Namesake

For me to talk about Harriett is like a five year old talking about plutonium. It's kinda cute, but everybody knows the five year old has no idea what he's saying.

However, today is Harriett's birthday and considering that the person I love the most in the world is now named after her, I thought I would give a shot anyway.



When I started dating Brett I noticed a small black and white picture of a girl tucked into a drawer. Considering the rest of his apartment was the usual messy and unsentimental bachelour type, I assumed this was a picture of his mom. I think it was the way the picture sat all by itself, next to nothing else, that made it obvious at that this woman really ment something to him. At the time I had a black and white picture of my mom on my desk so I didn't think to much of it.

It was one day at my apartment that I noticed Brett had started reading my journal. Really mad, but trying to keep my cool I said "I am so gonna tell your mom on you. She's going to be so disapointed in you." I was trying to be flirty and cynical in a cute way, but he put my journal down, looked away from me and said, "You can't. She died."
Then he casually walked into the next room. He sooooooooooooo burned me. I just stood there dumbfounded and muttered some sad little apology. Honestly, I know he thought he was pretty funny by putting me in shock. And surely, that will be a moment I will never forget. But that's how I found out that Harriett had passed while Brett was on his mission ten years earlier.
Note to other Millburn boys- that is not a cool way to tell a girl about your mom... however it is memorable.

That is not what I came online to blog about though. I just thought I would share that little nugget.

I've been told that Harriett never cared for her name and at one point tried to get people to call her by her middle name, Marie- yet it never took. She liked Marie better, hence we did not name our Marie "Harriett."
When Brett said he wanted our girl to be named Marie I was a bit shocked. The name is pretty sacred and I didn't want to step on any siblings toes, but so far, as far as we know we are still on good terms with all the siblings. :)


Like many, I am sad I never got to know Harriett and I know that we will and have missed out on many moments that she would have enriched. However, I know that she was an amazing person because Brett is. I know she cared about people because Brett does. And just as he didn't get so nice on his own, she may not have either. . . or maybe I just wanted an excuse to post the above picture. Her mother is third from the bottom right, and her father is in the bottom right. Does anyone else think he is Mitt Romney's real dad?


But I was looking as this picture and thinking- MAN! A mom must be really good if not ONE of her teenage kids is making a super sarcastic face in this family photo.
That is serious talent.

I don't know what is going on in this picture, but it makes me feel good just looking at it. I hope Marie will be as sweet as Harriett. Grandma Parry told me that Harriett was very easy to raise in that she was very good with money (Marie- I hope your listening!) and truly cared about people.


Here is Harriett in the center. This is my projection of what Marie will look like when she is 7. I think Marie has Harriett's eyes, nose, and maybe her smile. She definitely won't let me down in the looks department.



It's late now and this Mommy needs to sleep. Here is Marie supervising the making of her blessing dress by her other grandmother.

Marie has definitely got good genes.

Headline News

Marie took her first pacifier last night at 11:45 pm. Don't tell her lactation consultant. That lady would be raging mad. I was supposed to wait until ... never. The lady never wanted Marie to have a pacifier. I'm sorry, but this baby likes it.





I'm not done yet, Marie also slept in her crib for the first time the night before last. She slept 5.5 hours!



However.... last night I missed her being in my room so I made her sleep next to me in her bassinet...

BUT!!! She slept until 7 AM. She deserves a prize. Maybe more pacifiers....

A Year in Review

Before I do any other posts I have to quickly... or not so quickly review and say how grateful I am for all that has happened in the last year to get my little family where we are today.

This time last year Brett just finished taking the Idaho Bar- Yikes! It was lots of long days of studying and he worked so hard. I entertained myself by working 3 part time jobs. Moscow had a tough job market in the summer so full time jobs were scarce. I worked two days a week nannying an infant boy for a family I loved! I also worked randomly doing water surveys for the university (I had to call people and ask them how much water they used... and boy howdy people can be pretty persnickety about their water privacy!) and very randomly I worked for a tree trimmer who was a crazy old man who lived in the middle of nowhere and only talked about the Bible and government conspiracy. He was a 7th Day Adventist preacher who admitted to me that his, and every other church was false... and lets just say our discussion on Mormonism wasn't very fruitful. But it was fun climbing trees and learning to repel from them.

After the bar Brett said he wanted to move back to Utah before he started with the Air Force. Silly us, we thought we could afford an apartment. At first we stayed with Bubs and Ange. They were so AWESOME to put up with us. They have such a "Home." The spirit is always there and their kids are so well taken care of. I learned alot about what kind of parent I want to be by following their examples.

Brett moved in with them while I went to San Diego with my friends. That was pretty rad. Brett is so great to let me do pretty much whatever I want.


When I got back we went to Arches together and camped. A few weeks later we went to the cabin and got to white water raft with the Parrys. It's awesome being connected to such fun and talented people.


