Brothers

I just can't resist showing all of you this picture of Zach and Cannon. It just captures what they are like together (when they are not fighting or bugging each other). They really are good friends, most of the time, and they are ALWAYS goofy.

Rabies

We couldn't resist taking this picture of Elliot. I'm not sure what he was dreaming of, but he started foaming at the mouth. He slowly kept making more and more bubbles. Maybe he was a rabid squirrel in his past life?

David vs. Mini Van

We have needed new spark plugs in our van for a LONG time. My sister, who has a similar mini-van and a mechanically inclined husband told us to save up about $400 to take it to a mechanic to get it done because they are impossible to get to. The engine is put in sideways, so the spark plugs get hidden behind and underthings. So we have been putting it off and putting it off. It finally got to the point where we couldn't wait any more. Especially when we were planning on doing Elliot's baby blessing in Utah, Labor Day Weekend. So David made a few phone calls, got some quotes and one of the mechanics he talked to told him how to do it himself! SO last Saturday, David put the van up on ramp and took the hood off and got busy. It was about 113 degrees outside (thank goodness for covered parking). It took him about 6 hours to do it, but he did it... He changed the spark plugs and the van is running SO much better. Next time, it certainly won't take him 6 hours to do. It will still be fairly complicated, but he knows some tricks now. Plus, it only cost about $50 after buying the spark plugs and some more tools.

I can't say I have EVER seen David so FILTHY! Good thing Dawn dish washing soap gets out grease!!

Vision of the Future?

Aunt Emma sent some really cute Elliot sized scrubs for Elliot to wear and be like Daddy. They have been way to big, until recently. So, since he was officially ONE MONTH old yesterday, we dressed him in the scrubs. Very fun!

Up until this morning, David was continuing in the health care field, studying Respiratory Therapy. But since he started his new job in demolition, he has been rethinking his career path. This morning, he dropped his RT classes and is signing up for Construction Management instead. He loves tearing things apart and really likes the idea of blowing up buildings, LEGALLY and SAFELY (had to emphasize that in case "big brother" is reading my blog!! We don't need any more legal problems!)

~Bath Time ~ Dinner Time~ Nap Time~

Zach LOVES helping with his baby brother. He really wanted to help give him a bath the other day. We had to make a few modifications to bath time, but it worked out fine and we had fun. (I normally just take a bath with the baby, so this time, I wore my swimming suit and Zach, Elliot and I were all in tub. I was a bit of a tight fit!) ANYWAY... I of course had to document the fun we were all having. Elliot is the first one of my babies who LOVES the water right away. He calms right down and relaxes! Course, I love to soak in a good hot bath too, so like they say, "great minds think alike"



I LOVE the cross eyed look on Elliot's face.




Here, we have Zach loving on Elliot and feeding him. We prop up Elliot on a bunch of pillows to help support him and let Zach have a good time. He loves the snuggle time and is really good at getting Elliot to burp!!

One of my favorite thing to do with infants is to let them sleep on my chest... David loves it too. They had a really good nap together. Cannon actually fell asleep to, on Daddy's shoulder, but the photo didn't turn out very good.

Our Funny Song

David has always sung songs to our boys. He recently made up one, that goes to the tune of "You are My Sunshine", and depending on who he is singing it to, he changes the name. Zach and Cannon LOVE the song and like to sing it to Elliot. Here are the words, in case you can't fully understand them singing... (turn up your volume, they are kinda quiet)

I love my Elliot
Oh yes I do
I pinch his hiney
And kiss him too
My Elliot's cuter
than any pooter.
Oh I love my Elliot I do!

(oh - A "pooter" is the name Zach made up as a toddler for passing gas, popping off, tooting, farting... you get the idea)

Elliot

Elliot has changed a lot in the 3 weeks he has been here (almost 3 weeks anyway). He has gained quite a bit of weight. As of Tuesday, he weighed 10 lbs, 10 oz.

He also keeps his eyes open a lot longer and really studies things out. It is really cute to watch. He was sound a sleep when I laid him down on the bed. Course, this was at 11pm when he has decided it is "wake up time". It isn't that surprising to me actually. I am usually heading to bed about that time, and when I was pregnant, that was the time when he would wiggle and do crazy man somersaults in my belly.

We were just hanging out for this next picture. He was checking out Zach, who was talking to him and making googlie faces at him.

