Here's one way to save money

Whenever the boys get a haircut, Ame asks to get her hair cut. We think it's ridiculous to pay for such a cut, but when she insisted, Aki volunteered to just do it himself. To my surprise, she agreed! I thought it was a sweet scene.

Trying out the final product. I'm pretty sure she burned herself five seconds later.

Ame + Vaha

Ame loves being a big sister. She is sometimes a little too ambitious when holding the baby and ends up dropping him [cringe], but we know she loves him so much. We're thankful for all her help with baby Vaha and loves to make him "talk."

Ame was trying to help Vaha play the piano.

Babies love mirrors, even this old antique thing.

Vaha assortment

It's understandable that 90% of the images on my camera consist of this little dude. He is my constant companion, and I find him oh so cute.

I laugh when I see him in his little dinosaur/dragon hat, especially when he tries to stare at the teeth.

See the tiny dimples?

These are the eyes I love looking into. His eyelashes are growing. [Taken by Makai]

[Taken by Makai]

We have no idea what was happening here, but we laugh every time we see it.    [Taken by Makai]

Sweet Aya

Monday morning I drove Mom down to Provo so she could stay a couple night at Brig & Shayla's house. While there we got to love on the newest member of the Udall clan, Aya Camerie Udall. We met Aya briefly on Christmas Day, but hadn't seen her since. What a chubbers she is! I was happy to get some lovin' from Silas, Peanut (ahem...Avalon), and Max as well.

What do they think of each other?

Grandma Risa came to town

My mom, otherwise known as Grandma Risa, made a trip from tropical Mexico to freezing Utah during a two-week break in temple service. She split her time between Utah and Arizona.

During her two days (so short!) in Stansbury Park, we were essentially snowed in, but we did have fun playing games, eating delicious but healthful food, chatting it up, and going to church. Mom and I managed to get a date in of going to Costco and seeing Les Mis, complete with popcorn and diet Coke. (Thank you to Aki for managing the kiddos during that time and having dinner ready upon our return.)

Her time here was wonderful--how I miss her and my Pops. I wish we had taken more pictures, but these are better than nothing, which is what I took during her last visit.

Vaha meets his grandma for the first time.

Grandma Risa was schooling the kids in UNO, even though Makai kept changing the rules as they went.

Just missing Grandpa Barry.

Sunday morning while we were getting ready for church, I could hear all three older kids in the baby's room. When I peeked in, I had to smile at all of them attentively caring for him. They had changed his diaper and were dressing him for church. I love my little family.

Having a morning chat.

Thank you, Mimi!

My grandma Mimi (real name: Jeanne Pauline Joyce Larson Hatch) is an amazing woman. At the age of 90 years old, she still lives on her own. She drives herself everywhere, freeways and all; she still travels; she uses a computer and uses it well; she has dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and remembers them all.

Mimi in her younger days.

Mimi at our wedding.

After Vaha was born, Mimi sent this blanket that she had knitted from Peruvian wool yarn. It is so soft, the workmanship is just beautiful, and the color is rich. It's a favorite! Thank you, Mimi, for the generous gift. I know you spent many hours making the blanket, and we will keep and cherish it always.

It keeps on falling

I realize this is another negative post, but I just have to get it out. I figure that seasonal depression goes right along with postpartum depression, so why not??

Although I do like seeing the beautiful landscape and awesome icicles, and eating yummy soup, I am so tired of winter!! I need sunshine, I need dry roads, I need kids to play outside. The winter (thus far) has been pretty incredible with constant weather/precipitation. I am grateful to not be working...when I see my kids leaving for school each day I am silently glad to be able to stay at home in my PJs. Looking forward to the warmer weather...please remind me to not complain when I'm sweating to death. :)

Aki is a trooper for repeatedly shoveling our larger-than-necessary driveway. Good thing he had help that night.

Ame is always willing and excited to help shovel.

Tevi making a snow angel.

Our front yard has looked like this for weeks on end.

Makai and Ame's footsteps through the backyard to get to the bus stop.

The cooler and grill are remnants of warmer days. I guess we never winterized our backyard?

Regrouping

I really do enjoy being a mother. Caring for a newborn, and a fussy one at that, is difficult. But it is temporary and before too long I will actually miss it. I love being a source of comfort (and nutrition!) for my sweet babe. I love being greeted by his enthusiastic smile when I lean over the crib to pick him up--nothing like it to boost my spirits. How I love smelling the top of his little head and smooshing his chubby little cheeks with kisses. I love staring into his big brown eyes as his tiny fingers pat my face and grab my nose. I love hearing what he has to "say" as he experiments with his voice and squeals in delight. I love watching his daddy and brothers and sisters care for him. I love Vaha and I love being his mama.

For the record, I love the other little guy in the picture too. :)