The Wigginton Family

Recap

2012-02-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

Quick recap of Valentine's Day, which was awesome by the way.

Special vday breakfast and major beadhead: T's grilled cheese lunch, and his fingers too:
A little post-lunch lovin:
Dream basket from my honey (complete with five different kinds of cupcake sprinkles, eek!):

$7 Papa Murphy's Take 'n Bake heart pizza, score:

Goodies from neighbors, family and friends. THANK YOU!:

My Littlelest Valentine

2012-02-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

Gosh he's cute. I'm kinda obsessed.

At least he looks good in a suit

2012-02-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

Talmage and I went on a little Mommy/Mister date a few days before Valentine's Day. Stanford was holding a family dance so we decided T and I would go while James and Evie hung out at home. I thought it would be good for us to get out and do something fun together.
I was REALLY excited for the dance, and T couldn't stop talking about it. We have dance parties in our living room just about everyday, and we were both looking forward to dancing the night (read: after naptime/early evening) away!

We both got all dressed up. Holy hannah could that kid look any cuter in a suit? He kept saying, "I'm taking Mommy on a date. We're going to a special, special dance!" He even smiled when we took lots and lots of prom-esque pictures. Why oh why oh why couldn't that smile have stayed on his face?

Yep, I'd say we make a pretty cute couple. As I look at these pictures now (a few days after the dance) I am left wishing that the dance was as adorable as the pre-date pictures. My mom tried to console me by saying that Talmage will probably always have good memories of the dance and of this date (even though he hated every second of it and made it miserable for me). We'll see.

As for me, this picture from the dance sums up my memory. I'll save you from the naughty details, but let's just say the break-downs started the second we walked in the room and didn't end the whole time we were there. Or on the way home. Earlier than expected, of course.

At least he looked good in a suit. It was his one redeeming quality of the evening!

A Heart-y Valentine's Party

2012-02-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

Lucile Packard hosted a Valentine's party for heart families and it was really nice. There was a jump house, games and awesome prizes. Talmage scored a new Mater and also Finn McMissile (which he calls Minn Miss Isle). We spent most of our time outside, trying to protect Evie from getting sick, but we came in at the end to grab a piece of pizza and say our hellos. I feel bad because Everett is the reason we even got to go to this event, and yet he never left his carseat and I had a blanket and a carseat-cover over him the entire time. If we can make it through the season without him getting really sick I will be really happy...and hopefully much less stressed. This was our first time leaving the house since surgery (besides doctors visits) and it will be the last for a while.

Tinkerbell and Jessie the cowgirl came to visit the kids and T was hilariously entertained. This is the kid who won't even sing heads, shoulders, knees and toes at our library story hour and he did absolutely everything they asked. He spinned in circles, he covered his eyes with his hands, and he even danced. DANCED. Halfway through the show, Tinkerbell rhetorically asked, "What do you see?" Talmage blurted out, "A lion!" When she did not respond he took matters into his own hands, ran to the front of the room and kept saying, "I see a wion. I see a wion." It was too cute to stop.

The four of us before we left. Everett is under that super cute carseat cover my sister made for me. Love it!

To all, happy Valentine's Day and happy CHD Awareness Week!!!

Things you should know about a heart mom

2012-02-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Please read this blogpost written by a fellow heart mom. It's insightful and interesting and too true. I was shaking my head with agreement after every single bullet point. Either all heart moms are very similar, or me and author would be good friends in real life! Hope you like it as much as I do.

http://www.abbysperfectbrokenheart.net/?p=613

Feeling the Love

2012-02-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

“God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” --President Spencer W. Kimball

{Amazing treats delivered to us at the hospital by my friend Comfort. Cupcakes + heart decoration = she knows me well!}

I've always considered myself an independent person by nature. The "I do it" attitude that began when I was just a baby has in some ways never left. At two it meant that I would wear my shoes on the wrong feet all day, solely because of the thrill the newfound control gave me. As an adult, it has translated into not asking or accepting help when in reality I am drowning in need because, "It may be miserable but gosh darn it I can do it myself!" The pride in that statement is embarassing, yes, but at times in my life (think before children humbled the heck out of me) it has fit me to a T.

The last few years, and especially during the past few months, my white flag has been raised numerous times and I've admitted that I just can't do everything by myself. I've learned that I can't pray and plead and beg for Heavenly Father to bless my life, help our family, bring me peace, etc. and then refuse all the assistance that is offered by my neighbors, family and friends. So I haven't. I have let others in to feel our pain, to cry with us and to serve us. Not only has my family been fed and my burden been lightened, but my spirit has been enriched. I know that God answers my prayers and He loves me because so many of YOU have been the answer I was seeking.

So to all of those that made us meals, brought us treats, watched our crazy T, prayed for us, thought of us, shared our story, visited us, offered help and more, thank you for making this season of our lives so full of LOVE. My heart is bursting at the seams with gratitude.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity...It turns problems into gifts, failures into successes, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
--Melodie Beattie

If I could write your story, son

2012-02-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

Another poem by the talented Stephanie Husted.

If I could write your story son
(Oh how I wish I could)
I'd pen for you a journey
That held nothing but the good.

Wouldn't it be perfect
If that job belonged to me?
I think I'd change a thing or two
While writing your story.

I'd write of lasting happiness,
The storms would stay at bay.
I'd write your story carefully,
I'd have so much to say.

You'd know not of a hospital
Or days in ICU.
You'd only know of simple things,
Like other children do.

The sun would rise...yes everyday...
And shine to make you smile.
You'd never know a day of pain
You'd never face a trial.

You'd dance to music all your own
While watching Sesame Street.
I'd tuck you into bed each night
And life would be complete.

I'd write of picnics in the park
And winters in the snow.
I'd write of laugher, joy and love.
I'd sit and watch you grow.

I'd proofread till my eyes grew tired
Each line and paragraph.
And let my pen fall to the floor,
Then stop to hear you laugh.

And never would I question
What sick children must face.
Never would I have a need
To ask God for his grace.

I'd likely live oblivious
Of what it means to be.
A member of this "special club"
I call my heart family.

If I could write your journey son,
Perhaps I'd not convey.
The message that HE longs to share
"We must live for today."

Your story has been written,
Each stroke penned with great care.
He knows each thought I have of you.
He's numbered every hair.

No I can't write your story son
Although I wish I could.
I must heed what HE says to me
"All things work for the good."

If I could write the life you'd live
I'd fail...don't you see?
I'll leave it in much better hands
He'll write it perfectly.

Of Hospitals, Thanks and Chocolate Cupcakes

2012-02-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

After having two babies wind up in the Newborn ICU (Utah Valley and Mercy San Juan), a prolonged visit to the Pediatric ICU for Everett's first surgery (UC Davis), a stay in the Cardiovascular ICU for the most recent heart surgery (Lucile Packard at Stanford) and dozens of visits to the heart center, labs and offices at all of those locations, you would think that I would absolutely hate the hospital. But that's not really the case.

A hospital is a sobering place--it's full of adults and children, each with a heavy load to bear. A hospital is a reverent place--a place where earthly goodbyes are uttered and eternal reunions occur. And a hospital is also an inspiring place--a place where miracles are performed and lives are saved.

Both of my boys lives were saved in hospitals, by doctors and nurses that have spent years studying and perfecting their trade so that they would know how to bless our family. Through all of the craziness that heart disease and the treatment can bring, I have allowed myself the joy of being truly and completely grateful for all that hospitals have to offer. I respect them, I feel safe in them and I'm grateful for them.

Do I want my baby to be in the hospital? No. But that's not because I don't like them, it's frankly because I don't want my baby to be sick. But if my baby is really sick, there is no place I'd rather be than a good hospital with a good doctor and good nurses. And luckily, we've landed in those hands many times.

Our new cardiologist, Dr. Punn, is a total gem. When we were close to being discharged from the hospital I was feeling nervous and overwhelmed. Everett was being sent home much sooner than I had expected, and call me crazy but I wasn't sure if I was ready, or able, to provide him the around the clock care he needed. Dr. Punn walked into Everett's hospital room (purely for a pleasure visit, might I add) right as the bandage was coming off of Everett's chest for the first time. Seeing Evie's scar was all it took to start the tears flowing. This was only my third time seeing Dr. Punn (the first when we were told Evie needed another surgery, the second at our pre-op appointment) and I had cried every single time. He got me tissue and kept reassuring me that our baby was beautiful, that he was recovering well and that we all would be ok. He has young children, his youngest is the same age as Everett, so I feel like he talks to me with the knowledge and expertise of a doctor, but also with the empathy and concern of a fellow parent. When we visited the heart center a few days ago I vowed I would not cry! And Dr. Punn, he was just as charming as ever. Upon entering the room he immediately scooped Everett in his arms and started talking to him. I gave him a big plate of cupcakes just for him, but as delicious as they were I still don't think we're even. I imagine I will always feel a large debt of gratitude to him and our other wonderful doctors.

To say thank you to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at Lucile Packard who took such great care of Evie, and in honor of CHD Awareness week, we made dozens and dozens of cupcakes (triple chocolate, peanut butter and vanilla/vanilla) and delivered them to the CVICU and the floor after our appointments. It was nice to see everyone again, and I think they enjoyed seeing us too...

...and with a delivery boy like this can you blame them? Forget about the cupcakes, most of the doctors and nurses that saw Evie again wanted to eat him up! He gave everyone his signature grin and loved his wagon ride. I was pretty generous in my cupcake delivery that day, but I can honestly say that I saved the sweetest sweet for myself--and just might have nibbled on him all afternoon!

A Mother's Perspective

2012-02-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

The poem below was not written by me, but I wish it was. I related to every single word, and tear up with every reading. It's truly what being a heart mom is all about.

What is a CHD? A Mother's Perspective.

By Stephanie Husted (fellow heart mom)

You passed me in the shopping mall
(You read my faded tee).
You tapped me on the shoulder,
Then asked"What's a CHD?"

I could quote terminology,
There's stats that I could give.
But I would rather share with you
A mother's perspective.

What is it like to have a child with a CHD?

It's Lasix Aspirin Captopril
It's wondering...Lord what's your will?
It's monitors and oxygen tanks
It's a constant reminder to always give thanks.

It's feeding tubes, calories, needed weight gain
It's the drama of eating...and yes it's insane!
It's the first time I held him, I'd waited so long,
It's knowing that I need to help him grow strong.

It's making a hospital home for awhile
It's seeing my reward in every smile.
It's checking his sats as the feeding pump's beeping
It's knowing that there is just no time for sleeping.

It's caths, x-rays and boo boos to kiss
It's normalacy that I sometimes miss.
It's asking do his nails look blue?
It's cringing inside at what he's been through.

It's dozens of call to his pediatrician
She knows me by name, I'm a mom on a mission!
It's winter's homebound and hand sanitizer
It's knowing this journey has made me much wiser.

It's watching him sleeping his breathing is steady.
It's surgery day and I'll never be ready.
It's handing him over I'm still not prepared,
It's knowing that his heart must be repaired.

It's waiting for news on that long stressful day,
It's praying...it's hoping...that he'll be okay.
It's the wonderful friends with whom I've connected,
It's the bond that we share, it was so unexpected.

It's that long faded scar down my child's small chest,
It's touching it gently and knowing we're blessed.
It's watching him chasing a small butterfly,
It's the moment I realized I've stopped asking why.

It's the snowflakes that fall on a cold winter's day,
They remind me of those who aren't with us today.
It's a brave little boy who loves Thomas the train,
Or a special heart bear or a frog in the rain.

It's the need to remember we're all in this plight,
It's their lives that remind us we still need to fight!
It's in pushing ahead amidst every sorrow,
It is finding the strength to have hope for tomorrow.

And no, we'll never be the same.

This is...a CHD.

Everett's story--the diagnosis

2012-02-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

{portrait by AshMae, see below for details or click on the picture}

I remember vividly the moment I learned Everett had congenital heart disease. The previous night had been sleepless, and Everett's eating and activity had continued to diminish. He was 36 hours old. I was pleading for help, but our nurse told me I was overreacting. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with your son," she said, but as much as I wished she was right I knew it was not true. Every person who walked into our small hospital room heard my plea, and finally an incredible doctor trusted my instinct, and thinking he just had an eating problem had a lactation specialist come to my room. She noticed that Everett was having difficulty breathing, and sent him to the nursery for an evaluation.

What she guessed was some kind of an infection, turned out to be Congenital Heart Disease. By the time the NICU doctor walked back into our room to draw a diagram of the heart and break the news, little Evie was barely hanging onto life and was being prepared for transport to UC Davis for recovery and surgery. My immediate question to the doctor was, "Can I hold my baby one last time before he is transported." I have seen that doctor's face in my mind over and over again as I ponder the events of that day. It's as if her eyes were saying the words she couldn't say, "You poor, innocent girl. You have no idea what's going on. You have no idea how bad it is." And I didn't. I had no idea how serious it was. Severe coarctation of the aorta, a VSD, transverse arch--his diagnosis was still just pictures in our doctors notepad to me. She kindly said that the NICU team was working hard to prepare him, but that James could go be by his side while they worked.

I thank God everyday for helping me be in tune to Evie's needs and giving me the courage to fight for my son's life. I also thank Him for sending inspired people who chose to listen to me, his mother, who had nothing but a mother's instinct to back her claim. We were so close to losing him that day.

After the diagnosis was made, there was a rush of activity. Grandparents were cleaning, making phone calls and researching Everett's condition. I was still recovering from a c-section and had yet to leave my bed alone, but I knew that I had to get up. The reality of our situation was slowly setting in and I felt like I was literally going to blow up. I HAD to be with my baby. Before anyone knew it I was up and out the door. Hobbling like a 90-year-old woman, yes, but I was going to see my baby before he left that hospital.

I made it half way down the hall when my eyes met my mother's. She had left the room to call my dad, and immediately got off the phone when she saw me coming (maybe for fear that I would fall over in my 90-year-old-woman state!) I instantly fell apart, reverting back to being her baby girl as I longed for my baby boy. I have never been so raw in my life, in fact, it's the closest thing to an out-of-body experience I have had. I was sobbing. I was hitting the walls and I was screaming, "Let me see my baby. I need to see my baby." My memory of that experience is all a little fuzzy, but one thing that has remained vividly, and nearly tangibly clear, is the love I felt for my Everett. I loved him so much that it hurt. Some things never change.

My mom was understanding, loving, empathetic and strong. She let me lean on her--both physically and mentally--and she helped me find the NICU and my baby boy. I'm so grateful she was there.