A new meaning to "house arrest"

Our little Cannon is sure having a lot of picture worthy fun lately!! The other day, Cannon had gotten pretty quiet... which always makes me worry. When I went to look for him, I found him playing in the kitchen and for a change, he wasn't getting into trouble, but having a blast with my laundry baskets. I have NO idea what he was really imagining in there. He started getting mad when the top one wouldn't stay in place.

Would it be bad to tie the baskets together to keep him in one place for more than a minute? HMMM... I guess it would, so I won't REALLY do it, but the thought did cross my mind!!

Stinky Pits

With David's new job, he leaves early in the mornings, so to not disturb my sleep, he gets ready in the living room. Some of his toiletries are usually left in the kitchen. Cannon saw Daddy's deodorant on the counter and started stripping his shirt off. He had to put some deodorant on his stinky pits, just like Daddy. Luckily, Cannon left the lid on, or I'm SURE we would have had a sticky, gooey, gel mess everywhere. Impersonation is the best form of flattery!!

TRADITION

Finally I'm posting something here. David here. On the night of Friday July 20, the last night my parents were here from Utah, Sarah left to her sister's apartment and told me to get some pictures of the kids with Oma and Opa. As you can see, she didn't specify what kid of pictures she wanted, so here is one of the 16 I took.
My Mom was explaining to Zach and Cannon how when she was a little girl her Dad would "play the piano" on her ribs. Of course you can't talk about Opa Allart with out a
demonstration...



And Mom, it's not an embarrassing picture as you thought, it's a picture of you passing on a fun tradition in a loving way while looking like a musician that's half off her rocker, a few notes shy of a concerto, one musician short of a solo, I could go on.

Our smallest baby yet!!

Elliot Jones Widdison

July 16, 2007
2:50pm
9 lbs 7 oz
21 1/2 inches

Can't say that I have ever been more excited to get up and be at a hospital by 5:00 am than I was when we were scheduled for the labor induction. My doctor had finally taken pity on me. The labor went really well, and only took about 7 hours from when the actually hooked me up to all the medical equipment and started the medication. My epidural took really well and they kept me very medicated this time. (I love my anesthesiologist. It took about 3+ hours for the meds to wear off of my legs. It was pretty funny)

Elliot has been our healthiest baby and took his first breath without medical intervention, unlike Zach and Cannon. He cried immediately and then peed on our doctor!! I have did not get the chance to hold Zach or Cannon right after they were born, so when I got to hold him right away, it was a great experience! After all the official medical stuff was done with him and me, we got to hold him for a while. he was very alert and curious about his new surroundings. David has always sung to our babies while I was pregnant and the boys have always recognized their special songs and Daddy's voice.

Zach and Cannon were our first visitors. Oma and Opa (David's parents) had come down from Utah to help out while we were in the hospital and for Elliot's firs week. So they brought them to come visit us. The boys were so excited to finally meet their little brother! Cannon kept asking if Elliot was still in belly. Zach wanted to know why my belly was still big now that Elliot was finally out. I love the brutal honesty of children! They couldn't keep their eyes off of Elliot and fought over who was going to hold him and for how long. They have done really well accepting him into our family. (now we just have to get Cannon used to having to share my attention with another person.)



Zach has been asking me for months if he would be able to feed, burp and get Elliot to sleep. He wanted to be able to cuddle him while he was sleeping. So when the time came, he decided he wanted to take a nap too (only a fake one for the camera!! Gotta love it when the kids know how to set up a cute photo. Zach knows it will make it to the scrapbook!)





Last night, 7-21-07, when it was time for family prayer before bed, Cannon had been holding Elliot. He didn't want to kneel down because he had Elliot on his lap. So we let him stay there. He kept telling Elliot it was time for prayer and to fold his arms. He got a little frustrated when Elliot wouldn't leave his arms folded, so he held them in place. So prayer got a bit delayed while I grabbed the camera! What a great big brother!!

David and I are doing really well adjusting to being a family of 5. I am finally feeling myself, after not feeling well during the pregnancy. I have so much more energy now. The recovery, so far, has been easy. I am trying to not take on TOO much, but it is nice to have some ambition for a change. I am grateful that David's parents were here. They helped out so much, and in so many ways! David has been able to get back to work (His dad was able to go to work with him and they had fun destroying things together). David has been very helpful when he gets home and in the middle of the night and he still lets ME sleep in on the weekends! I will try to be better keeping this updated so you can see our little guys grow up.

Is he actually coming???

