My incredibly talented sis (again...)

Well, she's done it again! My sister, Britney, went with us to the Logan temple today to get some family pictures. The grounds were closed *sniff* but we still got some beautiful shots. I realized recently that I have very few pictures of all four of us together and I don't like any of them, so I recruited Britney and her amazing talent at photography to come capture my beautiful family. My boys are seriously the most beautiful children in the world to me (and to everyone else, right?) and my husband just still takes my breath away. I can't help it! I feel like the luckiest girl alive sometimes! So, here are a few of the pictures (she is going to glorify them by editing out the yuckies and smoothing everything out and making colors pop, etc. but I couldn't resist putting some on here anyway!) If anyone would like some great family pictures taken and edited by her, I know she would be very good and very cheap. Her &*#$%@ husband (pardon my French) just left her completely and kicked her out to live with my mom again because he decided he doesn't like the responsibility of marriage and the feeling of being tied down to one woman and she could really use a boost (in self-esteem AND cash) so just contact me and let me know!

This is Britney and I this weekend while we shopped in SLC

A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.... 'nuf said

Oooh, aaaahh....Dance in Smarty Pants!

Here is just a quick vid of my adorable little Kolton showin' off his smart brains. He blows me away most of the time! He knows that every time we see North Cache middle School that we are close to grandma's and he also knows that when he puts soda on Sponge Bob Square Pants cheeze-it crackers they grow....I just can't keep up sometimes..~

Oh! And happy St. Pattie's Day everyone!! No one in the world is as lucky as I to have such wonderful people in my life.

One crazy week!

Hello to all! As many of you know, we have had a very insane week around here. I'll start with a part that few of you know about, and that is the new red stain on our bedroom carpet...

No, folks...it's not blood...it's fingernail polish in the beautiful color of 'vampire red'. Kolton got a hold of said fingernail polish using skills hitherto unknown and dutifully poured it all over the carpet and shower and bathroom tile...

Looks like something out of 'psycho' eh?? Anyway, that was how March started out for us... Then Kolton became quite sick and had a very high fever. We took him in last Tuesday and found out that he had brochiolitis as well as a double ear infection. We immediately had him on antibiotics and thought we were out of the woods. Well, Tuesday night as we were all snuggly in bed I heard a small cough come from the foot of the bed where Sam's cradle is. I tried to pretend I didn't hear it until it came again...and again...and again. Knowing that taking him to the doctor just for a cough would be futile we just decided to wait for a couple of days. Well, the cough continued and a runny nose and congestion were added. Every time we decided to take him in he miraculously started improving for those few hours. Finally, Saturday morning he didn't want to eat and I decided that wild horses couldn't keep me away from the instacare clinic. The doctor there did a chest x-ray and found pneumonia. He also tested for RSV and it came back positive. After much hesitation about whether or not to send us to the hospital or home, he decided to send us home. Home heath care people showed up shortly after to set up and show us how to use a suction machine and albuterol nebulizer. I thought, 'surely we can handle this!'-- how wrong I was. I went to my sister, Cristi's house for a scent of the month luncheon (she sells Scentsy) and afterward we sat down to plan my little sister, Keli's, bridal shower. Shortly after getting started, Wes called me and said that Sam's face was turning blue. I rushed home as quick as I could and my sister, Billye was right behind me to pick up Kolton and take him to her house. We rushed to the hospital and as we were driving Sam's color pinked back up, thankfully. Shortly after arriving, Sam was admitted to the hospital. We stayed there until this morning and, after much care and love and praying and blessings, he is finally doing so much better. The nurses at Logan Regional hospital were so attentive and caring. After what has been a very stressful few months, it was actually kind of nice to spend some time up there with my little Sam and enjoy him and not have to worry about anything else. I brought my camera up with me so I could catch some of the memorable moments. Judge if you will, but I think it is good to have pictures of the challenging times, too!

Thankfully he only had to be on oxygen the first and second nights.

Wes and Kolton coming up was so much fun. Sam recognized them both and smiled a bunch!

Here's Sam snuggling down with the bunny his cousin, Alex, gave him as a get-well gift

I love this picture! Sam kept tipping his head back so he could watch the TV overhead.
I can't thank everyone enough for the meals that were brought, the prayers and blessings that were offered, and the visits and phone calls we have received. It is always humbling to experience something like this. It makes me want to be a better person and member of my ward. It also makes me want to be a better mom and friend. Above all, it makes me want to do all I can to let the Lord know how very thankful I am to be a mother and to have two amazing little sons and a wonderful birthmom who's concern for little Sam was as great as mine. I hope this wasn't too lengthy for all of you in blog land! I finally got a new computer and finally have the chance to sit and try it out! I can finally load pictures and it doesn't take two years! I hope all of you had a calmer week than we did, but still got as much out of it!

Musings...