The NICU was filled with throngs of people trying to save Everett's life. I could barely see him through the masses, but as always he looked beautiful and at peace. Before I knew it, I was on the phone with our cardiologist who helped me understand more about Everett's condition. The only thing I remember about that conversation was asking him, in between sobs, how and why our baby boy was born with a broken heart. I thought I had done everything right. I religiously took my prenatals, I didn't drink, or smoke, or even drink caffeine. I had never heard of Congenital Heart Disease, but instantly assumed that this was something I had done to my child. Guilt flooded my body. I begged for clarity, and the doctor eased my anxiety. He told me that Everett's heart defect was present before I even knew I was pregnant with him (probably in the first 40 days of pregnancy), and was not caused by anything I had done. It was then that I learned that congenital heart disease is considered to be the most common birth defect, effecting approximately 1 in 100 children.

It's amazing how you go from never knowing something exists, to having it be the center of your world. I have spent the last seven months reading books, blogs and articles about heart disease, children with different defects and our specific conditions. It has become a passion and an obsession. And it's also become very normal. We've accepted and embraced our roles as members of the heart family. We feel safe there.

If I could have three heart wishes, my first would be that congenital heart disease didn't exist at all--that all babies were born with amazingly well-functioning hearts and lived happily ever after. You gotta wish big, right? If that couldn't happen, my second wish would be that no baby ever died from congenital heart disease. I would wish with all my might that the research, technology, surgery, etc. was so advanced that no sweet heart baby would have to leave their mothers arms. I ache for them, and I ache with them. Since that is still not possible, my third wish (and the one I'm working to make my reality) is that people become aware of congenital heart disease. My wish is for parents and family members of future heart babies to know they are in a community of people who love them. My wish is for people to be so moved and affected by the stories of my little guy, and the countless other heart children, that they donate all they can to help the CHD battle. And maybe when my third wish is accomplished, my second will soon follow. And maybe, eventually, my first wish will be granted.

Oh what a day that will be.

**The gorgeous portrait of Everett was done by my talented and amazing friend Ashley Mae. Everytime I look at that scar down his chest I remember how blessed we are. She has agreed to sell prints of that portrait for $10 and donate the proceeds to Congenital Heart Disease research. I love Ashley's work on this piece because that baby could be anyone with a CHD--my baby or yours. I can't wait to get the hard copy and put it up in my house. Here is the link to the print: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92584209/congenital-heart-disease-awareness Enjoy!

CHD Awareness Week 2012

2012-02-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

This week (February 7-14) is Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week

I am a proud {and relatively new} heart mom, and will devote my blog post's this week to facts, stories and information about life with a CHD.

Quick Facts:

**Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth.

**CHD is the most common type of birth defect in the United States, affecting 1 in 100 births.

**Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of birth-defect related deaths in the world.

**Approximately 25% of children born with a CHD will need heart surgery or other interventions to survive.

**Surgery is often not a cure for CHDs. Many individuals with CHDs require additional operation(s) and/or medications as adults.

**A baby’s risk of having a CHD is increased by 3 times if the mother, father, or sibling has a CHD.

**Despite the fact that CHD affects approximately 1.8 millions families in the U.S., a relatively small amount of funding is currently available for parent/patient educational services, research, and support.

**For more information on CHD visit this site.

The BOYS Room

2012-02-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

The boys have been sleeping in the same room for the last few days. Nights have been super hard for Everett since leaving the hospital (like, up every 45 minutes hard), and I thought that maybe a change of scenery would help things out. {FYI--T wanted to cuddle with Ev in his bed while I told a story, but Everett slept in his own crib. I didn't want anyone to see the picture and be concerned.} It has definitely been a step in the right direction. He has been waking up every 2-3 hours to eat, and then will mostly go back to sleep. I still feel like I'm up a lot, but compared to the last few weeks it's like heaven.

The extra sleep has helped the Evie we all know and love to return. He is still hoarse, and eating is still a challenge, but his sweet disposition and amazing smile have returned. It's amazing what a good night's rest can do to an Ev!

T was SO excited that Evie was in his room. He's been asking me to move Everett into the crib for months. A friend let me borrow her baby monitor and it's been so cute to hear the nightly "conversation" between the boys. Evie will make a squeak and then Talmage will say, "What Evie? You say it's very dark. It's ok Evie, it's just night time." He's also told me, "Dis is da boys room wif me and Evie. And dat room is the Mommy and Daddy room."

I feel so blessed that the boys love each other so much. Talmage is definitely the apple of Everett's eye, and Talmage is a loving, protective older brother to Ev. Last week we went to the Heart Center to have Everett's stitches removed and the poor Physician's Assistant got an earful from Talmage! "No. You stop doing dat!" he ordered. "My wittle brudder Evie does not wike dat you do dat!" Probably not perfect that he was being so spicey to an adult, but awfully adorable that he sticks up for his brother. I hope that never changes.

Here is Talmage showing Everett the awesome trains at Lucile Packard. Everytime we go to the hospital now we have to get a wagon...but T really wanted to hunt down the Lightning McQueen car from 3 West.

They're out to get me.

2012-02-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Two against one. Them against me. That's how February has been so far (and maybe the last few days of January too). They're tag-teaming terrorists and they are seriously out to get me, these children of mine.

Crazy One.

Specializing in attitude, back-talk, tantrums and the occasional use of physicality on the playground--not ok.

Crazy Two.

Specializing in sleep-deprivation torture, screaming fits about everything, spitting out food, and biting Mommy with his new razors, over and over and over.

I need a nap. And they do too. Anyone else glad that February is a short month? 1

Other random Januaryisms...

2012-01-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

Talmage got a Mr. Potato Head for Christmas from Uncle Chase and has seriously played with it everyday since. He loves it, and can spend hours putting together faces and then taking it apart.

My boys and I spent Sunday morning planning our dream Disneyland vacation. And if you think I'm kidding, I'm not. We watched video after video of every ride in the park. We toured Mickey and Minnie's houses, and Talmage has declared that the train rollercoaster will be his first ride. (He also told me that he's scared of Dumbo the elephant and "does not want to fwy, fwy, fwy wif him.") We were all laughing and giddy. I am pretty sure I am a five-year-old in a Mommy's body.

T and I built a space ship together when Evie was taking a nap. He said he wanted a T and an L on it. T, of course, is for Talmage. When I asked him what the L was for he looked at me, almost shocked, and said, "L is for lion." Duh, mom. Get with the program. We took quite a few space trips to the moon and to mars. We also took a rocket-boat ride to Sacramento and Stanfor Cisco (San Francisco).

My parents suprised me with a glider and ottoman (to help with the nighttime nursing). It's been a dream at night, and we've also loved sitting together during the day and reading books. It feels good to be home with both of my boys again.

Seven.

2012-01-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

Everett has been in our lives now for seven months. A part of me feels like it's been a whole lot longer--two heart surgeries and a lot of worry will do that to you. The other part of me still thinks of him as my newborn. Yes, I know he's now closer to one than zero, but I can't help it. He's so much smaller than T was as a baby (he weighs the same now as Talmage did at 4 months old) and I forget that in actuality he is growing older with each passing day. He is very much still my baby--he likes to cuddle, he prefers mama's milk to baby food anyday, he doesn't sit up or scoot and he sometimes (but rarely) rolls over. But at the same time, we have seen a new spunky side of Everett lately that is both shocking and endearing. Just a word to the wise, if he's playing with a raddle, please DO NOT touch it. You've been warned!

He's eating a little bit more baby food lately and he is kind of, sort of, sometimes liking it. He eats rice cereal, and has tried applesauce, sweet potatoes, peas, green beans and prunes (we were trying to help with his constipation after leaving the hospital). He sucks his thumb in between every single bite and he is an absolute mess after every meal. We're hoping that a little extra food will help him pack on the pounds, especially considering his vocal cord injury and subsequent nursing issues. Although for weight gain to happen he would have to get more mush in his mouth and less mush on his clothes--we'll keep working on it.

The last few days have been really rough for Everett. I wish I knew what was wrong. He spends a good portion of his days, and an even larger portion of his nights crying and moaning. Does his chest hurt? Or maybe it's just itchy and bothering him. Is he cutting teeth? He has two already so I'm sure more are on their way. Does his stomach hurt? Is he feeling warm? Is there an infection that I should be aware of? I wish I could ask him and I wish he could answer. It's probably just normal seven-month-old behavior, but my seven-month-old just had open heart surgery, which makes nothing normal to me. In the meantime, we are working on being patient with each other and doing our best. We spent most of today outside, and it seems like the crisp California air mixed with the madness of lots of kids at play kept him entertained and distracted him from his pain. I think it was a lovely seven month birthday afterall!

Courage

2012-01-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Upon being admitted to the CVICU, we were given a long string with beads spelling Everett's name. The nurses introduced us to the beads of courage program which is designed to honor the challenging journey kids take while receiving care for cardiac conditions. Each time Evie had a procedure done, was poked or scanned, stayed over in the hospital, had an infusion, etc. he was given another bead to add to his string. I don't think we remembered to get every bead we should have (and UCD didn't have this program, so his first surgery is not included on the string), but we did always try to remember to get the beads that he had earned. I think someday he will think this is really cool, and it will definitely make an awesome show-and-tell item. He will be able to show everyone his badge (eh hem, string) of courage!

In Evie's short life he has taught me so much about how to act with courage. Webster describes courage as "the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous," and Everett has done that, always with a smile on his face and a peaceful, happy, calming nature. He has had health issues, he has had surgeries, he has been poked and prodded more than I have in my whole life, and yet he handles it with grace. When I am facing a hardship or trial in my life, I hope I can have the same sweet courage that my son has shown. He is my little hero, that's for sure.

When the doctor first took the long white bandage off of Everett's chest I started to cry. Here was my perfect, innocent, beautiful baby with a long, red scar down his chest. The doctor kept commenting on how beautiful it looked, but I didn't say a word. I just cried. I was shocked by my emotion, and to be honest I was shocked by the scar. But the more I look at it, the more beautiful it becomes to me. That scar is beautiful because it represents a life still being lived. That scar is beautiful because it represents a heart that is still beating...and in fact beating much better than it ever has. That scar is beautiful because it is on my perfect, innocent, beautiful baby boy and is now very much a part of his story. I hope that Everett is always grateful for that long, red scar down his chest. I know I am.

Getting to know each other

2012-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Since being home from the hospital we have been doing a whole lot of nothing, and yet it's been an exhausting lot of nothing! Everett and I are becoming reaquainted. We are trying to re-learn how to co-exist, and do even the simplest of things. He's trying to remind me how he likes to nurse, the new ways he likes to be held and the owie spots that he'd rather I not touch. I'm trying to remind him how much he loves kisses and gentle squeezes, trying to show him that I can be gentle and still secure him in my arms and desperately trying to work the tape off of his poor battered skin. Yesterday I think I gave him too many loves, and as a result he was up most of the night in extra pain. Even cuddling with mom all day is hard work when you are used to hanging out in a hospital bed full time. We've given him extra medicine, and I've tried to give him a little more space today (a little, not a lot mind you!)

I've been a little down today. Along with learning a new Evie routine, I'm also trying to process the events of the last couple of weeks. In my life, I have found that Heavenly Father blesses me with an incredible amount of strength to push through difficult experiences. I was given peace and courage during Evie's hospital stay, his surgery, and his recovery. But as was the case in the past, after the experience is over it takes me a while to process it all, mourn for the experience I have had, and move forward. I'm incredibly grateful for everything--the doctors and nurses who performed this difficult surgery with excellence, my friends and family who have supported and loved our family, a Heavenly Father who I KNOW loves my family and has constantly watched over and protected us. And yet I don't find it ungrateful to process what has happened--to try and make sense of it. In my experience, it's in the disecting of our trials that we are able to understand what Heavenly Father wants us to learn, and how we can use that newfound knowledge to bless His other children. It's also in the disecting of our trials that we can see with clear eyes all of the blessings and miracles that were given. So today has been a day of reflection. I am trying to see what He sees in me, what He sees in Ev, and what He sees for our family. And one thing I have seen perfectly--He loves us.

As I mentioned last night was a rough one for little Everett. He was up every hour moaning and crying (although he doesn't have a voice, so his cry is weak and breathy--barely audible). Everett has never been a baby that cries a lot, so when the tears start flowing you know things are not good. James was doing homework downstairs and I decided that Evie and I should watch a movie together to keep our mind off of the pain (it worked like a charm in the hospital). Jim started cracking up when he came upstairs and saw us snuggling in bed together. And of course the movie, mixed with Mommy-snuggling and a Daddy-sighting, brought forth lots of smiles!

And when I started laughing, he wanted to know what was so funny. He arched his little neck and refused to take his eyes off of me for at least 2 minutes! I am NOT complaining at all...how could I? He is the sweetest baby ever. Hopefully tonight will be better in the sleeping department and his little body will continue to heal.

In other news, Talmage will be coming home tomorrow after a fun week at Mema and Pepa's house. He has been spoiled with love, attention and things and I fear he may go through culture shock when I'm in charge again! I am SO grateful that my parents gave T a stress-free, fun-loving week. Everyday he has reported to me about new things he's done, places he's been and yummy treats he's eaten. It's a blessing to have family so close. I love that little rascaly two-year-old (who is getting more 3 everyday). I can't wait to see him. Our house and family are not complete without him.

Elder Uncle Chase

2012-01-26T16:31:00.000-08:00

{my brothers--Chase and Jordan}

A big, fat, crazy congrats to Uncle Chase for receiving a mission call to serve in Ogden, Utah. I honestly don't think I could be more proud if I tried. Chase has bloomed this past year (although I don't think he'd think that was a very manly way of saying it) into a strong, valient, and incredible man and just thinking about him and about his mission call makes me want to cry. So proud. So proud. We love you Elder Uncle Chase!

You're not going to believe this!

2012-01-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

The dressing came off so the scar can breathe.

A much-needed bath was given and the last line was pulled.

I was taught how to carry him and we took a few walks.

It was determined that Evie's left vocal cord was paralyzed from the surgery and we went downstairs to do a swallow study (an awesome test where they take multiple x-rays while the baby drinks a bottle to determine where the fluid is going). We have a few eating restrictions, but luckily he can still nurse.

And then they sent us home. HOME! Post-op day four and we are at HOME.

It's all a little surreal. I definitely wasn't expecting it. But I'm so excited to be HOME with my boy. Woo-hoo!

A busy 24

2012-01-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

The last 24 hours have been super busy for our little man. Here's what he's been up to:

Smiling. Oh yes, my friends, that sweet smile is winning nurses over by the dozens. The whole pediatric team rounded on him this morning instead of half the team ONLY because they were told he was such a cute baby and had an amazing smile :)

Sleeping sideways in bed.
Being weaned from his nasal canula and breathing room air.
Sleeping off surgery.

Being transferred to the floor in a little red wagon. I was shocked that it happened so soon, but all the doctors have been very impressed with his recovery so far. He looked so darn cute in that wagon! I've gone through a little bit of shock from not having a personal nurse, but it has its perks also (like not as many beeps at night!)

T came to visit and took a ride of his own around the floor (pediatric unit). He tried to talk Mema into letting him take it into the elevator and home with him, but it didn't work!

Being cute.

And being disconnected from lots of lines, meds and tubes. The chest tube even came out this afternoon which is awesome because it was extremely painful for him and making him so sad.