Well, we had another ultrasound to see if this baby is big like the others. As if we couldn't tell just by looking at me! Anyway, This time, the girl who does the ultrasounds snuck in a couple 3-D images, so we can see what he looks like! It was so cool to get a little sneak peak! The did all the measurements and he is (surprise!!) BIG! The ultrasound can be off by a pound in either direction, but lets be honest, he is not on the small side! They estimate him to be 8.87 lbs at 37 weeks. My Doctor is not taking pity on me by inducing me tomorrow (7-12-07), but on the 16th, which seems so far away for me! I am totally impatient.

Zach's Mother's Day Projects

Zach's Mother's Day gifts that he made at school were SO special to me! I love 5 year old honesty! He first drew the picture of me... I am wearing a purple dress and twirling around and waving to him, Cannon and Daddy as they leave for the Father's and Son's Camp-out that was the Friday before Mother's Day. You can click on the pictures for bigger pictures. You can see our gold van driving off by our apartment (only the apartment is not 4 stories it's 3, and it's not green). Since it is Arizona, we of course, have a sunny day!Now the little "fill in the blank" about me! (Double click for a larger picture if you need to... it is worth it!) I think Zach must have been hungry when he wrote it because there is A LOT about food in there! But then again, I really can't think of a time when Zach is NOT hungry. I feed him and with in 10 minutes he is dramatically and painfully STARVING again. Anyway back to his gift... I guess I am much OLDER than I really am. He says I am 1606 years old. Boy do I look good for my age! I guess my son also watches too much TV when the Kay Jewelry commercials have convinced him of the type of present he should be giving on Mother's Day. Diamonds are always nice, but it would not compare to this. I swear I am having it framed and I'm keeping it forever to "SEE" how much he loves me.
My little Bouquet of Flowers COMPLETELY is has Zach's personality, logic and way of thinking, ALL over it! Even his teacher, Ms. Johnson laughed at how much of this project is "Our Zach". He is a total individual and also, gets bored cutting and pasting easily. The assignment was to cut out flower shapes, glue them on, cut out circles for the flower's center, and glue those on the flower shapes. Well, that is not Zach... he always follows directions, but in his own way. He did it on some, but you can see there is on flower that does not have a center. Well, that is a ROSE and "roses don't have centers!" He did cut out a bunch of little circles and glued those on the stems... those are the "baby flowers just starting to grow". So I have my own unique little bouquet. The Flower Pot, is also a little different. He colored the inside blue because he "watered the flowers so they will never die".
I did receive great cards, fresh flowers, earrings, and a Willow Tree Collectible, that I do love. But these are the first gifts Zach has been able to put his thought and effort into. He was really excited about giving them to me.

Tonto Natural Bridge

Sunday afternoon, we decided to get out of town for a while. I can think of a million things we 'should have' been doing, but we really needed a day trip. So we headed north of town for our adventure, past the town of Payson. David and I had both been up in that area before for various camps and such. We had seen a sign for Tonto Natural Bridge, and we decided to go check it out. It is quite the cool little park. There are hiking trails and great lookout points to see the rock bridge. We did not do any of the trails (I'm afraid my unstable joints just would not appreciate it), but we did look around. We pulled out the kite and we had a blast flying the kite. The weather was PERFECT, it was around 75 degrees, with a slight breeze. With the sun starting to go down, there was a lot of shade. We even saw a pack of javalina's (wild pigs). We look forward to going back and doing some of the hiking. I completely forgot to bring my camera... I will do it next time until then, here is the website for the park...


http://www.azparks.gov/Parks/parkhtml/tonto.html

Doorbell Ditching

We had an awesome experience Thursday evening, April 26. The day had not started out so well, and with everything going on, the stress level around here has been a bit high. David and I were able to go on a date that night (YEAH!!) to see a couple of the Young Women I work with in a school play. When we got home, we got Zach in bed and I began battling to get Cannon to go to sleep, while David ran to the grocery store to get some milk. There was a knock at the door and I thought it was David with his hands full. So I answered the door and NO ONE was there. At my feet, however, was a large blue plastic "milk crate" filled with STUFF. I looked over the balcony and it was my luck that of course EVERYONE in our apartment complex was leaving at the same time, so I did not get a good look at anyone! I did see a smiling girl, who was looking at me, in the passenger seat of a dark colored sedan pull away, but I don't know who it was. So I picked up the box and brought it inside. In the box was a TON of toys, toy cars, a slinky, a Marble game, water guns, bubbles, blow guns, books (that are perfect for Zach to read), Disney's Robin Hood on DVD, a music CD, a baby onesie, an infant gift set with a towel, wash clothes, onesie, a hat and a $20 gift card for David and I. There was so much stuff, that I'm sure I forgot something on the list (even the picture isn't complete because the kids had been playing with some of the toys). There was also a very thoughtful card signed "Love Us".

