And even Sara's friends. The whole thing is just too much. And I just want to be there with her, enjoying every moment we can.

Most of the time I find myself saying/thinking/writing: "I JUST DON'T KNOW!" And while that's how I feel most of the time, here are some things I do know to be true, in no particular order:

*I am proud to be a Swenson. I have an amazing family and am so thankful for the strength and love we have in each other.

*Sara is the strongest person I know. Through all of this, she still manages to smile, laugh, joke and love.

*Wyatt was the timeliest blessing of all. God knew we needed him in our lives, and blessed us with a beautiful, happy, funny little man, just when we needed him most. We are beyond thankful to have him as he brings such joy and happiness to us all.

*God is good. And He is big enough to handle my frustrations when I struggle with the "how's and why's" of everything. I also know that His plan is sovereign. He has been and will continue to use Sara and her story in the lives of many.

*I have a wonderful husband who loves me deeply and is standing by my side every step of the way. What a man.

*God understands pain. He is our strength when we are weak.

*We are beyond blessed to have the friends and family we do. Since day one there has been an outpouring of love, support and encouragement from those close to us, as well as some who have never even met Sara. In the last 2 months especially, I have been brought to tears several times by the thoughtfulness and generosity of so many. I can't even begin to express my gratitude.

*Joy and sorrow can walk hand in hand with one another. Even in the midst of pain, Wyatt will still light up when he sees me, coffee will still taste good, my family will still be funny, Brett will still make me laugh, and best of all, God's mercies will still be new every morning!

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So there you have it. That's all I have on this subject for now. My plan over the next few weeks is to get caught up with this whole blogging thing. Life has still been happening all around me and there really is so much to share. I'd like to use this blog as a place to be normal...as normal as can be considering the circumstances that are anything but.

Here's what to stay tuned for:

* Swenson Family Get Together & Sara's Graduation (the most amazing weekend ever)

* Wyatt Update (he's now almost 11 months and walking...YIKES!)

* Our House (we've been here for almost 3 months now and we love it)

* Working Momma (i've been back at ClubSport since mid November and it's going great)

* and more :)

we're on a roll

Look at me go... I'm on a roll with this whole blogging thing! I think because I was asbent from it all summer, I'm excited to actually have some time to post.

And Wyatt is on a roll because. . .well. . . just because he has lots of rolls and he's been rolling all over the place. Seriously, this little guy is growing so fast. My goal was to post about his milestones and little personality each month, but obviously, I've missed the last two. He's conquered 3 months and 4 months, and is now just a couple weeks away from 5 months!

Here are a few things about our little bubs:

* He now weighs 15 lbs and is 26 inches long (50th % for weight and 90th % for height). So basically he's a long, lean, fighting machine.

* He is the smiliest (is that even a word??) baby ever and will give them out to anyone who looks at him. I love that he's not shy, but I hope he drops the flirting by the time he's 10, scratch that, 5. Seriously, he has such a flirty smile towards girls. This is sort of embarrassing to admit, but a couple weeks ago, I was watching the Bachelor Pad (trashy, I know) while burping Wyatt, and every time Gia (who is pretty much the most beautiful woman I've ever seen) came on the tv, he would burst out with a coo, a wiggle and a huge smile. No joke. . . my sister can attest to it. What a funny little guy he is.

* He still loves to bounce, so my parents (thanks grandma & grandpa) bought him a bouncer seat that he absolutely loves. It's a life saver for me because I can actually get stuff done around the house and keep him happy at the same time.

* He started sitting up on his own. . . sort of. I have to start him off by balancing him just right, and then he can only hold it for 15 seconds max before toppling over. He's face planted it a few times when I couldn't catch him quick enough, but he's a boy and he's tough, so it didn't even phase him.

* He's finally putting himself to sleep at night and is sleeping much better and longer because of it. He'll go down around 9:30 and sleep until about 7:30!! Full night's sleep for momma? . . yes, please!

* He's obsessed with his feet. And they're finding their way into his mouth quite often these days. In fact, everything (feet, hands, clothes, blankets, toys, my hair, brett's face) goes into the mouth as quickly as he can get it there. He started teething recently so whatever soothes him, I guess.

* He really loves his daddy. His face just lights up every time he sees him. Brett's does too actually. And Brett sure does know how to make him laugh. It makes me jealous some times. . .especially when I try the exact same thing and don't even get a smile out of him. It's as if he's saying, "Come on, Mom. Why do you have to steal Dad's jokes? Come up with your own gig."

* He absolutely loves being outside and would spend an entire day out there, and probably not care to even eat or sleep, if he could. If he's a little fussy, all I have to do is walk over and open the front door and he stops. If, however, I don't step outside within 15 seconds or so, he starts back up. Once outside, he's as happy as can be and is especially drawn to swaying branches and leaves.