Drinking Mama's milk straight from the source. I'm hoping that now that the chest tube is gone this will be more successful and less painful.

Rekindling his romance with his thumb. I'm so glad they've reunited!

Watching movie after movie on his personal big screen TV. Such the life!

Wearing a diaper on his foot so that he doesn't kick out his only remaining IV (fat chance, but we're trying).

Playing with Mr. Elephant and Scout that brother brought from home.

Peacefully snoozing. Not that he needs any extra beauty sleep--I think he might just be the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.

Pictures of the boy

2012-01-21T21:34:00.000-08:00

It's been another long day, but it was a good day. Everett is recovering well from surgery. His heart was playing some games with us this morning, but they discovered that the pacing wires were actually adding to his arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). Once they reset them, the irregularity stopped. The pacing wires are there just in case his heart needs a boost. I was told today that he was actually on a pacemaker for about 15 minutes after he came off of bypass because his heart was not wanting to work properly. I am so grateful that it worked yesterday, and I am so grateful that this mornings episodes were nothing more serious.

His blood pressures have regulated and he was extubated and put on a nasal canula. His main issue today was pain management and hunger. He was on morphine but it wasn't working, and it was making his poor little face itch like crazy. He was thrashing with pain and arching his back. He has lost his voice (could be temporary, could be more permanent) and his crying is so sad. They switched his pain medication (and gave him some benadryl) and he seems much more comfortable.

He was not able to have milk until late this evening. They started giving him pedialyte this afternoon but that was not satisfying and everytime I held him (yes, I got to hold him twice today!) he would thrash his body around in frustration. I can only imagine that it must be very hard for him to understand what's going on, and why his mother won't feed him. It was also very hard for me. I wanted so badly to love on him, but today he did not want me.

Tonight after he ate a bottle of mama's milk he slowly fell asleep. He looked so comfortable and peaceful, and was still sleeping when I left. It made me feel better about the day. Recovering from surgery is really difficult for all parties involved, I guess I had forgotten how stressful and intense it is. Please continue to pray for our family and for the little man.

Here is our last two days in pictures:
Everett preparing for surgery. He couldn't eat before surgery and was SO hungry...but of course had a big smile on his face! We can't wait to see that precious smile again. And PS--Evie makes hospital gowns and booties look so, way cute!

This is right before the anesthesia team took Evie for surgery. I was a wreck, not going to lie. I've felt an incredible amount of peace surrounding Everett's surgery, but that moment was not pretty. I'm glad that James was there to help me be strong. How sweet is that thumb-sucking baby?

And six very long hours later our baby met us in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). The waiting game was made much easier because of a few friends that work at the hospital and decided to drop in to see how we were. Other than that, I passed the time watching Kelly Ripa and pumping like mad. Evie looked beautiful and perfect, although I am perfectly aware that I'm a very biased mama!

Our Heart Hero.

Everett has been an exclusive thumb-sucker for the last month or so, but luckily he welcomed the binkie back into his life today! At least while his thumbs are not accessible. His arms are in those cute casts because the little rascal is trying to pull out all of his lines!

We tried to add a little bit of color to his bed. That blanket was given to him by a sweet old man that volunteers at the CVICU. I made him that sign this morning. I wanted a picture of his smiling face present so that the doctors, nurses and everyone near him can know his true nature. Again, I can't wait to see that sweet little smile.

I also put some other pictures by the bedside, just to give it a little love! Daddy and Evie.

Me and Evie. This is about as close as I could get without him smelling my being and screaming his head off!

Talmage came to visit his little brother today. He's been having a hard time with everything. When we got home to tuck him in last night he was upset that Evie was not with us. He kept saying, "Don't take me and leave me." again and again. He thinks we just left Everett somewhere and he's afraid we're going to do the same thing to him. Luckily, my amazing mom has been here to take care of him, and today we took him to the hospital so he could better visualize what was going on. It was hard for him, but also good. The first thing he said in a hushed voice was, "Oh no, baby Evie is sick." We explained things to him again, had him kiss Evie's head and gently touch his fingers, and then Daddy took T to see the trains by the heart center. Overall I think the visit was a success.

Daddy holding our sweet little man. He is such a strong boy and we couldn't be prouder of him.

Evie Ev.

2012-01-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

Surgery went well today.

Dr. Reddy was able to repair the coarctation and transverse arch, as well as fix the VSD with four little stitches. We learned today that Evie has another heart defect--supra mitral membrane and an abnormal mitral valve. They were able to peel away the tissue of the mitral membrane (also called mitral ring) but we will have to continue watching the mitral valve. Let's hope and pray that it isn't an issue for a long, long time (like, never maybe?!)

It was a long day and an emotional day. Evie's surgery was what our surgeons called "textbook," which is amazing, but recovery is always a beast. Everett's stats have been all over the board, but by late tonight he was more stable. We are all exhausted, so he is snoozing at the hospital and Jim and I just got home to take a little nap (you know, like a night-time nap!)

We are grateful for surgeons, doctors, nurses and so many other wonderful hospital personnel that have dedicated their life to healing our son. We are grateful for family and friends that have been so loving, giving and thoughtful. Oh the stories I have told my journal about YOU! Thank you everyone. And we are grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has blessed us with an overwhelming sense of peace and calm today. We couldn't have gotten through the day without it.

I'll post pictures of Everett and more updates tomorrow. Goodnight.

In the meantime

2012-01-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

Since Everett's surgery was postponed to Friday, we had two days to spend with family that had come into town. Here are some of the things we've been doing (and about a million and a half pictures of Evie).

T entertaining Grandma, or Grandma entertaining T? Maybe both.

Owl-man getting in all the swings he can.

Pizza My Heart with the fam.

Papa & GG with the boys.

We've gone on lots of walks. T is so sweet and always has at least one hand on Ev. He's such a good big brother.

We also took a few walks down memory lane. This is where Papa lived when he went to Stanford.

The Wiggy men in front of their bff, the library.

The Big Wigs and the Wiglets in front of the Memorial Church.

He, as always, has been full of smiles...

...and those smiles tripled when he tried out some apple juice for the first time (actually it was pedialyte. it's the only thing he can drink before surgery so I wanted him to try it out. he LOVED it!)

I.Love.Him.A.Lot.And.More.

Mema got here this afternoon, and T is definitely looking forward to his time with her.

And may the force be with her, cuz this kid is wild with energy!

We've been bumped...

2012-01-17T17:33:00.001-08:00

Pre-op was all morning. Six hours of Everett being poked, examined, and us being told every last detail of the surgery, the risks and the recovery. The doctors and nurses we met were amazing, but as you can imagine the endless appointments were exhausting. We left this afternoon with our heads wrapped around what would happen tomorrow. We felt at peace.

BUT

At 4 pm we received a call from our surgeon's PA telling us that he had bad news. Everett's surgery was being bumped to Friday because a baby needed emergency surgery tomorrow morning. My stomach turned--for us and for them. This waiting game has been excruciating for me. This may sound weird but I was actually glad the surgery day was upon us so that very soon it would be behind us. To many of you two days probably doesn't sound like a lot, but to me thinking/obsessing/worrying about this surgery for two more days sounds like forever. At the same time, only five months ago we were the family bumping another child's surgery so that our son could receive emergency heart surgery. That is a scary place to sit. Everything is so uncertain, fresh and raw. The world spins and you have no control. I ache for this family, and we are definitely praying for them. I really want to know who they are and I really wish we could help--but we'll leave that in the Lord's hands.

In the meantime, thank you for everyone's prayers, thoughts and love. We will keep you updated with all things Evie very soon!

Riding in Style

2012-01-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm totally behind on the times, but had any of you ever seen one of these sweet babies before? This, my friends, is a shopping cart that has a TV screen inside the little car. Those red car grocery carts that were once the apple of T-Man's eye are now old news my friends. Now, children can drive the car while simultaneously watching Handy Manny. T had a blast, was totally silent the whole trip and when it was time to go asked me, "Mommy, don't you need to go to another store now?" Yes, they are kind of over the top, but with results like that, I'm sold!

Stanford Basketball

2012-01-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

The men's basketball team had two games this week and since they will probably be the only games we will be able to attend all season we went to both. On Thursday night, Stanford played Utah and I made sure we all wore Cardinal and NOT red! I was relieved and elated that Stanford won, although we didn't stay until the end of the game. T and his little buddies were SO darling--dancing to the music, cheering for the players and waving those pom-poms. It was such a nice, relaxing, fun evening with good friends...and Utah lost, so it was great!

Evie is the BEST sports baby ever. He sat on Daddy's lap for almost the whole game and watched the players run back and forth. We went to another game on Saturday (which Stanford also won, ps) and Evie even took his afternoon nap while all of the cheering and whistles and band-craziness took place. This baby is golden.

January in Cali--Kind of an Awesome Joke.

2012-01-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

January. Is it really January? It's sunny. And warm. And beautiful all day. And it's January? I don't know why Mother Nature loves me so much, but I'll take it--this has definitely been my kind of January.

The Bumbo Babes--I think Evie is about 5 weeks older than this pretty lady! They sat, sunbathing, for such a long time watching their older brothers play.

The Cameramen--these two rascals were born 9 days apart. Is it cooler that our neighbors have two kids the exact same age as our kids, or is it cooler that it was warm enough in January for us to all play outside together? Barefoot, might I add.

We have been making a habit out of having a snack on a blanket during the day. On that particular day our snack was Everett. He was de-lish.

Yes, California in January is amazing. It makes us really happy.

The Duck Pond and The Lizard Lady

2012-01-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

I don't think going to the duck pond will ever get old. At least, I hope it will never get old. It has a dual purpose--getting rid of unused bread (which I store on top of the fridge for weeks in anticipation of duck day) and entertaining the munchkin (which almost always occurs--except, however, the day after he has a bad dream about a duck tickling his tummy).

No, I did not make that up. T has been having nightmares lately about animals--namely ducks and turtles--tickling his tummy. And he does not think it's funny. He also has a recurring dream about Lamby, his stuffed lamb, kicking him. This may sound cute and innocent, but these dreams cause the most blood-curdling screams at 2 am from T-Man. Poor kid. Anyway, he was a little nervous about feeding the ducks on this particular visit so I let him sit on the roof of the car. Everything was fine and dandy until a seagull decided to get a little closer to the action and sit next to T. There was screaming, and crying, and huffing for a few minutes. Luckily, they made their peace (although if he has a nightmare about a seagull soon I'll know why).

Eventually he got the hang of things on the roof and had a grand time throwing handfulls of bread at a time. You should have seen the duck/pigeon/seagull hysteria going on right next to our car.

And, of course, we couldn't have a simple smile for our picture. No...here's the cheese!

Our good friends told us that the Lizard Lady was coming to the library, and we gladly tagged along. She had a lot of snakes and reptiles to show the kids, and although they thoroughly freaked me out I put on my brave face, and even touched a Boa in an attempt to ease T's fears of the creatures. He likes to look at animals from a distance. He must have gotten that gene from me! The big hit of the show was when she brought out a huge tortoise named Bob from Brazil.

This little boy was a-dor-a-ble! And absolutely, totally, incredibly brave. I am not joking when I say that I don't think you could pay me enough money to let a snake wrap itself around me. Ew.

The truth is...

2012-01-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

We are all trying to keep our happy-face on, but the thought of Everett having open-heart surgery in one week makes me feel just like this:

I really, really, really love this baby. Like REALLY love this baby. I'm praying for him like crazy and I know many of you have been as well. Thank you.

The Cheeseburger and His Brother

2012-01-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is the cheeseburger:

And this is his brother:

The cheeseburger is obviously in a silly-smile stage. He cannot smile without saying cheese, squinting his eyes and tilting his head. He usually can't look at the camera either. It's all part of being a cheeseburger. Sometimes we give him glasses so the squinty eyes aren't so darn distracting, or maybe we think the flash is too bright and is causing the squinty eyes:

Every once in a while, however, we get a good picture of the cheeseburger and his brother, minus all that cheese. We get a picture that makes our kids look like they are always well-dressed, mild-mannered, faces-clean-and-hairs-done-and-noses-wiped kind of kids. And we love those pictures. We cherish those pictures. We look at those pictures over and over and over:

But just in case anyone wants to know, it's mostly just a lot of cheese around here all.the.time. And we're ok with that. We love our little cheeseburger for making life eventful, chaotic, and journal-worthy!

Baby Lacey

2012-01-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

We have a new love, and her name is Lacey. She is itty-bitty (well, compared to our big boys) and dressed in pink. She likes to sleep and has the sweetest newborn cry when she's hungry. She's warm and melts into your body when you hold her, which you can basically do all day because she loves to cuddle. Being an aunt is the best gift a sibling can give a girl--thanks Care!

On Saturday we drove to Concord to meet our first little niece and it was heavenly. Lacey is just about the cutest thing in the world. I honestly couldn't wait to get that baby in my arms, and the only reason she left my arms was because I had to feed my own sweet baby. Wow, I love her!

Here they are! The super-cute new family of three (with Lacey-Lou in her cadillac swing...that thing is a-mazing) looking as beautiful as ever.

Carolyn is basically my hero. She pushed out a nine-pound-little-Lacey in like FIFTEEN MINUTES. One second I got a text saying that pushing had commenced, the next second I got a picture of Care holding a baby girl. And PS--in that picture she looked like a supermodel. I just don't get how that happens...and obviously my body didn't either!

Evie and T had lots of fun playing with GG at the park, and giving her loves during dinner.

And before we left we attempted to get a cousin shot. No, it was not perfect. But hey, when you're working with a two-year-old, a six-month-old and a 3-day-old you take what you can! Lacey was swing-bound so she could be hooked up to the lights for her jaundice, Evie was in a milk-induced coma, and T was being silly as silly can be.

These two little cousins are almost exactly 6 months apart and I just know they are going to love, love, love each other! I can't wait to see them grow up together. We love you little Lacey. Can't wait to see you again soon. Like, really soon. Like, you wanna come over?

Four years of knowing him

2012-01-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

It was four years ago (a few days after Christmas) that I went on my first date with James. I had recently returned from my mission, and was having tons of fun dating and getting to know lots of boys. I had told myself that I was going to live up the single life, and I was. But as soon as I went on a date with Jim, everything changed. I know that saying, "I knew he was the one" sounds silly, naive and totally cliche, but, I knew he was the one. Almost immediately. We went to Scott's seafood for a late lunch and talked for hours. I respected him and admired him. When I got home my mom asked how it went and I answered, "Just call me Mrs. Wigginton because I'm going to marry that guy!" Little did she know I was serious. We were engaged a short time later (like, super short!) and married a short time after that (again, think super short!)

Every year we try to go on a little date around Christmas time and remember that first date, the one that changed our lives for the better, and for forever. This year as we were driving to the restaurant our conversation went something like this:

J: Four years ago went I picked you up I was in a nicer car, was wearing better clothes and had more hair.