Anyways, turns out we didn't want to pay for an apartment so thankfully we were able to move in with Ron and Cathy and make ends meet. They put us up in a comfy room upstairs (with a new paint job of course! ;) ) and we had a good time living with them. It was fun playing with Max and Brett had John to talk about baseball with. He tells me random baseball stuff but I know it's like talking to a blank wall.
I think they enjoyed us, all except for Andy, my ultimate Nemesis. Don't worry, Andy is just a dog.



Here is a pic of Maxxers and Bailey- Not Andy. After almost being mauled in the face, Bailey is John's nemisis.

That Fall I worked at a Rehabilitation Academy for teen girls and Brett got to take a sabbatical. Needless to say working with whacked out, super emotional teen girls made me scared to have a girl, but we were trying for kiddies anyways. In October I got frustrated with not getting pregnant and kind of gave up caring. In November I was pregnant. But I didn't find out until my last day of work- Dec 17th- that was really a great day!

Also in October we got to choose between living in Missouri or California with the Air Force. We sold out.



Here is Brett taking his Oath of Office with Tim. It's convienent to have friends in high places.

In January I stayed with my parents while Brett went to COT- Commissioned Officers Training in Alabama. While he was gone I thought I miscarried and that was scary, but I had my Dad to help me get the medical attention I needed and he was really wonderful. I know Marie is gonna love her dad just as much as I love mine.





After I found out everything was OK I flew to Georgia to see Stockton's baptism and to eventually be picked up by Brett to live in AL with him. It was a fun weekend. Ron, Mike & Skye were there and it was fun to see Skye in action. But she hates Brett because he tried to give her a piggy-back ride. I then helped out with Steph's kids while Mike took her to the hospital to finish up her surgery marathon. It was a crazy week. Everybody in the whole house got sick and was throwing up- except for me and Jorja. We have immune systems of steel! Even Brett threw up when he came the following weekend. It was after that I decided my morning sickness was gone.
Jorga & her Webkinz, Padz

Living in Alabama was... Lame. I've decided I'm not a racists, but a "regionist." If I'm in the Western U.S. I don't care if your black, white, or Hispanic- chances are that I will like you. However if you are in the South... I probably can't understand what you are saying and I think you are a jerk, because you are rude and grumpy.
Needless to say, I ony had one friend. We were the only spouses staying in the hotel they put us all in. She is a really nice girl and we still keep in touch. It was nice sharing the gospel with her and she was a good person to lean on when things got hard. Living in a small hotel room for 2 months is not something I recommend.


Brett had a good time though. He liked class and most of the people he went to training with. It was funny being the only non-drinkers at ALL the parties. And I will never forget one girl, who threw lots of dinners, but always made sure Brett and I had our own special non-alcoholic drink. She would mix Pelligrino water with gauva juice. Fancy and refreshing.... just kidding, it was pretty gross- but good effort on her part!

We had several fancy Air Force dinners but I only had one maternity dress that would fit me, so no ball gowns for me. Oh well- some other day.


I drove to WA DC with my friend Sara (14 hours!) to see our husbands get sworn in by the Court of the Armed Forces. I stayed in a really nice room with Brett, and we spent our evenings gallivanting (yes gallivanting) around the city eating out and seeing the sights. That was really one of the greatest times I've had in my whole life.


On our way out of AL, moving to CA we had a blown out tire -in the rain- of course. It took several days to get to Utah where my mom, my aunt, and my cousin threw me an awesome baby shower. And of course, Brett played on the Platypi and loved it. We definitely love going to Utah.


This is me and my cousin (by marriage) Rachel Youngberg. We have the same name and almost had our babies at the same time! Her baby McKenna was due Aug 4th and was born 3 weeks early! I guess Marie thought that was a good idea and copied her!

Then we headed to Emmett where our stuff was stored. The movers came and moved us quick. That was good. I remember my Grandma had a stroke that day and it was really scary. Very scary. She's been living with dementia for a while now, but it was overwhelming to see her almost go. She's doing better now though thanks to my Aunt Elaine who takes super care of her.


Moving here and not any other city was an easy decision. This town is great. And what we have been doing all summer is already posted under "We Heart Our Guests." (I know, I know- contain yourself! I won't stop writing now!).


Anyways I just have to say how grateful I am that Marie was born exactly when she was. Even though I thought I should have her earlier she came not a day to soon or a day to late. Literally -she came hours after my mom arrived to help, but only a day after our lasts guests came. I'm so grateful I didn't have her in AL or in UT, but in California where we had just enough time to make this apartment into a home. I am grateful I didn't need to see a doctor until we had medical coverage.
I love that we were able to learn so much from our families and friends about parenthood before we became a mommy and a daddy. From Bubs & Ange I learned not to underestimate the importance of good nutrition and safety. From Steph I learned how a mom's positive attitude helps a child be their best selves. Also, that you NEED a washer and a dryer because more than one kid can get the flu at the same time. From Mike S. I am totally inspired to be more creative and consistently involved in my kids life. If you don't know what I mean check out www.mytimewithdad.com! (seriously- who builds a rock climbing wall for their 4 year old! awesome! ) From Christen I learned (even though I didn't see her all year!) to not take any moments for granted- but to document everything! From Cathy I learned to not be so judgemental, that you don't have to be controlled by housework to be happy, and you can paint a wall as many times as you like.
I can't document on one page all the things I learned from Ron- it would fill up a book, but I hope I could give as much as he does if I was ever asked.