So, I have realized that just because it is next to impossible to get pictures loaded onto my dinosaur of a computer that doesn't mean I cant check in and tell y'all what my family is up to!

Wes: Yesterday and today the poor man has had the stomach flu and a seriously bad back ache. He is still up to his elbows in projects (though better than up to his armpits!) and can't wait to get to work on making a toddler bed for Kolton. He has been home from work the last two days so the house seems a bit more alive. I love it when he's home. Not just because he helps me with the boys, but because he just helps me to feel a bit less frantic when things get crazy, as they always do around here!

Kolton: He is beside himself with glee at the fact that Wes is home today. He can't stay off his lap or back (see above back injury information and you will see what a patient daddy I have married) and is all smiles. He is such a bright little guy! He can recognize every letter in the alphabet and count to ten. The other day we were walking towards Staples Office Supplies and he was pointing out all the letters to me! I didn't even realize he knew so much! My sister has been a preschool teacher for many years and said that he is above and beyond normal for his age. Indeed, I fear that he is now smarter than me...*sniff*. There is no wall he can't climb, no pet he can't annoy, no drink he can't tip over and onto himself. He has recently started sleeping in a toddler bed and took to it right away, especially because it means he can get out of bed and play when he doesn't want to sleep!! He loves being a big brother to little Sam. As long as he doesn't think anyone is watching, he will reach over and stroke Sam's head or give him a kiss on top of the head. He loves to hold him and help me hold his car seat when we are going somewhere. His favorite phrase lately is 'mom, I helping', whether that means giving me a blanket for sam or putting toilet paper in the toilet and using it to clean the shower. I confess that not a day goes by that I don't get misty eyed and the miracle that he has been to me. His little spirit has healed so much in my life. Anyone who says that adoption is just 'plan B' should be as lucky to have the experiences we have had with the boys' wonderful birthmother. You know who you are and how much you ROCK!

Sam: Sam is just about the cutest baby EVER which has made the fact that he has been a much more challenging newborn than Kolton was easier to deal with! I am actually thankful for this (don't expect me to say that at 2am) because a part of me always wanted to experience the haggard, run-down and exhausted part of mommy-hood and now I finally feel like I can share my experiences with others who have gone through the same. He is finally sleeping nearly through the night and when he wakes will go back to sleep with only a pacifier. This means that it is finally time to move him to a crib! Kolton's birthday is next week and we will be moving him to our spare room downstairs and moving Sam to the nursery. To say that I am anxious about this is a total understatement. Not about Sam so much as Kolton. I will share my experiences here with all of you and would like advice if anyone has some! Anyway, back to Sam! He is becoming quite a smiley baby and starting to chub out a ton! He has finally moved out of newborn clothes (well, they still fit, but I have packed them away, anyway) and into 3-6 month clothes! He is also happiest when he is having his diaper changed. I think he really likes being naked, if you ask me! His little spirit seems to make our family feel complete, like we were waiting for him and never realized it. He seems to radiate love every time he looks at me and he is also a big-time snuggler which I cannot get enough of!

and ME: I, too, had the stomach flu a couple of days ago and thankfully I have recovered. Wes took the day off that day and took care of the boys for me so I could catch up on some much needed sleep! I have been busy sewing and crafting and scrapbooking over the last few weeks which has left my house in shambles. I finally finished my brother's wedding album only to have them give it back to me so I could add their dating and engagement pictures! I am also making a 'cars' quilt and curtains for Kolton's new room as well as some cute picture frames to hold pictures of Wes,Sam, Cori and I so he doesn't feel alone at night. I am also going to put the monitor in my room so I can talk to HIM if he gets scared (I will be able to hear him because his room will be right below us). I have also been on a bit of an organizing trip with our paperwork and my craft rooms and storage. Does anyone else notice that the more you try to clean and organize, the messier your house becomes? Is that just me??

Well, that is a quick update on our little family. As soon as we get our taxes back we are getting a new computer so I will be able to post pictures!! For now, I hope you are okay with the Wal-Mart ones we have of the boys (they are crappy copies, I know, the originals are much better but I wasn't going to spend $200 on a CD!!) . I hope everyone is doing as well as we are!

Welcome to our family, Sam!

Please forgive the long delay in any news about our little family! To say I have been distracted over the last two months is a total understatement! Last Monday, November 16, our little Samuel Wesley Garner was born. Cori went into labor around 4pm shortly after her weekly doctor appointment. We went to the Hospital around 8pm and she was dilated to a 7 and stayed that way for about 2 hours. Then, suddenly, (without going into the gorey details) within what seemed about a minute, he was here! I couldn't believe it. This little miracle that we have been waiting for for so many months was finally here! Cori and I and even Wes were in tears as they cleaned him up and weighed him (5lbs 12oz) and measured him (18" long). Finally the nurse wrapped him up and put on his little stocking cap and asked to whom she should hand him. It was no question- Cori, of course!! We knew that we would have eternity with him and this was her time to hold him and whisper to him and let him know how much she loved him. We still had a chance to hold him before they were both moved up to the mommy/baby floor, though, and I was so overwhelmed by how tiny he was! Little perfect fingers and toes and, would you believe it? BLONDE hair and tons of it!!! Here are some pics of that moment...