Me: I like you more now then I did then.

This year we tried to go back to Scott's seafood, but it was closed to prepare for the new year's dinner rush. So instead we went to a little taqueria with incredible mexican food, had pink lemonade (with two straws) and walked around the outlet mall. It was perfect.

Care and Bryce...and a baby soon!!!

2012-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jim's sister is having a baby...TODAY. Well, hopefully. I guess it could be tomorrow if this little girlie girl decides she wants to stay warm and snug a little longer. But I hope she comes soon because I can't wait to see her. Seriously.can't.wait! We stopped by their house on our way back to Stanford earlier this week and Bryce took and edited these pics on his sweet little iphone. Seriously, I need to take a step into this century and learn about all this technology stuff!

11 Things About Christmas in '11

2012-01-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

In no particular order, although I just know that Chase is going to love that he came in first!

1. Uncle Chase is AWESOME! He was roommates with Talmage, and T would not go to sleep at night unless I promised him that Uncle Chase would come into their room later. Chase also helped with morning duty and let me sleep in. He's grown up a lot for being my baby brother!

2. The cousin dynamic was hilarious! Talmage is the oldest cousin, and was just as bossy as my cousins say I was when we were younger. The only problem is that cousin Kai is faster than a speeding bullet and most of the time T would just run after him saying, "No Kai, no touch that." Or T would try to block things (the TV, the door, food, Riley dog, trains, etc.) with his whole body. They did get along though, and I can only imagine that these three boys will appreciate their cousin-ness more every year.

2 1/2. James always got new jammies on Christmas Eve growing up, and we have continued that tradition with our little family. They called them 'twas gifts, and I think that's just about the cutest name a present could ever have. I smiled when I wrote 'twas on T and Evie's boxes of pajamas. Evie got some pj's from his grandma as well, so he was extra festive this season. I don't know what it is about baby bums that make holiday characters so cute. Santa bum=cute. Reindeer bum=cute.

3. My mom took my sister and I out for a girls only pampering day as one of our Christmas gifts. We had our make-up done at MAC, got to pick out some make-up and went to lunch. It was SO fun I can't even explain it. Thanks Mom.

4. I got to spend time with Ash, which pretty much made my whole vacation. We don't see each other enough (although we talk on the phone like 100 times a day) and when we're in the same place I tend to hog her time and follow her around. But I'm allowed to, cuz she's my sister.

4 1/2. I don't know what was more fun--decorating gingerbread houses, eating loads of candy, or hearing the scream from Chase when he realized the nephews had pretty much eaten his house into oblivion!

5. I really love that Christmas in California is like fall anywhere else. It's cool and crisp, but you can play outside, rake leaves and ride your new bike/trike/scooter/etc. on Christmas morning. I see the romance of having a white Christmas...but I'd take a green one any day!

5 1/2. My siblings and I are seriously, so mature. You don't even want to know what Ashleigh was saying to get Chase to smile in the first picture. And then we all surprised my Mom with silly faces in the second picture...but she only saw Ashleigh's face and yelled at her (playfully) after the picture. It was hilarious! It's the first Christmas the four of us have spent together in a long time.

6. On our way back to Sac, we took the boys to the pier to see the big Christmas tree and mostly to see the sea lions. T loved the whole experience, and Ev was just happy as can be in his snow suit!

7. Uncle Jordan is a stud, which is pretty much all that needs to be said about this guy!

8. The Wiggy 2nd Cousin crew is growing more and more every year. I know that someone must have a better picture, because my attempt at capturing the kiddos was rather unsuccessful. We spent a wonderful Christmas Eve at Great Papa's house. I wish I had more pictures from the night, but Aunty Lynn (our resident photographer) was home sick. She was super missed.

8 1/2. Christmas morning was MAG.I.CAL. Notice the absolutely gorgeous stockings? Jim's mom made them for me this year as my Christmas present and I am in LOVE. They are complementary, but they each have their own style and flare. I couldn't be more thrilled to have matching stockings for my little family. Anyway, Santa came and can you guess it? T got trains for Christmas--Thomas and James and Percy! He was thrilled. Evie got a little Scout puppy and loves cuddling with him and chewing on him.

9.Christmas dinner at the McKee's was delicious and fun. After dinner we played my Mom's bells and sang Christmas carols. My mom's rendition of "five golden rings" during the 12 days of Christmas definitely stole the show!

10. The day after Christmas we spent at my Aunt Michelle's house, and as always it was a success. The house was decorated beautifully and the food was delicious. And PS, my cousin Sam and I were twinners. Fun!

10 1/2. These two little boys made my Christmas complete. Gosh I love them.

11. My parents gave T a Lightning McQueen scooter for Christmas and he loves it. He's wanted a scooter for some time now, and he loves to show us his cool tricks. The Big Wigs told me they had gotten him a shark helmet, which I assumed was a helmet wiht pictures of sharks all over it. Boy was I surprised when I saw a literal shark helmet! T loves it and has been wearing it nonstop lately.

Um...if you made it to the end of this post you are my hero. Gosh, that was a mouthful...and I kind of had to fudge it to make the list only 11 items long!

I like him a lot.

2012-01-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

Can you tell?

{after his first bite of rice cereal...a few days before he turned six months old}

Just going through Christmas pics and found about a trillion of this little fella. Love, love, love him.

Scheduled

2011-12-31T08:23:00.000-08:00

Our first cardiologist appointment at Lucille Packard was both wonderful and awful at the same time--which is what I can say about most of his appointments. I start feeling sick about four days before every appointment he has. Nauseous. Light-headed. Incredibly anxious. And this time was no different. I worry about what they'll tell me--there seems to always be bad news. And since this was our first time with a new doctor, in a new city, at a new children's hospital I was even more nervous. Plus I had that feeling, you know the feeling, the feeling that mother's get in their very soul that something is not quite right. I wish I hadn't had that feeling--and more than anything I wish that feeling hadn't proved true.

The doctor was amazing. The nurses were excellent. The facilities were gorgeous. From the moment I walked into the heart center I was at peace--total peace. I love our team at UC Davis and I was very nervous that I would not feel the same way about the doctors at Stanford, but I immediately felt like this was the right place for our family. I honestly believe that we were accepted at Stanford because Heavenly Father knew it was the place Evie could get the best care, and I felt that ever stronger when we stepped into that beautiful heart center.

The next few hours were filled with test after test. Evie slept through his echo (which was over an hour long) and cooed quietly through his EKG. For a baby that loves to be held all day long, this in and of itself was a miracle! But before the echo was over I knew something was wrong. The technician nervously excused herself to speak with the doctor, and then came back to get some more images. They NEVER tell you what's going on, but I ALWAYS ask and try to get something out of them. They did more testing on that sweet boy, and then put us in a room to wait for the doctor.

I could feel it in my soul. Still. Something wasn't right.

And I was right. The doctor came in the room to tell me that the echo had shown that Everett's aortic arch had not grown and was significantly hindering the passage of blood to the rest of the body, causing his blood pressure to be out of control. They also noticed that his coarctation in his aorta (that was repaired in the first surgery) was re-narrowing. His VSD (the hole in his heart) had not closed, and they noticed in this echo that his mitral valve is measuring small (perhaps from the VSD). As he went through everything that was wrong I knew what he would say next. And he did. Surgery.

He met with the team of cardiologists and surgeons at Stanford the Wednesday before Christmas and got back to me the same day. After looking at Evie's case it was a unanimous decision that he would indeed need open-heart surgery to repair his heart. A few days later it was scheduled. January 18th. Evie's second surgery. Open-heart surgery. January 18th.

We went into Christmas weekend with gratitude that Everett was able to share his first Christmas with us at home, and with respect for the new adventures and trials that 2012 will bring. This Christmas was more emotional and real than any Christmas has ever been. Every time I heard the nativity story, and read about the babe in the manger, I couldn't help but look at my own little boy and feel deep gratitude and love. I also thought a lot about Mary this year--her fears and hopes and dreams for her beautiful little boy--and related with her in a very special way. Christmas was magical and amazing. It absolutely couldn't have been better.

We knew Evie would need more surgeries in the future in order to live a long and full life and so we are grateful that these options are available. Of course I would be lying if I said I wasn't ridiculously anxious, a little bit heart-sick at the thought of my baby having another major surgery and nervous about how our family, especially Talmage, will cope with this disruption of our norm. But, we have seen God's hand in our life time and time again, and I am confident that this will be no different. He knows us and loves us. He will help us through this.

With January 18th approaching quickly, I ask that you please include Everett, the surgeons and our family in your prayers. I know that Heavenly Father hears them.

RS Brunch and a letter to SANTA

2011-12-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning my friend picked me up at 6:45 am (6:45 people!) so we could go to the church and set up for our Relief Society brunch. It was early, but it was worth it. All sisters 12 and up spent the last two hours of church being filled with yummy food and an incredible program. So sweet.

Just a few things I loved and want to remember. It was a great party. And that drink on the right is off the hook--orange juice and lemonade with almond extract. Yummy yummy.

Talmage wrote Santa a letter and we wrote it down word for word. My favorite part is the, "Hey, I want trains..." And the "ho ho ho" bit is pretty funny too. He's growing up, that's for sure.

Our Santa Baby

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

This gives a whole new meaning to the song Santa baby, huh?

And not only did we make that sweet little boy dress-up like Santa, we also allowed Talmage to try and get him to smile. The abuse that that baby puts up with is unreal! Luckily, the amount of love we have for him is unreal as well.

Lately-ish

2011-12-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

We've been hanging out in the park as much as possible. Now that Evie has joined T's obsessed-with-swinging club it's pretty easy to keep both of them entertained at the same time. Awe-some! It pretty much feels like fall outside and the leaves are gorgeously orange. I just love California so darn much, have I mentioned that before?

Me and my littlest munchkin.

Going to the park sure beats disaster-making episodes like the one pictured here. Is it just my kid that enjoys taking out every toy from every basket at the same time? Not to mention the sheets, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals off of the bed. This same day T told me he was going upstairs to play the sheets game. I had no idea what he was talking, but soon found out when he was crying at the bottom of the stairs. Turns out the sheets game entails using your sheets/pillows/blankets as sleds down the stairs. Awesome. He has a huge goose-egg and the sheets game has been banned.

I accidentally occupied Stanford, and I accidentally brought both boys to do it with me. To make a long story short we were in the bookstore, we heard music, T thought it was the band so we went out to find the dancing tree. We were in the very middle of this huge crowd before I started hearing, "1, 2, 123, Occupy for world peace." Whoops.

We made a gingerbread house with our neighbors--and ate about a million pieces of candy!

Serious bedhead. Just sayin'. And PS--T is licking the butter off of his toast. Yum.

Ev is finally old enough to stay entertained with a short show and I LOVE it. Now I can actually make dinner at night without him screaming the whole time. Maybe when he's older the boys can actually play together while I make dinner, but for now, this is the best!

Random Ramblings

2011-12-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

I was working on a Christmas present for Evie and found this picture and it made me laugh. He's always got at least one eye on his mama, that's for sure!

Talmage has been talking nonstop about missions lately. He loves to tell his friends in the courtyard about what will happen when he goes on a mission. Sometime last week he told me he was going to go a mission with "butter." I thought, "Ah, cute, he wants to go on a mission with Ev." Then yesterday he was helping me make cookies and was absolutely elated when the butter came out. "When I go on a mission, I'm going to go with butter," he told me. "You mean you are going to go with BRO-ther?" I said. "No mommy, I'm going to go on a mission with butter," he replied, pointing to the big yellow brick in front of me. For some strange reason I think T would get along quite well with Paula Deen.

Is anyone else worried that my water out of the faucet comes out the same color as milk. Just wondering.

We were talking about the true meaning of Christmas.
Me: What is Christmas, really?
T: It's Jesus' birthday.
Me: That's right. Where was Jesus born?
T: Utah.
Close T, super close.

During finals week Stanford students scream at the top of their lungs at 12 o'clock midnight. It's called the primal scream. I've been tempted, ever so tempted, to go scream with them. I feel like it might be theraputic. And heck, I have two little boys that test me ALL day long...does that count?

T: I have a great idea.
Me: What is it?
T: My great idea is carrots.

our fam

2011-12-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Our ward Christmas party this year was seriously incredible. They had Santa, a live nativity by the primary, dinner and dessert, caroling, a-ma-zing decorations and dun, duh duh, dun...

Family pictures!

An uber talented photographer, Robert Bradshaw, just moved into our ward and had a room set up for memory-making (aka picture-taking). I LOVE how they turned out. Gosh, look at those cutie boys (both looking at the camera even)!

on santa's lap

2011-12-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

Talmage meant business when he saw Santa at our ward's Christmas party. "I want trains for Christmas," he told the jolly old man. When Santa did not acknowledge his words, Talmage repeated it again. "I want trains for Christmas. Thomas and James and Percy." People were calling for T to look at the camera, they wanted him to smile, but he wanted assurance from the man in charge, who once again did not give Talmage his desired response. I'm actually suprised T didn't take him by the cheeks with both hands like he sometimes does to me. Instead, he looked him square in the face (and luckily this time Santa looked back) and repeated his request for the third time. This time Santa repeated his words, "Oh, you want trains for Christmas, do you? Thomas? And Percy? And James? OK," he said while smiling into Talmage's sweet, confident, innocent face.

And with that OK from Santa, Talmage gave the camera the biggest, cheesiest, truly happiest smile I've ever seen in my life. The moment (both actually) were priceless and I'm so glad they were captured so perfectly. All I'm saying is Santa better deliver. ;)

Double Chocolate Pomegranate Cookies

2011-12-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Jim made these cookies last night, and I was in HEAVEN. The cookies are rich and chocolatey, and the pomegranate adds a burst of sweetness to your mouth. Believe me, they are worth trying.

And the dough isn't half bad either!

Creche

2011-12-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Our church put on a creche exhibit and it was incredible. They had over 400 nativities flown in from museums and donors all over the world on display, there were choirs and musicians softly singing their testimony of the Savior, they had an amazing children's room with a marionette show about the birth of Jesus, and so much more. Every last detail was considered and it was just gorgeous.

My parents came to see the creche with me and the boys. It was so nice to share this special experience with them--they are the greatest. We took turns wrestling with the kiddos and we all were able to enjoy the spirit of the exhibit. I actually volunteered the next day as well, and was so glad to spend more time in that beautiful place. I already can't wait to go back next year.

Our little cuddle-bug with his Pepa. I just love, love, love living so close to my parents. It's so nice to see them so often and have all of these experiences with them.

Stanford Volleyball Game

2011-12-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

Last week we had another family date night, this time to a Stanford Women's Volleyball game. It was actually a NCAA Championship game...and we got in for free...and the attendance was awful...and T mostly loved seeing the band and the dancing tree, but what's new...and we didn't get to stay for the whole game, again, what's new...and we still had a BLAST and love living up this Stanford experience!