It really couldn't have come on a better day, when we needed a "pick-me-up" the most! My kids have been having a blast and keep wondering who it is that loves us so much! David and I are just in awe. Who ever it was, knows us well. They know our situation with David's work (they mentioned it in the card), know we are having another boy. They know what Zach and Cannon like. I have been "doorbell ditched" before, with cookies or a treat of some kind, but now, when I watch Robin Hood with my kids, or play the marble game, I be reminded of some anonymous person, with great timing, who knows and loves us and wishes us well!

We also, haven't seemed be be so stressed since then either. Who ever it is, We love you too! You have NO IDEA what you have done for our family!

ps, you can click on the photo for a larger image!

Cat Nap

With school, work, a 2 year old that won't sleep at night and just life in general, David just has not been sleeping well. The other morning, he crashed on the couch while Cannon was watching a movie. I guess Cannon thought the couch was just not comfy enough for his liking and sitting on Daddy made watching his movie even better. So I had to take a picture. David said he just didn't sleep very well while on the couch, but he had no idea the camera had been taking pictures during his snooze! I guess he was able to catch a few winks!

Mother Nature's Farm

Zach had his first Field Trip, April 19. He went to Mother Nature's Farm in Gilbert. Cannon and I got to tag along as chaperons! I can't say I really was helpful, chasing Cannon everywhere, but the kids had fun! They were given the option to feed the cow, sheep and goats, but were told not to feed the pigs (they are pigs, after all, and don't care if they nibble a finger or not). Zach was not interested in feeding them, but just watched. The sheep just had babies right before Easter. The little lambs were so cute, but were camera shy, so you'll just have to take our word on it! Then the kids got to go on a hay ride, which was actually just sitting on a trailer pulled by a tractor. My allergies were grateful for the lack of hay! We saw a few jack rabbits on the ride, which was the highlight. The owners have made a maze out of hay that the kids had a blast getting lost in! We enjoyed a picnic lunch and then headed back to school! It was a perfect field trip for a bunch kids from kindergarten!

Easter 2007

Ok, 2 weeks after Easter, I finally remember to take a picture of the boys in their new Easter Clothes. Zach is very excited that the Easter Bunny knew that his favorite colors are orange and blue, and bought a really cool tie to make him happy (it just needs to be a little longer!!). He looks like a little missionary (and is proud of it) in his new clothes.

Cannon really floored the Easter bunny, when he had to buy Cannon's clothes in the big boy section, not the toddler section! (He is not even 3 yet! He only weighs 4 lbs less than Zach). Cannon was more interested in how his hair looks and asks me to put gel in his hair before we go anywhere than what clothes he wears. He does like the way he looks all dressed up (and hair done) and runs into the bedroom to look in the mirror and says, "OH! SO HANDSOME!"

My Pregnant Self

Ok Ok! I finally did it. Everyone has been requesting a photo of my ever growing belly. WHY? I have no idea. So now there is a picture of my ever growing belly floating around cyberspace for everyone to see. I am 6 months along and feel like I look like I am 12 months pregnant! Hope you enjoy!

Great Oma Comes to Town!

April 6, 2007. David's Oma (Dutch for Grandma) was in town. She was on a bus tour to see many sites, including the LDS Temple Easter Pageant, here in Mesa. Her group was eating dinner at a local historical restaurant, "The Landmark", which is less than 3 miles from our house and we have never been there in the 5 years we have lived here. We got to tag along for dinner and visit with her and meet her friends. (David's great uncle was there too!) Zach and Cannon loved seeing their Great Oma, and of course, she spoiled them a bit too with a new book and toy bird for each of them. (The birds, or "BIRBs" as Cannon calls them, are a tad on the noisy side and take frequent naps during the day!) After dinner, Cannon and I went home, but David and Zach met up with her again for the pageant. (Sitting on the ground, or metal chairs and I do not get along during pregnancy, so I missed out on the fun) They had a great time. It was great to see her again, even if it just wasn't long enough. Zach, our sensitive little man, was a bit upset about not being able to see her the next day. He misses all of his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and wants us ALL to live in one big giant house together...