From John and Matt... I'm sorry I can't say I learned much. Just kidding. I hope Marie gets to know all her uncles.

I can't forget my family. My brother and his wife are the King and Queen of food storage. They have it AND they actually rotate it! Man- I need to do mine! They are also very humble and fun to be around. As are my cousins. I wish I had spent more time with them while living in Utah.


The Lords timing is perfect and we are so grateful for it. Every time I think I know what I am doing, the Lord shows such a better way if I am open to it.

This year so much has happened and I am so, so, SO lucky.


And we are so glad.

Can't Bust My Bubble

It's that time of the month again. The time of the month when I call Wells Fargo and ask them why they are charging so many fees. I have had SO MANY problems with them in the last 4 months. Usually I get really really mad and it ruins my whole day and then Brett's whole day when I tell him about it.... (I can be Debbie Downer when I try)

Today was different though. I checked on my account, and even though somehow I had a negative savings balance and 3 mystery fees I went to check on Marie and suddenly I wasn't mad anymore. She's such a snuggle bug.

Sure I eventually called Wells Fargo and yadda yadda yadda, but I've never been calmed so quickly.

This girl is Magical

I appreciate everyone who reads this blog. I feel like it's time to rename this site "Brag Fest," But, at the same time I really like looking at pictures of other peoples kids, and even "other peoples" themselves, so I am assuming the same about them... or you... (however it makes sense).

Also, I am begining to turn Bubs-ish and have a strong desire to not post pictures of my baby on the internet. There are ALOT of weirdos out there. Yet, my desire to brag will overcome any ounce of safety I have in me. Luckily the weirdest person in my building (that I know of) just wants to baptize people in the community pool. Also we move alot so not even 1/2 my family really knows where I live, and I am thinking about buying a gun. Therefore I am justified in publishing tons of pictures of my baby.

(p.s. I haven't told Brett about the gun thing yet- Brett, if you're reading this I think I should buy a gun sometime this fall. What do you think? It's an investment in sanity and safety.)

Snuggle Bug

Marie's First Bath was a bit traumatizing. But I got through it. Now her skin seems to be pealing off like a reptile. Weird, but Brett says it's normal. Apparently he was paying more attention to the nurses than me when being explained the "in's and out's" of the neonate.


She is quite the snuggle bug.





Today is Marie's Expected Birthday. I made brownies. Mostly to celebrate the fact that I am not in labor. I've decided that from now I am awarding my children $100 dollars for each day they come before their due date. So far Marie has earned $900. I will then distribute that money in the form of diapers and wipes.



Brett accused me of having her being asleep when he comes home. But considering she sleeps 20 hours a day his odds are pretty bad of catching her when she's awake. But she throws him a bone now and then.

This picture is fortuitous of our relationship throughout her teenage years.

Now I gotta do a posting on the labor details, to a lot of peoples dismay. Just kidding. Not really though because I myself didn't understand a lot of things until 8 days ago. Such things as "being 5-8 minutes apart," being "4 cm dialated," what a pitosin drip is, and the joys of the episiotomy.

Don't fret, I'll get the details soon... unless I start reading "Breaking Dawn" .. oh what a sellout I am.

Little Marie's all grown up

Happy August 1st,

Today is Marie's 5th full day. She has celebrated it by trying to learn how to whistle. Not very good. This is Rachel's 9,050th full day. I am dominating them all at 11,930 days.

I took the week off work, so I've been hanging around the house a lot. When I get bored I ask Rachel if I can wake the baby up.

Marie is really good natured, so far. I hope it lasts. I think the fact that I sleep like a rock through the night helps me to overestimate her good naturedness. So far, I would say, her main talent consists of staring at things. She seems especially fascinated with blank walls. Her eyes get really big when she seems them and she can't look away. She also likes being on her stomach, and she already is as strong as her dad.

Things I've been told Marie is too small for (all instances of The Man keeping her down):

1. Going to baseball games

2. swinging in her swing

3. jumping in her jumper

4. playing soccer

5. crawling

6. walking

7. talking

8. reading

9. swimming (including hot tub)

10. changing her own diaper

11. eating roast

12. hitting stray cats with a tennis racket

In other news, Matt, welcome back to the states. Way to quell the violence in Iraq. Pretty safe to say you left it much better than you found it. All in 12-months work. I'm sure you'll miss the good times you had on that industrial, wooden swing outside of your tent. I will have to dust off the link to your blog. Hopefully The Bubs didn't ruin your car too much.

And also, a quick shout out to Platypi, for taking first place. And the only help they needed from me was to jump start their season with a leadoff triple.