Ode to Paxton

The One and Only Paxton

Alright. Let’s do a little bit of background here. Amy & Jared were selected by Paxton’s family to Foster him through the state while Paxton’s mom took some time to sort her life out. A&J had hopes to eventually adopt him as it slowly became clear that permanent placement with them was in Paxton’s best interests. While completing the (lengthy, in my opinion) process of fostering to adoption, Paxton’s Birth Mom willingly signed over her parental rights, making it much easier for Amy & Jared to continue the process.

Amy and Her Boys

So. After countless training sessions and evaluations and prayerful nights, a court date was set: June 20^th. And it went swimmingly! Or. Courtingly? I doubt courts swim at all. But it went well! And Paxton was officially adopted.

And that means I can PLASTER this blog with photos of his adorable face.

Brothers

Paxton is definitely one of my favourite three year olds. It is amazing to watch him learn and grow, and he just picks up on everything! Two of my favourite Paxtonisms:

-He loves to dance. But only to You Spin Me ‘Round by Dead or Alive. He will listen to that song five times in a row, no problem. And just do his little bobbing-dance. (Video to come soon!)

Texting Santa

-He loves to text. He will ask me for my phone saying “I need to send a message.” And as we have become closer friends he has confided in me the Recipient of these messages: Santa.

Obviously hand-writing Santa a letter mid-November is a thing of the past. I better get his cell phone number so I can text him my Wish List for this year.

Since the Official Adoption he has also been sealed to Jared & Amy in the Temple... but we will chat about that later...

 

But here is to you Paxton. I hope you continue to be my friend as long as I have a cell phone.

Breanna & Avery

Avery and her cousin

Last month (ummm...where is the time going...seriously) Breanna was able to come up to Edmonton and have a delightful Baby Shower with her sweet little girl, Avery. And I do mean little; compared to Bennett she seems like a porcelain doll I would have received at Christmas. Bennett is like a really cute sack of potatoes. The cutest sack of potatoes.

Anyways. The shower was wonderful. Lauren and I went in together on a gift that Lauren selected and it was incredibly cute. I seriously think baby girls have WAY more options than baby boys. Unfortunate for the mini-gents. Oh well. Breanna also requested some goodies from the States and I was more than happy to bring them up for her.

Babies bring out the best in people

Doesn't Rach look great with a baby!?

Props to the ladies who organized and hosted (hostessed?) the Shower. The games were cute and full of delicious prizes and the Treats Table was AMAZING! It was my first experience with Cake Pops, definitely a trendy treat.

Breanna had a loooooong labor, and so I loved hearing about everything that happened and ranting about how ridiculous our experience was at the hospital. Don’t get me wrong, it was great, but it had its moments. Ahem…next time Jared is NOT allowed to chat up the man attempting to give me an epidural, apparently that fellow cannot multi-task and needs to focus on his job.

It’s weird how an instant connection is formed between you and any other mother ever after you have had the experience of Childbirth. I think I could talk to a complete stranger about it and be alright… and it’s not just because I have this weird thing for being way too friendly to strangers.

Anyway, it was a delight. We had a blast. I stayed way too late…Seriously, who stays at a Shower until like, 10pm. Me. Apparently.

Breanna and the 3-0-6 crew

Me, Brea and Avery

NKOTBSB

Hey Kiddies,

In case you don't know what the heck NKOTBSB means, it translates in to New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys. As in a mash-up concert of awesomeness.

And guess who is going.
Yes.
Me.
Not you.
But me.

It's OK to be jealous for a quick moment here. Rachael and I scored tickets yesterday afternoon for $16... $21 with all the silly fees and such. Umm. Heck yes. 100% worth it. And I have heard great things about the concert. So, needless to say, I am way stoked.

I know, I need to update you on all sorts of fun things. And I SHALL! Don't you worry about that.
Including:
Breanna/Avery Baby Shower
3-month Reflections
Ode to Paxton
Canada Day, renamed Paxada Day...or...Canaton Day...?
And also this week, which is The Week of Birthday Festivities.

Seriously.
So excited.
So much great stuff going on recently.

As for tonight, I will leave you with this:

Mullets and Miracles

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Today was a good day! 

Despite the fact that I was asked to give a talk in church this morning...

The talk actually didn't go too badly. My legs always shake out of pure fear when I stand up at the pulpit and begin to speak. By the end they are OK, but for the first few minutes I am surprised they can support my body.

I was asked to speak on men in the scriptures and qualities they had that I admired. I chose to talk about three men and one particular quality of each.

Abraham and Obedience

Captain Moroni and Fortifying Areas of Weakness

and

Peter and True Conversion

Like I said, it was good. Should definitely secure my speaking-safety for the rest of the summer.