We ended up moving a lot during the game. We started on one end of the court, but then when the band sat on the other end of the court T coaxed us into moving closer to them, but when the band actually started playing Evie coaxed us into moving again...far far away from the band. We had lots of different seats during the game, but like I said, it was very poorly attended so we could go anywhere that we wanted!

The dancing tree was all dressed up for Christmas, and stopped to let me take a picture. Thank you tree!

This is where we spent a good portion of the game--at the top. I covered Ev's ears and he ended up falling asleep in my arms. It was well past T's bedtime and he ended up laying on my lap to watch the game. It wasn't long after this that we decided to be nice parents and bring our kids home for bedtime.

A super nice usher at the game found Everett some ear plugs and life was so much easier after that. I've seen some really cool baby earphone/plug things and I think I need to get some for this little dude since his parents seem to think that babies + sporting events = lots of fun!

T's Friends...

2011-12-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Mr. Talmage LOVES friends. He is constantly talking about playing with friends, sharing with friends, going to the park with friends, eating with friends, etc. Pretty much anything and everything he has to/wants to/is supposed to do during the day ends up having "with friends" attached to the end of it. It's a good thing T does have such awesome friends.

Seriously BFF. T talks about Franklin all day long, and has even started calling him Frankie Frank. They play together everyday and we LOVE that they are our neighbors.

Of course Daddy is still number one. We had to bring something to the law school and Jim and T ended up eating cheetos and jumping in leaf piles...who says there is no fall in California? It's marvelous!

T's other BFF, Cedar (or as T calls her, Cedar-girl). He is often heard saying, "I weawy wuv Cedar." Holy cuteness. And also cute that they are checking email together at the table. They are hilarious together.

Um...and even though sometimes I have to force him to be nice to me, I think we're friends too!

Decking the Halls

2011-11-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, the turkey was barely put away before we were decorating for Christmas. On the day after Thanksgiving we would always go to Apple Hill to cut down our tree, and then blast Christmas music as we hung lights and ornaments. I LOVE that the month of December is filled with the magical spirit of the Christmas season, and I don't want to waste one day of it. Not.one.day. SO...the second we got back from Sacramento we started decorating. We did it little by little (we don't have tons of decorations yet...or tons of space for that matter) but it was a blast and our little house looks merry and bright!

For Family Home Evening on Monday night we decorated the Christmas tree and T was totally into it. I loved the determination on his face. And PS--we blasted Christmas music while we did it! Such a good night.

The boys.

The best picture Jim has ever taken. How cute are they?

While we were putting out our decorations I was loving all the memories associated with each one. I remembered our dear friends in Wales who hosted us two years ago as I looked at the little ceramic fireplace and stockings, and my sister who gave me my first and favorite nativity, and Noni who carved a little rocking horse ornament for T last year. My parents gave us our beautiful tree, and all the bobble ornaments are from some crazy dollar store in the Bronx! I got a big smile on my face over the "our first Christmas" ornament that showcases a very pregnant newlywed, and Talmage was so excited to wear the Santa hats from Auntie Lynn. Everything I saw made me think of someone, or something. I've been feeling a little sentimental lately and this just added to those feelings. I'm just grateful for everyone who has touched my life and helped our family. This is going to be a great Christmas. I just know it.

Family Pictures 2011

2011-11-28T22:17:00.001-08:00

We had family pictures taken last week by the amazing Liz Baker. She did such an incredible job, and was so patient with our two screaming, crazy, picture-averse children. Seriously, neither of them were feeling like cooperating, and I was sure not one picture would turn out, but I love them! And even if the boys aren't looking (or smiling) I love these pictures because they are capturing this exact moment of time--a time I'm sure I will look back on with fond memories. I love our little family.

PS--I'm hoping to send Christmas cards this year, but I will definitely need some addresses. If you'd like a card, please leave your address (or email me the addy at wigginton dot heather at gmail dot com).

Thanksgiving Photo-dump!

2011-11-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was spent back in Sacramento. It was awesome to be with family on Thanksgiving after a few years of spending it far away (although we couldn't help but think of our dear friends in Cambridge and NYC that helped us have incredible Thanksgiving's these last few years!) I took lots of pictures (but still not quite enough) and don't want to forget a thing, so here is our Thanksgiving 2011 photo-dump.

Grammie, Mom & Me. Making pies.

The gorgeous results.

Uncle Jason and Grandpa Martineau.

Uncle Craig.

Diane and Grammie.

Aunt Tasha and Rae Dee.

Chefs Mom and Dad. Literally the best Thanksgiving meal I've ever eaten was made by their hands. Thank you!

Him & Me!

Talmage and his (my) Martineau cousins.

Dillan, Jordan and T

Great Papa and Me.

Cher and Scare.

Papa and Evie.

JR and sweet baby Keira.

Papa and Evie. Again. Too cute.

Us and Auntie Lynn.

Chaya (Kate) and Mr. T.

GG and Honey.

Oh PS--Thanksgiving night I caught T's tummy bug. I don't even want to tell you where I spent Thursday night and all of Friday. Sad day.

My mom and dad took T to Apple Hill so he could experience cutting down a Christmas tree. He loved every second of it, and I'll post pics when I get them from my mom. He also loved turning the lights on and off. It's a beautiful tree.

Speaking of beautiful Christmas trees, we were considering wrapping lights around this little guy. This Thanksgiving we have many things to be grateful for, but on the very tip top of our list is that this sweet boy is still here with us. I'm grateful that it was Heavenly Father's will to let us keep him this long, and I'm grateful for doctors that have made it possible. He is our miracle and we are truly grateful.

Mr. Sicky

2011-11-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

It all started when T was swinging. He started crying. Screaming, crying, yelling. I thought he hit his head on the swing. Or maybe he was mad that he wasn't being pushed fast enough. I kept asking him, and he kept screaming. And then he started throwing up. All over me. All over himself. All over the swing. Yep, that's how our day started...and that's pretty much how it ended. Throwing up. Every 10 minutes. T has the stomach flu. Bummer.

He spent most of the day looking like this. Sitting on the couch. Watching movies (lots of them). It kind of looks like he has his hand in a bowl of popcorn. But he doesn't. That's a throw-up bowl. Which, ps, is a lot less fun than a bowl of popcorn!

Poor baby would curl up in a ball, and then reposition himself, and then start all over again. I hate it when he is sick...except for the cuddles. I love those--and his sicky time is pretty much the only time I get them.

As the evening passed he was getting sicker and sicker. He couldn't even keep a teaspoon of liquid down. Thank goodness our favorite Doctor (papa wigginton...jim's dad) was on call and told us exactly what he needed and how to help! (PS--that favorite doctor of ours is also Sacramento's Top Doctor for the last 10 years. congrats papa!) With his help (and awesome meds) T was finally able to get to sleep. I hope that was our only tummy bug of the season. And so does T!

the BIG game: a double date

2011-11-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

The idea was that Jim and I were going to go on a date to the BIG game. You know, date? Like, just the two of us. Babysitter for the kids. Hold hands, kiss and act like newlyweds. It would have been awesome. But when no babysitter could be found (partly because a lot of people were out of town, partly because we're kinda still new here and don't have a lot of choices and partly because Evie was just a tad bit sick and it gave me anxiety just thinking about leaving him) we decided to make it a double date.

Yep, that's right. My date was James (although he mostly hung out with Ev). And Ev's date was T (although T and I were cheering buddies). It ended up being the funnest family night we've had in a long, long time. We went to the pre-game fanfest where T jumped in a bounce house, we watched the band dance around like crazy people and everyone and their dog commented on how cute Everett looked in his tree outfit.

We headed over to the game just about 30 minutes early, and ended up with FRONT ROW SEATS in the student section. It was incredible. In the pre-game show 5 members of the army ROTC jumped out of an airplane and glided into the stadium, the last one dressed in full Stanford uniform with game ball in hand. It was amazing and Talmage hasn't stopped talking about it since. Sure, it started raining and it was kind of cold (for California!) but that didn't stop us. We ended up staying until the end of the first half, when we were all drenched and T said, "Uh Daddy. Is cold. We tell Mommy is time to go home!" I begged him to let me see the halftime show, but away we went ;)

T and me before the game wearing our "football make-up" and making football faces

Jim and I watched the 2nd half from home after the kidlets went to bed--STANFORD WON! It was a great game. And while I always love alone time with James, there is almost nothing I'd rather do than make special memories with our little fam.

T and Ev, thanks for the double date. Let's do it again sometime!

Swingin'

2011-11-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

These boys love to swing. Yes, I said BOYS. Both of them. Swing. At the park. Crazy. Everett had his first swinging experience yesterday and he.was.in.love. Maybe it's because he's pretty much spent half of his life at the swings already helping Mommy push his always-in-the-mood-to-swing-higher,higher,higher-brother, who ps has graduated to a big boy swing recently. Like whoa.

Like any crazy-obsessed, stalkerish, paparazzi-inspired mother, I took a million pictures of his first swinging experience. And although to you they probably all look the same, to me they couldn't look more different and I HAD to include a handfull of them (yes, sadly this is only a handful). Appease me, ok? My gosh that Evie is sweet. And ps again...that picture of Talmage is one of my favorite pictures of him ever and was taken by his Papa. So sweet.

So without further adieu--Evie swingin':

That face. Delicious.

Bless him for being so smiley.

Gabbing while he swings.

Super concerned, suprised, enticed by T-Man's craziness on the big boy swing.

I love when he has the I'm-going-to-eat-you face.

Everett, the swinging pro.

Next week is what?

2011-11-18T19:58:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy week. Heck, it's been a busy month. We were at a friend's house for family home evening on Monday and she told me they'd be leaving this weekend for Thanksgiving. I seriously, 100%, did not understand why they were taking a Thanksgiving vaca three weeks before the actual holiday. Um...yeah, earth to Heather--Thanksgiving is next week. NEXT WEEK! My mom has told me that as a young mom she'd have nightmares that she would forget about Christmas and we'd wake up without presents. I TOTALLY get it now. Where in the heck does time go. I need to remind myself next year not to blink after Halloween, because that's pretty much all I feel like I did and now it's time for Thanksgiving. THANKSGIVING. Already. Not that I'm not ok with that. Our family has so, so, SO much to be grateful for. SO MUCH.

Anyway...this week in a few pictures.
Daddy and the boys reading "oh the places you go" on Sunday afternoon. That is SUCH a great book--and not just for children.

Big Game's tomorrow--and guess who got tickets. WOO-HOO! This week has been crazy on campus with band concerts and horns blaring (all night long ps). T has loved hearing the band and a few times we've followed the music and found the dancing tree!

I'll be honest. I was seriously bummed that daylight savings stole my late-afternoon sunshine. The boys and I were used to playing in our backyard/park until after 7...but now it is dark by 5. Bummer. But I guess there are good things about this autumn business. At least there are beautiful tree-lined streets in our neighborhood, with rich orange, red and yellow leaves falling to the ground. And there's always pumpkin bread/cookies/muffins/cupcakes/pancakes. Yum. Ok, fall's not too bad.

Everett still hates tummy-time. HATES. I am now trying to use the boppy and it's been fairly successful (meaning he will stay propped up on his stomach for at most 30 seconds without screaming crazy loud). I keep telling him that he'll never learn to crawl if he doesn't stay on his tummy. And he keeps telling me that he actually prefers to be carried around in my arms all day. Touche.

We're back to switching off for church. Everett was able to come to church with us for about 5 weeks, but with flu season in full force (and since he has yet to receive his RSV vaccine--long story) we have been laying low the last few weeks--and will be for a while. Last week I was able to go to church, and Talmage actually had/has a cold so Jim was home with both boys. When I came back, T was super excited to show me the art projects they had done. Jim said it kept Talmage entertained for no longer than a minute--but I still think it turned out pretty cute!

T is Thankful

2011-11-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

I was telling T about Thanksgiving and we decided to make a list of the things we were grateful for. He spit out numbers 1-6 on the list after I simply asked him what he was thankful for. For #7 I asked his favorite food, #8 I asked his best friend (our neighbor), #9 I asked what his favorite thing to do was and #10 I asked his favorite show. This is priceless. T-Man, I'm thankful for YOU!

The Walking Box and a Dance Party

2011-11-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

On a rainy day last week we decided to play with a big empty box. Who knew that it would be so much fun. We started by decorating it. He was so excited to write his name on it (Everett's name was on the other side). Then we pretented it was a spaceship. He sat in it and rocked back and forth. Daddy even stopped studying for a few minutes and gave him a ride through space! After that, he put it on his head and played a game he learned from his cousins Dillan and Jordan, the walking box. He puts it on his head, walks around and laughs hysterically when he runs into something! I'm sure glad we had a box handy...it provided us with at least an hour of rainy-day fun!

A neighbor girl, Cedar, came over to play with T and they had a dance party with songs from T's V Tech computer. It was adorable to see them rocking out together!

Ev is cute.

2011-11-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Really...need I say more?

Mommy, Wow! I'm a big kid now.

2011-11-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

Last week Talmage was getting into the bath and said super matter-of-factly,

"Uh Mommy. I potty-training now."

I gotta admit, I was pleasantly surprised.

I've learned a thing or two about parenting this child, and one of the biggest things I've learned is to avoid a power struggle at all cost--hence my insistence that potty-training would not begin until he was totally in.

Luckily he was 2, not 10, when he decided it was a good idea.

Monday was day one, and within the first two hours we had had two wet accident. Call me a sissy, but I was ready to raise the white flag. Luckily, my mom calmed me down and reassured me that this was normal and to keep going. I'm sure glad I did. We just finished day 6, and those 2 accidents on Monday were the ONLY ones we have had. I can barely believe it. Knock on wood Talmage was the easiest kid to potty-train in the history of potty-training!

And boy, is he proud. Friends, family members, and complete strangers are learning all about how he goes "poo-poo in da big boy toiwet." And he LOVES his underwear. Ashleigh got him cars underwear and he is so excited each day to pick out the pair he gets to wear.

Although on day one of potty-training he was going a little stir-crazy. I found him on the window sill longingly looking out the window at his friends having so much fun at the playground.

Luckily, after one day solely at home, we were able to venture out to the playground (and even a few friend's houses) later in the week. I'm so proud of him because he's been super sick this week also, but has still been good about going on the toilet. The picture above was taken on one of his sickest days. He desperately wanted to go outside and finally I gave in and said we could swing for a few minutes. Poor kid looked a little ridiculous in his jammies (tucked into his socks for added warmth, I might add) and cold-weather gear on a Palo Alto fall day! I still think he's adorable!

Good job on potty-training Mr. T. You're a stud!

11/11/11 @ 11:11

2011-11-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

We received an email last night inviting us to a cupcake party on 11/11/11 at 11:11 am at the Smith's house (with the Stanford Wives Club peeps). I love parties. I LOVE cupcakes. And the OCD in me loves when the date is the same number all the way across the board. It was super fun and the cupcakes (black bottom) were delish.