* He is super expressive and makes the absolute best faces.

* This boy pees all the time. No joke. We'll change his diaper and within a few minutes he's wet again. And when I get him up in the morning, his diaper is beyond soaked. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to bother him too much. Plus, they work great for Brett and I to bundle up and use as ammo against each other. We may be parents now, but we still know how to have fun. :)

* He has perfected the roll. . . mainly from back to stomach. I'll put him down on his back, walk away for 5 seconds, and return to him on his tummy facing a completely different direction than I put him. He is such a little wiggle worm.

* His official baby nickname is bubs, bubbas or bubsies. Once he grows out of the baby stage, I'm sure Brett will come up with something a little more boy and a lot less baby.

* He's still a binky boy, still pees in the bath every time, still loves to snuggle and is still soothed by bouncing on an exercise ball . . .

. . . and we still love him to pieces.

we've been busy (part 4) . . . sam & kim's wedding weekend

I have another sister! And she's absolutely wonderful. We couldn't be happier to have added Kim to our family. She's a beautiful person inside and out and is such a perfect fit for Sam (you've done well, brother).

We decided to head out early for the wedding to spend a few days with my parents in Nevada before heading to NorCal for the big event. It made for a few more hours on the road, but it was well worth the extra time with family. Wyatt is such a travel trooper. We've been doing so much of it this summer that he's gotten used to it. As long as he has a full belly and a clean diaper, he's good to go. Unfortunately, the clean diaper thing only lasts for so long... he had 3 massive blow outs in his carseat during our time on the road. Awesome!

The weekend was fun and the wedding was beautiful. It's always so great to have that many family and friends in one spot and it's even better to be celebrating such a happy occasion.

attempting a family picture. but apparently, wyatt's stealing most of the attention with his crying...what a baby ;)

a much better attempt:

ya, we love each other...

one of the few pictures we have of the 3 of us. special occasions are the only time i can actually get brett to smile for a picture

sister's

the real us. . .

so excited to be Mrs. Swenson

so perfect for each other!

LOVE YOU SAM & KIM!

we've been busy (part 3)

About a month ago we were able to spend some time with Brett's family... thankfully, his parents only live 3 hours away so we get to see them more often than the rest of his family... but his sister, and her hubby and 2 adorable little boys (with a sweet baby girl on the way), live all the way over in Arkansas. We wish they would just pack up and move back here already, but for now, we'll take any visit we can get.

It was so fun seeing the three boys together. Carson and Jackson are getting so big and their little personalities are too cute. It will be great when Wyatt's a little bit older and can play right along side them.

We tried several times to get a picture of the three of them together, but trying to get a 2 year old, a 1 year old and a 3 month old to sit still, look at the camera, and not hurt each other, is next to impossible. But here are some of our best tries. We probably could've timed these a little better so the sun wasn't right in their eyes, but coordinating nap times and meal times just added to the difficulty of getting these pictures taken. Ah well . . . maybe next time . . .

we've been busy (part 2)

4th of July weekend with the Officer's . . .


It's becoming a tradition. Spending the 4th of July in Steilacoom, WA with our good friends. And we look forward to doing it again next year.

with the officer's & muri's. . . like family :)

the girls around the fire. . . while the boys made "fire" of their own with home-made fireworks.

nothing like a small town celebration!

* i know i'm missing any pictures of the bubs on his first 4th of July...but he slept through everything and you can only have so many pictures of a sleeping baby.

we've been busy (part 1)

Woah...has it really been over a month since i last blogged? Oops...ah well, I'm back now and I'm sure none of you really "missed" me. If you did, it was probably more the pictures of Wyatt that you were missing, huh? It's okay, you can be honest. I won't be offended. He's way cuter than me, so I get it. :)

So yes, we've been busy. Busy travelling, spending time with family and friends, celebrating birthdays, watching Wyatt get bigger and cuter by the minute, and just trying to enjoy the summer, despite all the homework Brett's been doing for his master's classes.

I feel like there's just too much to post about, so I whipped up a calendar of what we've been up to for the last month and a half. . . and what we have still coming up. As much fun as it's been seeing family and friends, all the travelling has worn me out! It's good to be home . . . (even if it is only for another week).

Here are some pictures from trip 1 of our summer....more to come later.

my beautiful parents

grandma & wyatt

great grandma & wyatt


grandpa & wyatt watching the world cup game



sara rocks the short hair, doesn't she?

Uncle Sam & Wyatt's first meeting...they really loved each other!

on the road...again

As I mentioned before, more pictures of our summer will be coming later. Look back for "part 2" soon.