So. It being Father's Day, the speaker after me spoke about her dad. And that was nice.

And it got me thinking about my dad.

My Dad and my Brother, William, Christmas 2009

Note to Readers: I epically FAILED today, my dad lives a few provinces over and I didn't even realize what time it was until too late... I didn't call him! I don't know the exact time-difference but it is at least an hour or two, so I didn't want to call too late. I suck.

Anyway. My Dad. He is a pretty swell guy.

My parents did not live together during my childhood, but while we all lived in the same city, he was definitely active and present in our lives. So that was great. Some of my fondest memories of him are:

- rockin' an air-guitar to the radio at red lights

- making beef jerky (it is a-maz-ing)

- watching WWF (yes, it was WWF back in those days) wearing his cowboy hats and eating cottage cheese

- climbing his crab apple tree

- going to his work sites (he works construction for the City of Winnipeg) and taking to "his boys"

          I remember one time my dad asked me how much we should play the guys for their hard work during the day. I said $1.00

- EATING with him

          He is an amazing cook. And he buys tons of treats, so I loved going there and stuffing my face. With everything from baby corn straight from the can to jerky to huge bags of raw peas to delicious homemade meals and watermelon by the pound during the summer months.

- snowmobiling

          We would participate in the Annual Poker Derby ever winter at the lake where we had a cabin and it was always tons of fun.

Sweet Mullet Glory, Christmas 2008

And one of my VERY favourite things about my Dad: 

HIS MULLET.

He has had a mullet my entire life, with ONE exception: I convinced him to cut it when I turned 18. One time. And then he just grew it right back. haha.

But I love it.

Jared and The Boys

And of course, I also wanted to say a little blurb for Jared.

Happy Father's Day Jared. 

I hope Amy and the boys spoiled you! I have been blessed to get to know you. I love and appreciate you for so many reasons. You have the sweetest spirit and you are all-smiles, and it is infectious! You never run out of intelligent conversation and you treat everyone with respect and love. You are an amazing father to the boys and I know that they will look up to you and want to copy-cat your every move. But that will be a delight because you are a sensational man and a worthy priesthood holder. Thank you for being you! And for sharing that with me and the world. I am so grateful to be a little part of your extended family and to share  the joys of our journeys together. Sending the entire Davis Family so much love, I hope you can feel it!

PS World: Tomorrow (06/20) is the Court Date for the Davis Family and P-man. He is the little cutie they have been fostering for the last year and are now able to Adopt! So be sure to keep them in your prayers. P is amazing, and I will be sure to put up some SERIOUS photos when the court-stuff is finished, I will have to catch you up on what a gem he is.

Anyways. Good night. I hope everyone had a delightful Father's Day and remembered our Heavenly Father and his love for us. He is the perfect example of perfect love, and He is always willing and able to help us.

Baby, Baby, Baby Oh!

Did I ever tell you I love The Biebs?

'Cause I sure do.

But I am pretty confident it's mutual. That's why we made this week video together:

Jay & Justin JibJab

Click it. Do it. I dare you. Double-Dog-Dare you.

Anyways. This is not about Justin and Jaylene. This is what you have all been waiting for:

cute baby photos

Amy HAD to have this 53" Bear

Hurray! So these are of Bennett at the Two-Month mark. He is doing wonderfully. He weighed in at 15.28 pounds and is in the 98.83 percentile for weight. But I mean, look at those cheeks, not really surprising now is it. BUT, in his defense, he is in the 90.14 percentile for length, so all that weight is distributed. Well, other than the 3-5 pounds he is harbouring in his cheeks we discussed earlier.

But what a handsome little man. Sorry. I can't help but brag. He does have excellent genetics. Ah-thank you, thank you.

So. This is him. Sorry there are SO MANY photos. Well, I'm not that sorry.

As for me. Well. I am good. For the past 12 Days or so, I have been on the Master Cleanse.

Ya. You know the one: water, Lemon Juice, and honey (traditionally maple syrup). In all honesty, it wasn't too terrible. Mind you, I did cheat a few times, eating small things here and there. But now I am free to eat food and I am so excited! I made spaghetti and sauce tonight. De-lish!

Work is still going well. I love that I know most of the people in the office and there is a very friendly atmosphere.

And no Diva-Drama. I hate when you are in an office with other women and it just gets out.of.control. But I am the only Admin person in our South Office, so I have a lot of freedom and don't have to deal with any drama. Insert calm, relaxing exhale here. Mmmm.

I also joined a Yoga Studio right across the street from my office. 

They are offering 2 Months Unlimited Yoga for $49

Dang son!