These girls are awesome! I had Camille hold Evie in the picture so there was proof that the Wiggy's were in attendance. T was being uncharacteristically shy and wouldn't let go of my leg, hence, he's not in the pic. Oh well. Thank goodnes Evie took one for the team!

Shots

2011-11-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Don't let that smile fool ya. It was brutal I tell you. BRUTAL! This last week I took both boys into the doctor's office for check-ups and shots. I started preparing Talmage days before the appointment, hoping that my efforts would help us avoid a total meltdown. They didn't. Evie was first, and he went balistic. He's so sensitive and more than anything I think we hurt his feelings. Rip my heart out. He cried and cried and even when he stopped crying he whimpered. Before I could adequately calm Everett it was Talmage's turn, and the doctor asked me to hold him on my lap. I put Evie on a blanket on the floor (screaming, mind you) and held Talmage on my lap (screaming, mind you) to get the shot. When the shot actually came, oh mamacita, it was not a pretty picture in that office. Screaming--even louder than before. Crying. Hysterics. Poor doctor. Poor patients in the waiting room. Poor nurses. Poor boys. Heck, poor me!

I wish I could say that the rest of the visit was more enjoyable, but it wasn't. It seems that Evie is not maintaining his weight curve (which is hard to believe when you look at those cheeks!), probably because his heart still has some major defects and is using more energy than it should be. Also, she feels that we need another echo soon because his heart murmur is so loud. There were some other issues we discussed about Evie, unfortunately none of them were positive.

When the appointment was over, I decided that we needed some ice cream (actually I bribed T with ice cream if he would calm down after the shot, maybe that's why he's smiling in the picture above?) I couldn't find an ice cream shop, so we ended up going through the drive-thru at Jack in the Box and getting milkshakes. Bless Jack's heart. That milkshake was darn good and so needed.

A shower for Care

2011-11-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

Jim's sister Carolyn is due to have her first baby, a little girl, in December and we couldn't be more thrilled for the new arrival. We went back to Sacramento this weekend for a family baby shower and it was great to see everyone and especially to shower Care, Bryce and our newest niece (in utero!) with some love. Ah man, I can't wait to meet her!

We started the weekend with my padres, who introduced us to this awesomely delicious taco shack called Chandos. It's in the heart of the ghetto, the employees speak practically no english, and they were by far the yummiest tacos I have ever eaten. By far. Delicious.

I am literally salivating over that picture. My favorite taco was filled with carne asada and had lots of fresh lime. Oh man. Let's go again Mom and Dad. Soon!

Jim was wearing the perfect shirt for the occasion. And notice the mustache? That will be explained in a different post. Oh bother.

Care's shower was nice. We played a quiz and learned the craziest facts (for instance, did you know that on record, the largest number of children born to one woman is 69. 69 children! AHH). Evie also got lots of love and attention. Here he is posing like a champ with Honey and Grandpa.

Little T-Man with Papa, Great-Papa and GG. Papa entertained Talmage for hours (outside, inside, trains, swings, potato head, piano, goofy, you name it) and GG put on a wonderful party.

T and his Papa (and his white blanket, of course!)

The four of us at the party.

T was in heaven with the party-food. He is not really a meal-kid, but definitely a snack-kid! He ate cookies and crackers and fruit and drank lots of juice. He loved it.

After everyone left, Everett was able to get on the floor and Talmage entertained him. Evie loves his brother a lot, a lot and it melts my heart everytime I see the way he looks at him. Talmage is such a good big brother and really enjoys playing with Ev. I sure lucked out!

Anyway, happy baby shower to Care and hooray for a new niece. We're counting down the days!

Trunkin', Trickin' & Pumpkins

2011-11-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

This is my husband at trunk-or-treat (our churches Halloween party wear the kids trick-or-treat out of the trunks of cars). I knew he was going to wear this shirt...I just knew it. Do you want to know why I knew it? Because the last time I cleaned out our closets I almost gave it to a thrift store and he nearly passed out. You see, he loves this shirt. Really loves it. And me, well, I love him, so I let him keep the shirt on one condition--he can only wear it on Halloween. And my guess is we'll be ninety years old and he'll still be pulling that shirt out of the closet every year. It makes a better costume than a staple, that's all I'm gonna say!

We had a pumpkin-carving party in our courtyard and we had fun...although I could not for the life of me get T to put his hand inside a pumpkin. I guess I don't blame him, it is kind of nasty. But I don't understand how he can be the messiest kid ever and be scared of a little bit of pumpkin guts!

Holy hannah I am obsessed with that kid. Has there ever been a baby that smiles easier than this little tree? I'm doubtful. He is just so sweet.

Our little football player eating his third, or fifth, or tenth snack of the trunk-or-treat party...I lost count. I'm such a responsible parent! By the end of the night his eye make-up was melting off of his face and he looked like a football player after a big game (maybe after the USC game!) It was awesome.

On Halloween night I made mummy-dogs and Talmage was so excited he ate three of them. T isn't the greatest eater so I was thrilled. Sure, it's just a hot dog with breadsticks wrapped around it, but at least he ate what I cooked!

Getting ready to trick-or-treat. All the families on Stanford campus that wanted to have trick-or-treaters just turned on their back porch light and the kids ran around the courtyard from house to house trick-or-treating. T LOVED the whole experience and was really good about saying thank you (thank goodness). He also LOVED his football bag, which I scored at a thrift store for next to nothing.

T-Man and his adorable courtyard friends as we set-off to trick-or-treat. Picture-taking with multiple children is ridiculous fyi!

I put Evie in the front pack so I could be hands-free to help T trick-or-treat. We lost one of Ev's socks, but I ended up carrying either Talmage or his "heavy heavy" football bag all night long so it was worth it!

By the time we were done trick-or-treating, Jim was done with class and we met up to see these incredible pumpkins. A Stanford art professor requires his students to carve pumpkins in a unique way, and then he displays them on his yard on Halloween night for everyone to see. They were absolutely, so worth the drive to see them (especially since the professor lives five minutes from our house). Visiting the pumpkin professor is definitely a family tradition that I'd love to have as long as we are here.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

such a random post...

2011-10-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my dad always had our rooms painted in cool and creative ways--especially my brothers' rooms. I remember at one time they had a sports room and my dad hand-painted sports players and then attached real balls (cut in half and filled with foam) to the wall. It was incredible. When they were really young they had the whole sesame street gang painted on their wall. There rooms continued to change as they grew older--Chase graduated to a spongebob room (which he had and loved until his late teenage years;) and Jordan had a Book of Mormon room (complete with a forest and monkeys). I don't know how my dad ever had the time or energy to complete these masterpieces. But he did. And I am SO grateful.

Because we move about every nine months, we can't (or rather, are smart enough not to) paint the walls in the boys room, but I really wanted their walls to be as cool as ours were. SO, when I found out we were having another boy I commissioned my dad to do some paintings on canvas that we could transport from place to place. I honestly don't think he could have done a better job if he tried. PERFECT! Just what I wanted. AMAZING! The boys room is done in a cars/trains theme and the 20X20 paintings my dad did are great.

While the paintings themselves are absolutely perfect, I think my favorite part is that he signed each of them. He told me that my mom made him sign them, and I'm so glad she did. I think it's so special that Pepa had a part in making their room awesome, and I hope they always know how much he loves them.

We went back to Happy Hollow last week and it was a great day. Talmage had fun on the old favorites (the firetruck ride 500 times in a row) and new favorites (the swings. only once. still semi-unsure how we feel about it!)

Evie's new favorite toy. He can spend up to 20 minutes in this baby at a time. Usually T will sit right next to him and play with him. It is so cute to see them interact. Sometimes, however, T gets a little upset when Evie pushes buttons by himself. It makes me realize that in no time I might have two little boys fighting over the same toys. I wish I could just freeze time right now. They are so sweet together.

I made "bones and blood" and "candy corn pizza" for dinner the other night. T is still a little too young to think it was really cool, but I pretty much thought I was the most awesome mom ever! I found the ideas on ourbestbites.com. It is a great food blog that I will be visiting very often from now on.

The boys and I attend storytime at our neighborhood library each week. It is a 10 minute walk from our house, and Talmage has really enjoyed listening to the super-animated librarian read the books. He also likes that we check out 10-15 new books each week...and read them probably at least 5 times each!

This week we decided to mix it up a little bit, and we ventured to the Palo Alto children's library (a whopping ten minute drive from our house!) It was ginormous and gorgeous. They have one HUGE room called the treetop room that is just for young children. T and I spent almost an hour in there without being bothered...or more importantly without bothering anyone else. We'll definitely be going back.

T eats his ice cream with a fork. I gave him a spoon and he refused to use it. To each their own.

I volunteered to make chili for our ward party. I don't know what I was thinking. I am definitely not a domestic diva, and our ward is full to the brim with awesome chefs. I let T do the cooking, I used my Mom's famous chili recipe and luckily it was a hit. I doubled the recipe and gladly came home with an almost empty crock-pot. Next year, however, I'm going to sign up to bring dessert!

Fear the Tree

2011-10-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Stanford Cardinals 65--Washington Huskies 21

It was an awesome game. We won by about a million points. I got to see Andrew Luck play in person after drooling over his amazingness on TV for months. We got to share the experience with my parents. Talmage had more sugar than any child should be allowed to eat--but it kept him entertained for the WHOLE game. Ev was a saint of a baby. The cotton candy at Cardinal Stadium was the best I've ever eaten in my life...no joke. I can't wait to do this again soon.

Pre-game awesomeness:

Game-time awesomeness:

Funny story about this picture. In the middle of the 4th quarter the place really emptied out and Talmage was able to roam around our section. He informed me that he needed a new seat, and that I was not to follow him. Next thing I knew Mr. Independent was sitting behind this man, tapping him on the shoulder and saying, "Uh, this is my new seat." I rescued the man and brought Talmage back to our area, but two seconds later he left again, this time sitting right next to the man and watching the game with him. This man thought the whole thing was hilarious, luckily!

Our family with the tree...the REAL tree. Evie is going to be the tree for halloween (and T's going to be a Stanford football player) so we thought it'd be fun to get a picture with the real deal. Luckily Everett looked so cute in his outfit they let us go all the way down to the field! What a fun way to end an awesome game.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

My parents came down for a short weekend visit and as always, it was dreamy to see them. Saturday morning we drove to Half Moon Bay to visit a few different pumpkin patches. We left our house fairly early and we are super glad we did because we beat the warm weather and we beat the large crowd (by the time we left the pumpkin patch the place was swarming with people and the line of cars went all the way back to the freeway). It was SUCH a fun place--new family tradition for sure!

Me. My Mom. Evie Ev.

The ONLY picture we got of T smiling the whole trip.

Despite the lack of smiles, I think he did have fun. Pepa bought him pink popcorn, Mommy let him ride the train, he got to ride in Mema's van...what an awesome adventure! He also got to go in the bounce house, down a huge bounce-slide and on a fake pony ride.

Ev hated sitting with these pumpkins and uncharacteristically frowned the whole time. Poor kid. I still think he's the cutest pumpkin in the patch, frown and all.

My cute, cute, CUTE parents.

Such a cute place. Already can't wait to go back next year!

T and Ty

2011-10-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we had our friends Ivan and Katie (and their cutie-pie Tyson) visit us from Sac-town. It was so much fun to see them and let our boys go crazy together. We toured campus, played in the courtyard and went to our favorite Palo Alto duck pond. We also went to the top of the Hoover tower, which just re-opened after months of construction. The view was amazing from the top, but Talmage just might have had a break-down when I wouldn't let him climb through the bars and jump off the tower. I'm such a mean mom, aren't I.

Katie is super talented and cute and I loved getting to know her better. Three quickies about her: she makes pregnancy look ridiculously adorable, she makes darn good pumpkin chocolate chip bread & she should start her own purse-making business. Seriously, she had the cutest purse I think I've ever seen and she made it. She's just awesome.

Tyson and Talmage both loved the duck pond in their own way. Tyson thought the whole thing was hilarious and would laugh hysterically each time a duck would eat the bread he threw. Possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen! It never got old and he couldn't stop laughing. He had us all smiling. Talmage, on the other hand, decided to have intellectual conversations with the ducks. "Hi ducks," he said. "How are you doing today? Do you like to eat bread ducks?" He is so cute and it was so funny.

Speaking of cute and funny...We interrupt this post with a random picture of Ev that I think is, well, cute and funny. Now back to the Tidwell's visit!

After visiting the duck pond we went out to the bay and visited our very own Stonehenge! At least it looked kind of like it...kind of. We also saw people wind-surfing, Talmage learned how to spit off the dock and Tyson picked up multiple pieces of duck poop thinking they were rocks. It was eventful for sure!

This photo-chain could have easily been titled, "Taking a decent picture of two two-year-olds is nearly impossible." I really wanted a picture with them together, and this is as good as it got! Talmage loved playing with Tyson, and I think Tyson liked it too...until they were playing football and Ivan taught Talmage how to tackle. It was all over from there!

Thanks for the visit you guys. Come back soon!

Slow down

2011-10-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

It seems like this little fella thinks it's ok to grow up. Did I give him permission to do that? I mean, I am his mom and everything--it seems like I should have some kind of a say in this matter. But alas, he thinks otherwise. He keeps growing. I can no longer call him my newborn without getting those looks, as if people are saying, "newborn? really?" I call him my 3-month-old, but I fear that next week I will not be able to say that anymore either. I don't remember it going this fast the first time. I want to stop time for a second and just cuddle the guts out of this sweet baby. Gosh, I love him. And Evie, for my sake, please slow down just a little. I am enjoying every second of you, my second son. You are a precious spirit.

The Red Barn

2011-10-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

The boys and I visited the Red Barn, which is the student equestrian center on Stanford's campus. It is a huge stable where both students, and residents around the community, can board their horses (I'm not hip on my horsey language, hopefully that's the right way to say it!) We had heard it was an awesome place to visit, and it definitely didn't disappoint!
T is starting to REALLY cheese it up during pictures! At least he's not ignoring me like he's done for the last 2 1/2 years of his life when I try to take his picture. ;)

That is only one of the barns. I can't remember how many there were in all, but it was big and there were lots. There were also arenas where people were riding their horses, and jumping them. It was so cool to watch.

The people were SO nice. This man scooped T up in his arms and let him pet his horse. He actually took him into the horses stable (uh...horse cubby!) Talmage was 1/2 scared out of his mind, 1/2 super excited to touch him. I'm afraid he inherited his love/hate relationship with animals from me.

This super nice woman also let T get up close and personal with her horse. She said he was a magical horse, and although I don't think Talmage quite understood what that meant, he was still pretty excited. Until she asked if he wanted to pet the horse--at that point he ran away screaming, "I do NOT want to pet it." Oh dear.