Could the lighting have been better in the room? He looks like an ANGEL! (and he is!)

He was so peaceful when Cori was holding him. He knew who she was right away.


A little silliness before the delivery (And yes, it's a Twilight shirt- I tried to get Edward to be Cori's focus point!!)

The next day I was able to spend a whole six hours with Cori and little Sam while Cori recovered. His hair was just incredible! His little face is so perfect- Cori and I just couldn't kiss it enough!

Cori was able to spend all day Wednesday with little Sam. It was a weird day for me. I missed him so much but I was so grateful that Cori had that time. My sisters truly saved the day! Billye brought a home-made ice cream cake and Cristi brough McDonald's and her little baby, Alex, who is three weeks old so I could have a baby to hold! My family was also available to babysit at a moment's notice whenever I needed them. So here is a shout-out...THANK YOU EVERYONE!!

The next day, Thursday, was placement. With Kolton our placement was a little rushed and a bit hard on us all. It was still full of love and hugs and good tears, but I felt like the time Cori could have spent with Kolton was robbed from her. I was so worried about Cori and cried the whole way home. I didn't know what to expect this time so I just braced myself and made sure that many tissues were present. I was so pleasently surprised that I left the placement feeling so spiritually uplifted and HAPPY for Cori. She has a wonderful life ahead of her and much to look forward to. It goes without saying what a miracle she is to us. I know without a doubt that we were friends in the pre-existence. She means so much to me that I really can't write about it without blubbering, so I will leave it at that. I won't go into detail about the placement much but I will say that, while I did cry copiously, I felt so at peace and I know that peace came from Heavenly Father and was projected through Cori. She was so calm and it gave me strength. I hope that doesn't sound too cheesey, but I know she reads this and I want her to know that. So, here are some placement pictures...

Cori and I- what a pair!! I miss you!

These are actually pictures taken at the Hospital after he was born, but blogger won't let me put them where they belong....sheesh...

This was his very first bottle- he was starving!

This cap was for Cori to take home. It was kind of huge on him!

His poor little sliced feet!! Can you believe how tiny?

Can I say more? You bet I can! But, I am tired and have many more pictures to load and send to people. Thanks so much to everyone who has brought by little gifts and treats and dinners! We live in such a wonderful neighborhood and ward. I have been so overwhelmed with all it takes to care for two little guys but I wouldn't change it for the world. I just need to stop staring at them both and crying or Kolton will think his mommy is nuts! To end, here are two precious pictures. The first is of Kolton holding his little bro for the first time and the second is my favorite picture of him so far!!

What a sweet big brother! He is all ready throwing away diapers and giving Sam kisses. I can't believe how much this all has increased my love for Kolton. Love you, buddy!
Isn't this incredible?! What a face! My sister Billye took this and I couldn't believe what a photogenic little guy he is!!

Lot's of CORNY fun!!

How much more can I POSSIBLY love corn mazes??? Cori and her daughter, Tieran and I went out for a 'girl's night' during Priesthood session on Saturday. I thought that it 'might' be haunted but was not sure until the CHAINSAW man chased us all over the place and made each and every one of us PEE OUR PANTS. (if you think I am exagerating...think again...) After that, Tieran made it a point to say 'we're pregnant- don't scare us please!' I so needed some girl time and it totally fit the bill. I LOVE these ladies in my life! We have such a fun time chatting at home and I am so glad we had the chance to 'kick it' by ourselves that night. Follow it up with some Stewart's Key Lime soda and the night couldn't have been more delightful!

The moon was full and HAZY! It was completely gorgeous!

How could I pass up a 'put your head in the hole' picture opportunity?




Here's me and my peeps! (oh, and the corn, too)

And here is another picture from the parade... Wes and I paying homage to the lady who made us parents. We love you, Cori!!

It's parade time!

We got to be in the USU Homecoming parade this last Saturday on the adoption float. It was so much fun to see how much the community supports adoption! The best part was having Cori and Tieran there. My adoption story STARTS with Cori, so I loved introducing her to our 'adoption' friends and showing the community what an awesome birthmom she is!
Here's (L-R) Cori, Tieran, Kolton, Me, Wes on the "Adoption, It's about Love" Float.

What a hot lookin' group!

It was a perfect fall day- which brings me to another topic- is ANYONE more excited for fall than me?? I LOVE it! The colors, the smells, and the temperature! I want to be outside all the time, and yet here I am, in my house while Kolton watches Super Why....It is so time to get these buns shakin' (not jiggling, but shakin'). Here's wishing you happy carving and candy corn dreams!