So I signed up and have attended two classes thus far, going again tomorrow (well, today. Hello 1:03am, when did you get here!?) morning at 9am. It is a GREAT way to start the weekend and I have really enjoyed it thus far. Please understand, I am not flexible at all. So the fact that I like it is saying a lot. I grabbed my toes on Thursday night. And for those that don't realize: that's a big deal. For me.

One last update on me for now: Budgeting has taken center stage!

Because I am in Edmonton to work my tail feathers off (it's about time I get rid of those anyway...)

to put money against my Student Loans (*shake angry fist) I want to save as much as possible. 

So.

My dear friend Rachael made up a Budget for me, organizing how much I need to put against my loan and what I had for each department of my life (tithing, gas, groceries, extra fun money, etc. etc.). And the great thing is she did it paycheck by paycheck so I know exactly how everything breaks down. I went grocery shopping yesterday and I enjoyed the challenge of planning my meals and making things stretch. And when all was said and done at Superstore, I was underbudget! Hurray!

So. Life is wonderful. I have to give a talk in church Sunday. Father's Day. I will also have to think of something sappy enough to make Jared cry... That will take some serious effort. That man is too busy smiling all the time to shed a tear. (Just teasing, I love ya!)

Anyway.

Tons and TONS of love,

'Lene

So. Impossibly. Cute.

Under Construction

Yes...
...I may have just spent the last few hours toying with the layout of my blog. It was getting a little out of hand, but I think I am content. Very content in fact.
Today was a good day. Minus the fact that the Canucks choked tonight, but I am looking forward to Game 7.


I have plenty to update you on, but for now, I wanted to share this short video with you:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqqt4cTScqs


Sorry it is just a link, but you will survive. 
I wanted to share this video with you along with the pregnancy fashion show... Yes. I realize that it was a pretty lame fashion show because I was wearing the same outfit a few times. That was strategic people, it was so you could tell the difference! Gosh!


This is Bennett in My Belly! He was quite the active womb-dweller. To be honest that was just fine with me, let me know everything was alright in there. (Sidebar to Those Who Have Been/Are Pregnant: Do you ever get paranoid in those four long weeks between Doctors appointments? I sure did a time or two!)
Between hiccups and round-house kicks that boy didn't leave me much spare time, but it was all in good fun. I was able to Skype with the Utah Clan tonight and they are delightful, I also received the 2 Month PHOTOS (so cute!) so look for those shortly...


And I will try to bring you up-to-speed on life too. Man! So much history to go over and yet too many current things to report. Good thing you people have nothing better to do than read a lame girls blog. YAY!


G'Night

2 Months

Really?

Has the time gone by that fast?! Incredible. Honestly. I cannot believe it.

I will burst your bubbles now: there will be no new photos of Bennett tonight. I know, it sucks, I'm sorry! As soon as I have new ones, so shall you.

BUT, as promised, let's look at how fat I got while I was carrying that very special little man...

Remember when you had to do Timelines in school for certain Historical Projects? I wish I knew all the tricks of blogging and could do one for you. Saying, Oh, this is the day I tried to lay on my stomach and squashed all my organs. Or, Hey, this is the week I ate McDonald's at least 3 times. (Seriously, while Bennett & I were together, we LOVED Big Macs and Chicken Nuggets. mmmm.) Or, Yes, this is the day I peed my pants a little because I waited too long. (Only happened one time people, ONE TIME!) But alas, a picture-timeline with have to suffice...

12w 1d

16w 1d

19w 1d (when I found out Monster was a B-O-Y!)

20w 1d

25w 3d

30w

35w

40w (And Bennett's Birthday!)

Ta-Da! Fun, huh? So that's that. I will have to go into more detail about my pregnancy some other time...I was trying to line up all the photos and make them smaller so it wouldn't be such a scroll-party, but I couldn't figure it out. Go figure.

Anyways, one other thing I wanted to share with you: 

Aaaaaaaaand that was a video of Bennett busting his way out of the womb. Well, attempting to anyways. BUT, I have been waiting and waiting for the video to upload...and then it finally gets to 100%...and then starts all over again. So, rain check on that. I am going to try to throw it on youtube then get it over here...but youtube is telling me I need to log out to sign-up. Am I running around in internet circles?

Bennett: There is such a sweet spirit crammed into that tiny body of yours. Know that I am in awe of you, that you are my greatest accomplishment in life, and that my love for you is infinite. I miss you and I can hardly wait for when we are reunited again... Get ready for a lot of cuddling and kisses! Continue to behave well for Jared & Amy, and be a good little brother to P. (He will show you some sweet dance moves when you start to stand on your own two feet.) Always stand up for what is right, and never be afraid of a challenge. You are my little champion.

xoxo

Your Birthmom, Jaylene