This horse was the only one he felt totally comfortable with! And just in case it isn't clear in the picture, it's a statue! We loved visiting the Red Barn, and T's only complaint was that there were no cows, chickens and pigs. He kept saying, "Uh...And on his farm there was a COW. Not just horses!" So now I'm on the hunt for a farm with cows, and chickens and pigs!

Sprinklers in October

2011-10-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

The sprinklers came on in our courtyard the other day and Talmage wanted to run around.

Yes, it's mid-October, but it was also in the mid-80s.

I love California. I love California. I love California.

Lately, I have to say a lot of no's. More on that later, but T and I have been in semi-war almost nonstop. It's been exhausting, and it's hurt my feelings.

BUT...

when he asked to run in the sprinklers, I got to say YES. And it felt so good.

He had fun running, I had fun watching, and by the smile on Evie's face I think he enjoyed himself as well.

It was a moment. And I loved it.

Two more reasons why I love Stanford:

2011-10-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

1. Mr. HorsefeatherStanford put on a magic show for all of the student families and it was so hilarious. Mr. Horsefeather entertained the audience of young children for nearly an hour, and Talmage was laughing out loud he was loving it so much. His favorite parts were when Mr. Horsefeather fell (purposely, repeatedly, hilariously) and when he made balloons come out of his mouth and then made them animals. It was great.

2. The Stanford Wives Club

The madness of it all! All of the women in our ward with husbands at Stanford got together for the first party of the "Stanford Wives Club." It was supposed to be a gorgeous day so an outdoor brunch in the courtyard was planned. Unfortunately, it was raining cats and dogs and we ended up squishing into a small apartment. It was hilarious and I think it's safe to say that poor Nicole's carpets will never be the same again. I can't wait to get to know these girls better and play again soon!

Auntie Care and Uncle Bryce

2011-10-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

Care and Bryce took a little Babymoon to Santa Cruz and visited us on their way home. It was so great to see them, and of course I was SUPER excited to get my hands all over Care's gorgeous baby bump. She is having our first niece (and the boys' first Wiggy cousin) in December and I honestly couldn't be more thrilled. I'm sure this precious little girl will be beautiful, fun and amazing--how could she not be with parents like that? We love you Care and Bryce...see you again soon!

Bathtime on a Skateboard

2011-10-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I started bathing the boys together. They both love a nice, warm bath at the end of the day (and our eldest NEEDS one for sure) and it was just too dang crazy trying to fit two baths into our schedule. My sister bought us this baby bath chair that folds up super small and it has been PERFECT, I highly recommend them. T calls it Evie's skateboard ( I have NO idea where he got that). You should hear his squeaky voice saying, "Evie, you just wuv your skateboard in da bafftub." Priceless.

Stalking Daddy.

2011-10-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes this little man misses his Daddy so much during the day that he begs to go to "da wah (law) school to wait for Daddy." I'm pretty partial to the man myself, so I totally get where T's coming from. Sometimes we set up a lunch date, sometimes we just meet up for a quick hug, and sometimes we have nothing planned at all and the boys and I become Daddy's stalkers! This is when we just sit outside of the law school and wait...and wait...and wait until we see Daddy. Sometimes we do see him, and sometimes we still don't, but for some reason it always makes T feel better knowing that we tried.

And while T plays cars on his favorite bench on campus, I cuddle this cutie and consider myself a very blessed person to be at such a gorgeous school with such great guys!

On this particular day last week we didn't catch Daddy, but we did come up with an incredible idea to go home and have caramel apples! T loved it (although after a few failed attempts to bite it I decided to cut it for him). At church on Sunday I pulled out his apple slices and he said, "Uh, mom. I want the caramel," so I might have ruined him though!

And this was that same night while eating dinner. He is pretty much the cutest, feistiest kid ever and I just l.o.v.e. him.

Could I be any more blessed?

2011-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Doubtful.

Uncle Jordan

2011-10-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

My brother hooked one of his favorite mission companions up with one of his really good friends and guess what? They got married! Woo-hoo for the newlyweds and woo-hoo for us because that meant Jordan came back to Sac-town and we got to spend a day with him!

Jordan and my parents came to Stanford for the day and boy did we have fun! He got to meet Evie for the first time and I think it was love at first sight! Everett is such a gem of a baby and Jordan loved getting to love on him!

Talmage adored all the attention he received from his Uncle Jordan. They made up a secret handshake where they slap each others hands and then run their fingers through their hair. T ate it up. So cute.

He also thought it was so fun to ride on Uncle Jordan's shoulders. Days later, he is still talking about how he "wuvs to pway with Uncle Jordan at da park." Needless to say, Jordan won him over!

Mema is so good with the boys and they love her to pieces. Here she is flirting with Evie, who is definitely flirting right back!

The funniest part of the day just might have been when my dad found this "baby" carrot and demanded a refund. The look on his face was priceless (and I'm so glad I caught it!) In the running for hilarious comments was when Jordan was teaching us where a jack rabbit got it's name (it's a rabbit that looks like a donkey), and that it was a better alternative than calling it a bunny - @$&. It was so dang funny!

After a long day of playing in Stanford we headed to SF for a food truck night market. The car trip there was super stressful (screaming baby, lots of traffic, SF crazy roads, etc) but once we started eating the trip was SO worth it! We had korean bbq, empanadas, green thai curry, lumpia, cilantro/chicken dumplings and strawberry nutella creme brulee. Holy goodness!

T chowed down on kettle corn and Ev, well, he might not have been thrilled by the whole thing but he was a pretty good sport.

Me and my brother. Don't tell him I told you but I am definitely bending over so he can be taller than me! I love that kid.

It was so-so-SO much fun to have family in town and to spend the day with them. I am one lucky girl.

Before we left I risked my life (kind of) and climbed a ladder so I could take a picture of the market. This is only half of the place, but you get the idea. When I got down Talmage was sobbing because he was so scared I was going to hurt myself on the ladder--cute kid!

Thanks for visiting us Uncle Jordan...please come back again. Soon. Really soon.

Ponds. Puddles.

2011-10-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Duck Pond:

First-rain-of-the-season puddle:

Gettin' comfy at the duck pond:

Happy-to-be-in-froggie-boots smile after jumping in the first-rain-of-the-season puddle:

Conference @ Home

2011-10-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

We went back to Sacramento to watch General Conference with my family and it was awesome! If you want to know how much we liked it, just look at Evie's ginormously cute smile and that should tell ya. Yep...it was great.

T and Ev spent a good majority of their time laying in front of the TV soaking in the messages. (Uh hmm, I wish. Most of the time T was bouncing off the walls and Ev was a little testy. But that's a cute idea, huh?)

Oh yeah, and sometimes Ev slept while I watched. And once again, I'm shocked that this baby just sleeps and sleeps wherever and whenever he wants. So awesomely weird and different.

In between conference sessions on Saturday we went to a craft fair held at my old high school. We saw some really cute stuff and I felt super inspired to make it. Actually I felt super inspired to call my sister and have her make it for me. Cause she's talented like that.

During the priesthood session my mom and I had a girls night and went to Leatherby's and ate approximately a gallon of ice cream each. DELISH. I love that place. Oh yeah, my two boys kind of crashed the girls night!

He could not have been more excited about this ice cream business.

On Sunday the house was full with families from my parents ward, missionaries and crazy kids. We ate cinnamon rolls (my moms. amazing. yum.), watched conference, and had really good discussion about what we had learned. Oh yeah, and T pretty much followed Elder Verde around all day long. Overall, this conference made me want to be a better wife, mom, friend and disciple. The speakers answered questions I had, and helped me know how to improve. I love General Conference.

2L

2011-09-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

When Jim and I taught primary (the 5 year olds) while we still lived it Utah one of the boys asked Jim what he did. I still remember the boys face when Jim told him that he was a student. "You still go to school," the boy said. "You must not be very smart!" At that point Jim was just finishing up his undergrad. I wonder what that little boy would say now, three years later, as Jim starts yet another year of school!

Here he is, in all of his first day of school glory! I'd like to think that his peace sign really was him saying that he's a 2L (second year law student) and not him saying peace out, stop taking my picture. I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Talmage loves his Daddy a lot, a lot and had a rough time seeing Jim leave (especially since Jim's been traveling a lot these last few weeks. Everytime Jim walks out the door T says, "No Daddy, don't go to da train station. I want you." Talk about major heartbreak.) The morning was sad, but I kept telling T that Daddy was at his first day at a new law school. As soon as Jim came home T ran to him and said, "Daddy, did you have a good first day of waw (law) school?" It was adorable.

As for me and the boys, we are also adjusting to life again. We are learning a new routine and have had a pretty good first couple of days. I'm continuing to learn more about my children and how to handle them. T has been giving me a really rough time about naps lately. He doesn't think he needs one, but by about 2 pm it's apparent in his behavior that he does. I've tried laying down with him, sitting in his room, reading books, singing songs, white noise, rewards, punishments, etc. but nothing has worked. He is my willful child and this was a full blown battle of wills--and the problem is I can't force him to go to sleep. It was causing a contentious spirit in our home and I didn't like it at all. Today I switched my approach and it worked (for today at least...I'll let you know about tomorrow). Instead of nap time we had quiet time. Still in his room. Still on his bed. Still lights out. But he could play with puzzles. "I don't want a nap," he said. "You don't have to take a nap T, it's just quiet time," I said. He seemed shocked that I wasn't trying to force him to sleep. Pleasantly shocked. He thought he had won. Ha! He played quietly with his puzzles and less than 30 minutes later it was totally silent in his room. Yep...he fell asleep! And took a long, peaceful nap. Hallelujah!

This little one, now he's an angel. He has such a mild personality compared to his brother and just makes loving everything about him so easy. And PS--do you see how he fell asleep all by himself? I didn't know babies could even do that before he came into my life! But he does. And he also likes to be snuggled and kissed. A lot. He smiles and coos and flirts like crazy with me, and almost anyone who gives him the time of day. I. Love. Him.

Anyway, here's to another year of law school!

Our last weekend

2011-09-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was our last weekend before school, and we took advantage of every last minute. We don't often get Daddy all to ourselves (and as of yesterday he has rekindled his romance with the law library) so we made sure to pack the weekend with fun family activities.

We went on a walk on Friday and ended up in the quad at Stanford. People were playing ultimate frisbee, others were picnicing, and T brought his "treats" to play with. We brought snacks and a blanket. We sat and laughed and cooed at Everett Knight. T and Daddy ran around the lawn until they were both sweaty and tired. We came home and all four of us took a nap. Heaven!

On Saturday we went with our ward on a ferry trip to Alameda. A member of our ward owns a ferry (yeah, you read that right...a GINORMOUS ferry...owns it...crazy) and let the whole ward go for a little spin! T was thrilled to get to go on a boat ride, and loved seeing all of the other boats in the water. It was definitely a San Fran day (chill-y!), but we had a blast.

Only picture I took of our 3+ hours in Alameda. Those two so love each other. Talmage is a rockstar of a big brother and Evie adores everything T does. It's adorable!

Our camera was about to die but we managed to get one picture of the family on the ferry on our way back to San Fran. By this time T was in desparate need of a nap and my hair was out of control, but that's life! The trip was fun. We loved meeting lots of people in our new ward and we loved spending time together.

After church on Sunday we decided to take a stroll around campus. We do this almost every Sunday because it's so beautiful and we love to explore new parts of the university. This last Sunday we were surprised by a little rainstorm. Without a second thought, Talmage started singing, "If all the raindrops..." and opening his mouth to catch the drops. Wow, I love that kid!

Last weekend was great...now it's time to get back to work!

Happy Hollow

2011-09-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

With only a few days left before James starts school again, we are trying to make the most of our family time and do lots of fun things. On Tuesday we decided to check out Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose. For you Sacramento folks, this is like a mixture of the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town and Funderland all wrapped up into one amazing park. We had a blast together and might even get a season pass to this awesome place!

T and me, ready for the adventure to begin!

James and I tell T a story everynight as a part of his bedtime routine. His story is always about Doug the Dragon and the adventure T and Ev go on with him. Well, here is T on the carousel riding none other than Doug the Dragon!

The petting zoo. He was actually really brave with the animals.

By far the best part of the day for T was the car ride. I kid you not, he went on this ride at least 10 times. He really loved being in the fire truck (because of the bells on the fire trucks) but he would settle for the police car too!

The AWESOME park area.

T was oober brave and climbed across the rope bridge. It was incredibly high and he was incredibly adventurous.

The zoo was small, but perfect for a two-year-old. He especially loved to see the monkeys and the macaw's. He tried to speak to them both in their own languages! He really is growing up.

Everett was a saint of a baby. He was either sleeping peacefully in his stroller...

...or he was smiling and being cute. I love that kid an awful lot!

Anyway, Happy Hollow got a perfect 10 in our book. Hopefully we'll be visiting their again sometime soon!

Thumb-sucker?

2011-09-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

The jury's still out on this one.

He takes a binkie, but he definitely prefers his thumb.

It's funny because I don't think he understands that his thumb is connected to his body because he'll drop his hand and then sob hysterically because he's lost his thumb. When we put his thumb back up to his face he sucks away as happy as can be.

It's really cute. Too cute probably!

PS--The jury's also still out on his eye color. They are still looking awfully blue. But a really dark, almost gray blue. They are gorgeous!

Memories Made

2011-09-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

My mom was 20 when she had me; her mom was 18 when she had her, and I think my great-grandmother was even younger when she had my grammie. When I was starting my family at the ripe old age of 23, I felt old! But in my experience, one of the best parts of being a member of a young family is that there is A LOT of family still around to get to know and love. Our boys not only have a handfull of grandparents, but they have almost two handfulls of great-grandparents and even a few great-greats! T and Ev are lucky to have so many family members that love them, and so many to love in return.

Last week James was traveling so the boys and I decided to head back to Sacramento for some company (reason #2579 why I LOVE living in Palo Alto=so close to home!) We were able to spend time with lots of loved ones, and I wanted to document the memories the boys made so that they will always remember these incredible people.

Noni and Grampa (my dad's parents) were visiting from Washington and met baby Ev for the first time. Noni had the magic touch and was able to put Evie to sleep almost instantly. I loved watching them snuggled so closely together. She thinks Everett is a gorgeous baby...and she also thinks he looks just like my Dad as a baby (though she's not biased at all!) Watching them bond was a beautiful memory made.

She also had an ability to get our baby to coo and smile. This picture is an amazing memory in and of itself. I'm so glad I captured it. So much love and so much happiness.

We were also able to go visit Great Papa (Jim's dad's dad) and spent a wonderful afternoon with him. As soon as I took Evie out of his carseat Papa was sitting and ready to hold him. Fortunately Everett was in a super good mood and sat in his arms for the better part of an hour, smiling and flirting with his great Papa. Watching the joy in Papa and Evie's face was a beautiful memory made.