Family Vacation

October 9-11, 2006, during Zach's Fall Break, we decided to go to San Diego to take the kids to Sea World, the beach and to see the San Diego Temple. This was our first vacation we have taken as a family that did not involve some sort of family event. (wedding, baby blessing, baptism, etc) This was the first time we have been able to afford such a vacation! We had a blast! We got up early on Oct 9th and got to the park right as they were opening the gates. We were glad that we had 2 days to see the park because we didn't get to it all in one day. The first thing we did was pet the dolphins (I have ALWAYS loved them). One of the dolphins noticed that we had not bought any fish, but we still expected to pet him, so he swam past and splashed us! Zach and I were soaked. I could not believe how smart he was when we went back later, WITH FISH for him, he teased us like he was going to splash us again! We also got to pet the sting rays, David was the only one willing to feed them. You have to stick your arm down and let them suck the fish out of your fingers. We also got to touch sea stars and see so many amazing fish! We had a great picnic lunch with Shamu, with reserved (dry) seats and yummy food. After the park closed for the night, I sprained my ankle, so the next day, I got to play around in a motorized wheelchair while David pulled the kids in the wagon. We went on the behind the scenes tour and got to see the training area for the dolphins, as well as all the babies at the park. My friendly dolphin from the day before was there and I swear he remembered me! We also went behind the scenes in the Shark Tank and got to pet Bamboo Sharks. They were about 18 inches long and LOVED to be touched! They act like cats winding between your legs, only of course, they swim around your hands! David fell in love and if we could find them here in Arizona, I'm sure he would figure out how to keep them as pets! We later saw the dolphin show. David and the boys sat in the "Splash Zone" while I sat in the handicapped section alone. Cannon fell asleep, UNTIL the show started then he was SOAKED! You could hardly get a breath in between splashes from the dolphins! We then saw the polar bears and penguins and froze! Zach went on his first roller coaster ride. He like it at first, but when we went in for a surprise splash and very fast sideways turn, he didn't like the feeling of not knowing if he would stay on the coaster or not. But he is still proud that he tried it! Our last day of our vacation was spent driving up the coast to La Jolla Cove and playing on the beach. We thought the water was a bit cold (colder than the Atlantic in February) so we mainly just played in the sand. A surfer told us they saw a Tiger Shark and to be careful. (which made Zach panic a bit) After a while, we drove around to find the San Diego Temple before driving home. We had a great time! Cannon is still loving ocean life. He confiscated the Shamu stuffed animal that Zach bought. Luckily for Cannon, Zach is a great brother and doesn't mind sharing. Zach just had Spring Break and asked if we were going again since he didn't have school!

Introducing...

Monday, March 12, 2007 we finally had our ultrasound to find out the sex of our baby. All of us had been hoping for a girl! My pregnancy had been different enough than the other two, that I had convinced myself that we were having our little girl. However, we are NOT having a girl. As you can see from one of the photos, it is another proud little boy. We will name him Elliot Jones Widdison. We have liked the name Elliot for some time, but couldn't decide on a middle name. David came up with his middle name. Jones is my mom's maiden name. Her only brother never had any children, so the name is to sort of pass on the name. Besides, we think it sounds cute!

Kindergarten Photos

We had to battle to get the school photos done right. In Zach's original, the photogragher told him to smile like he was getting tickled. So ended up looking like he was petrified, not happy. So on retake day, after hours of practising a good smile, we got Zach grinning making sure I'd be happy. Cannon's photo was a bit harder. He got shy and didn't want to sit and say "cheese" so Daddy came in and literally tossed him around and sat him on the chair and the photographer snapped the photo. Mom is pretty happy with the outcome

He Loves me, He Loves me not

We recently purchased a IMAC computer and David was having a bit too much fun with the built in camera. It is bit disturbing...

Cannon's Dizzy Spell

Cannon recently was spinning around and around in circles and managed to spin himself into the corner of the entertainment center. It pierced his forehead right above his left eye brow, but he was brave, he just looked at me like, "boy, that hurt!" and started playing with Zach. David went at got some Steri-Strips from the drugstore and after Cannon's shower, we put a couple on. He was very proud of his acheivement and kept looking at himself in the mirror. He wanted to keep looking at himself even after he was in bed. Zach was asked how he would have reacted if it were him... He openly admitted that he would be screaming and not very brave at all.