While I fed Evie in the living room, Papa took T to the family room to watch golf on TV. Their conversation was heart-warming. Papa let Talmage sit in KK's chair. He told him about different golf clubs, and taught him what an aerial view of a golf course was. Talmage loved the attention and I heard him say over and over, "Great Papa, what do you see now?" Within minutes Talmage and Papa migrated to the kitchen table, where they both had a glass of grape juice. When we left the house and were driving away, T said from the backseat, "We had so much fun at Great-Papa's house. I really love him." That afternoon and that comment were beautiful memories made.

Who knows how long we will live this close to family, but while we do I am going to soak up every second of their goodness and love. I hope over the next two years we will make many more memories for these two precious little boys.

Visitors

2011-09-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Jim's Mom and her friend Bruce came to visit us this last week in Palo Alto all the way from Chicago. It was her first time meeting Everett, and it's been over a year since she's seen T so we had lots of catching up to do! We visited the campus, took some day trips, and ate a lot!

Many years ago (but not too many ;)) she was a Stanford student herself. It was fun for her to see the campus again and remember all the good times she had here.

One night we went to PF Changs and Talmage learned how to use chopsticks. For such a little kid, he did an awesome job! I'm hoping he'll take after his momma and serve a mission in Taiwan someday.

James had an interview in San Francisco one day so we ventured to the city. We had lunch with his sister Carolyn (who also works in the city) and spent the remainder of the day walking around Ghiradelli Square and the wharf.

We went to Dunes Beach and T had a blast making sandcastles...for five minutes or so! It's a good thing the beach is only 30 minutes away or I'd be bitter! Also, he is super afraid of the waves. He loves to swim but for some reason the ocean terrifies him (maybe it has something to do with his interpretation of Veggie Tales that a shark ate Jonah in the ocean). The trip ended in tears, sobs rather, when the tide started coming in. Oh bother.

I did get TWO pictures with my honey while we were at the beach though, so I'd say it was a pretty successful venture.

On the last day of her visit, Care and Bryce came down to our home and we spent the day together. We had a BBQ and went to the Stanford bookstore. Carolyn is having our first NIECE in t minus 3 3/4 months and we are thrilled to meet her! Care bought her a Stanford onesie, and I can't wait to see her in it!

I was awful at taking pictures this week, but we did a lot of other things like visiting Los Gatos, lunch at Nordstrom and a trip to Home Depot to buy a new washer/dryer. Woohoo! Thanks for the visit Mom and Bruce!

The Game, The Pool & The Dish

2011-09-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was filled with LOTS of fun. It all started on Saturday when a simple walk turned into a crazy Stanford football adventure. It was Stanford's first home game and we obviously can't go (Ev's not even allowed to go to church yet, let alone to a football game!) but we decided to just walk around the stadium. SUCH a good idea! We had a blast partaking in all the pre-game hype, and left before either child had a melt-down. Touchdown for us!

Talmage had his face painted for the first time. I know that S doesn't look like much, but I was excited. At a street fair in NYC I thought he'd love to have his face painted but after waiting in line for 20 minutes he screamed his head off and refused! Needless to say, this time went much better.

We watched the band, the cheerleaders and T's favorite, the dancing tree. It was SUPER entertaining. Knowing that my father-in-law spent his undergraduate days in the Stanford band made watching them perform that much better.

Daddy and T enjoying the show. That little cutie couldn't take his eyes off of the action and when they finished each song he cheered the loudest. Such a Stanford fan!

I was trying to protect Evie's ears as he slept like, well, like a baby. Sidenote: Ev also had his first blow-out seconds before this picture. Did we have extra clothes? Nope. Did we go home? Heck no. We watched the rest of the performance first! Awesome parenting, huh?

On the way back from the game we saw the swimming pool and realized it was calling our names! We get in free with our student card, and that is a price we're definitely willing to pay.

Talmage LOVES to swim, and he's getting pretty good at his cookie monster arms. He also loves to wear my glasses, and put them on his head. He is so cute and is getting so big.

Me and my boys at the swimming pool. Neither of them look all that excited about being with me, but believe me, they are!

On Monday, we decided to hike the dish--a radio telescope owned by Stanford. The hike was 4 miles, but between the boys crying, screaming, wanting treats (both of them), or being tired it felt like a lot longer. BUT, we made it to the top and a nice lady even took a picture of us together, so that's a plus!

The view was amazing, and the hike was actually really refreshing. Maybe we'll try it again sometime...when the kids are grown up!

brothers.

2011-09-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

the cutest brothers ever.

both in all blue.
holding hands.

his smile is full of tongue.

and so precious.

all on the quilt my talented friend christa made for us.

thanks christa!

REAL firetrucks

2011-09-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Look out Palo Alto, looks like we have a new firefighter in town and they've already put him behind the wheel!

We took Talmage to our local fire station and they treated him like royalty--giving him a fire hat, letting him ring the bell, calling him Fireman Talmage, and sending him home with other swag. He was so excited to see the "REAL firetrucks."

One of the fireman allowed Talmage to sit in the back of the truck and T asked him to close the door. Before he (the firefighter) knew it Talmage had locked the door and was smiling proudly out the window. That little pill! Luckily the window was open (and even if it wasn't, I felt safe knowing that we were AT the fire station!)

He was also able to go inside an ambulance and they gave him the cutest teddy bear with casts and crutches! Right when we finished looking at the trucks they got a call and with bells ringing and lights flashing they were off. It was the perfect way to end our experience.

T-I-double Guh-Rrrr

2011-09-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

My parents went to Disneyland to celebrate their anniversary and brought the boys back some awesome treats. Talmage got a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse set and carries them around wherever he goes. He calls them his treats (ie, "Mommy, where is my special special treats?") He has the cutest pretend voice and uses it often to "check on Donald" or ask Minnie if she wants her "favorite, favorite juice box!" He is so darn cute!

This little guy got a Tigger onesie that is almost too precious for words. Gosh, he looks adorable!

But the best part, by far, is the Tigger bum! Thanks Mema and Pepa. We love our treats!

Vacuum

2011-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

I love to vacuum. Of all the chores in the house, vacuuming is definitely my favorite. I love to see a super dirty floor, vacuum, and then marvel at how clean it is. I know, I'm weird.

But this week I realized that vacuuming is great (and my favorite) for another reason as well...

Baby down so I can vacuum. Vacuum on. Baby fast, and I mean FAST, asleep!

I love to vacuum!

Half Moon Bay

2011-08-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we decided to drive to Half Moon Bay, an easy 30 minutes from our home. It was gorgeous and we had a great time! We love living so close to the sandy, beautiful beach.

The boys going down to the water for the first time.

Evie slept through his first beach trip. I think the waves must have been comforting.

But big brother made up for it by being a little crazy man!

They ran up and down the beach about a million times. T loved the feeling of sand between his toes (who doesn't?)

He was, however, a little scared of the water. Anytime a big wave crashed he jumped onto my lap. I wasn't complaining!

Jim buried T's feet and he thought it was the funniest thing ever.

And when it came to wave chasing, T kept a strong (crazy strong) grip on me. What a fun day!

Stanford Week 1 Photo Dump

2011-08-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures! We'll let them do the talking...mostly!

Daddy and his boys in front of the law school. He's official, student card and all! Hooray for our new school.

Umm...cutest sleeping baby EVER! I can't even explain how much I love this kid.

I take at least 20 (million) pictures of him a day. Seriously cute! And smiling now. And cooing.

T really, really likes our new home. The second we wake up he's asking to go play at the park in our backyard. It's awesome!

This university has some major school pride. The bookstore is the size of a house...like 20 houses. It's huge! T really wants the cowboy hat! And I want shirts for the whole fam.

My parents were our first visitors in Palo Alto and we loved having them (and we'd love to have you too you know, wink wink!) This is them in front of the gorgeous church at Stanford. This courtyard reminds me of Spain. LOVE IT!

T watching the volleyballers. He really just sat there saying, "good job" when they hit the ball. Hilarious!

He hates bathtime but boy does he look cute in an Elmo towel!

Something to Smile About..

2011-08-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

We're settling into our new home and new life in Palo Alto. Our new pad is actually roomier than I was expecting, and the playground connected to our backyard is T's best fantasy played out in real life!

We've enjoyed daily walks around this gorgeous campus seeing sights like this:

and this:

Yeah, Ev speaks for all of us in saying that our Stanford experience thusfar has definitely been something to smile about!

First Bath

2011-08-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just six weeks ago we were in the hospital and Evie was having heart surgery. These last six weeks have been busy, and stressful, and full to the brim with miracles--he being the greatest one. Well, his surgery scars have healed and he was finally able to take his first bath. I wish I could say he loved it and relaxed, but the truth is...

he screamed and screamed and screamed through most of it! Can you blame him? He's 7 weeks old and this was his first bath, he had no idea what was going on!

But when he calmed down boy, oh boy, did he look adorable! And we did learn that he prefers the water hot, not warm (he is so my son!) And he loves his head being massaged (he's his dad's son too!).

Mema helped us give Ev his first bath, because no one in the world gets more excited about milestones than her and it is way too fun to have her involved! PS--I made him a swimsuit for modesty purposes!

I'm not sure what's cuter, Ev taking a bath or Ev comfy cozy after his bath! He loves his new lamby from Grammie and that cute new blanket.

T says the darndest things

2011-08-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

At the table eating corndogs for lunch. Talmage takes the hot dog out of the breading and holds it up to his chest. "He's eating," he tells me. Then he says, "Oh widdle widdle hot dog. You hungy? You drinking your milk?" Yep, T was nursing the corndog!

***

T is obsessed with binoculars these days. On our walk the other day I told him that he had to ride in the stroller until we found some sidewalk. Next thing I know T had whipped out his binoculars and was "searching for sidewalk." Gosh, with those binoculars he's got going on I'm sure he sees things way better!

***

T: I hungy.

Uncle Chase: Well go eat your corndog. It's at the table. (And side note, there are two corndog stories here but I swear we don't eat them everyday...just every other day!)

T: Uncle Chase, what are my options?

Uncle Chase: You don't have options Talmage, that's dinner.

T: Yes, I have options Uncle Chase. It's the rule.

***

T is talking like CRAZY and says new, hilarious things everyday. I can't believe how smart he is and what he picks up on. He has picked up on that too, in fact. This morning he said, "I so smart Mommy? I your favorite T ever?" I love that little kid!

Ev Update

2011-08-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

{Ev @ his last appt--gained weight again!!!}

On Sunday I was feeling overwhelmed by life. My smile masked my inner worry about little Ev, and yet I wanted nothing more than to tell everyone he was just fine. The pediatric cardiologist had heard a new heart murmur the week before, and had ordered an echocardiogram for Everett. What he found was not what I wanted to hear. Everett's coarctation in his aorta had come back and his blood pressure in his arms and legs were already different (meaning the blood flow to the lower half of his body was not perfect). He would discuss options with other doctors and surgeons, and would let us know when he had made a decision about what we'd do next.

The news was just another confirmation that congenital heart disease is a huge part of our new normal; but it was still hard to swallow. In the last few weeks each of Ev's appointments have brought a little helping of hope and a whopping helping of uncertainty and bad news. I have found my anxiety levels are out of control before each appointment as I try to brace myself for what we'll hear.

But what I secretly want to be is normal. You know, everyone else's normal. And I want Ev to have that same normal. You know, the normal that almost all other babies have. So on Sunday when everyone asked about Ev I just smiled and told them he was fine. The last they heard he was recovering perfectly...and I wanted it to stay that way. I didn't want everyone to worry as much as I had been.

Until, that is, a brother in the ward taught me a valuable lesson. I was expressing my concern about sharing Ev's condition with my mom after Sacrament meeting, when this soft-spoken, but inspired man who must have overheard our conversation, "Sister, you should share with us your concerns so we can worry right along with you." I've thought about that comment all week, and I'm grateful for it. He was right. While I don't want others to worry (of course), I do think that our families, our friends and our brothers and sisters in the church can ease our heartache by mourning or worrying right along with us. I'm grateful for his reminder and I'm grateful to all of you who have spent your time and energy loving us and worrying for us. We love you!

Anyway, our follow-up appointment was this morning and the news was slightly positive! The cardiology team does not think Ev needs another surgery yet (last week the doctor thought a surgery would be needed in the next month or so), and instead Ev will be closely monitored. He still has a narrowed aortic arch, his coarctation and a VSD (hole in the heart) so they have lots to monitor! I am grateful for this news. It's definitely better than it could have been.

{The infamous Dr. Si, Ev's heart surgeon. We LOVE this man!}

Silly in PJ's

2011-08-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we were in our PJ's until 12...and it was heaven! It was my parents' anniversary (Happy Anniversary Parents!) and when I took out the camera to snap a few prom-shots of them, we had a couple taken of ourselves. Next time we'll wait until we've showered for the photo shoot!

Blessed.

2011-08-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Everett was blessed on Sunday at an intimate meeting at my parents house. Usually, blessings are done in the chapel during Sunday service, but since Ev still cannot attend church we decided to bless him at home. A beautiful blessing was given to him by his dad, and we were grateful to have our local family members in attendance. Ev was blessed, but we consider him a blessing!

One of these days we'll have a family picture where all four of us are looking at the camera. Until then, I think this one is pretty darn cute!

Thanks to everyone who could come, and we missed you to all of those who couldn't.

Papa, Daddy and Ev.

Mema, P-Pa, Mommy and Ev.

Stanford

2011-07-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ev was in surgery when Jim shared with me his morning bout of revelation.

"I had a really strong prompting that I should transfer to Stanford Law School," he said with a reverent mixture of humility and confidence.

Our doctors had told us that post-surgery life would definitely be less adventurous than our Wiggy-life had been, especially until some important genetic testing came back and until Ev received his first round of vaccinations. For lack of better words, Ev would be in a bubble, unless we were carting him around to cardiologist appointments, pediatrician check-ups and visits to our surgeons. We just couldn't risk him getting sick. The thought of doing that in the city, on subways, with crazy-man T and sensitive-baby Ev was, indeed, a harrowing concept, especially since our family support group is on the west coast. I didn't allow myself to get my hopes up about Stanford (the application was due on June 15, but since we weren't planning on transferring until after Ev was born ours wasn't in until July 20), but I told him it was worth a shot.

Everything went together seamlessly. Jim wrote a gorgeous personal statement that we believe was inspired (and mostly written) by a loving Heavenly Father. Two of his Columbia professors (Stanford grads themselves, I should add) wrote him sparkling letters of recommendation. The application was submitted and after less than a week of waiting Jim received a personal phone call from the dean of admissions at the law school asking about Ev's health and accepting Jim's transfer request. He accepted, and we are now Stanford Law students. Whoa!

So, once again, the Wiggy's are packing their bags and taking a big step into the dark. We are sad to leave our friends in New York, and all the amazing things the city has to offer, but we are completely confident that Heavenly Father has laid this path for us. Believe me, it wouldn't have happened without Him. My testimony now is stronger than it's ever been. God, our Heavenly Father, has a plan for each of our individual lives. He know us. He loves us. And everything happens for a reason. I'm so grateful.

Palo Alto, here we come!!!