Dye Reunion #1

My dad's family does 2 reunions a summer. The first is in July and only includes my grandpa and the 3 generation after. The second is on Labor Day weekend and is more extended with grandpa's siblings and their posterity. Both reunions have always been something I look forward to every year.

While at Red Fleet for the first reunion, I took my camera anticipating taking many pictures...I didn't. But I did get the 2 most important pictures. Taelyn's 4-generation picture and a picture with her and Grandpa. I'm going to get another 4-generation pic at the next reunion so that she is setting up and without the pacifier. I'll take it the first day so that my hair is actually done...I wonder if there is an angle that would look a little more flattering? I look huge in the first one, and Taelyn looks like she has NO hair on top in the second one!

Recipes

I was asked to post a recipe. I'm a little slow getting to it, but while I'm at it, I might as well post some of my favorites.

Anne's Salad (by request)
1 head red leaf lettuce
1 head green leaf lettuce
1/2 lb. grated Swiss cheese
1 red onion, cut in rings
1/2 lb. bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
Dressing:
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. rice vinegar
3/4 c. oil
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. poppy seed
1/2 tsp. mustard
1 tsp. fresh onion grated
Mix dressing and pour over lettuce just before serving.
Makes large salad great for family get-togethers.

Mom's Pretzel Salad
(Salad or dessert...on going debate in our marriage :)
Mix:
2 c. crushed pretzels
3/4 c. margarine
2 tsp. sugar
Press into the bottom of a 9"x13" pan. Bake for 8 minutes at 350.
Cream:
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. cool whip
1 c. sugar
Layer on top of pretzels
Mix until dissolved:
1 large pkg of Jello (Strawberry or Raspberry)
2 c. boiling water
Add:
2 pkg frozen berries (your choice-strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
Mix Jello/berry well. Let cool slightly.
Pour on cream cheese layer.
Place in refrigerator until firm.
Cover with cool whip if desired.

Mom's Pumpkin Pie Cake
Squash with a fork:
1 spice cake mix-set 1 cup aside
1 egg
1 soft cube margarine
Press into bottom of 9"x13" pan.
Mix:
1 lg can Pumpkin Pie MIX
2 eggs
2/3 c. canned milk
Pour over bottom layer.
Mix:
1/2 c. sugar
remaining cup of cake mix
Sprinkle over top.
Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes.
Serve with cool whip or ice cream.

German Pancakes
Blend 6 eggs.
Mix in:
1 c. flour
1 c. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
Melt 1/2 cube butter and place in bottom of 9"x13" pan.
Sprinkle flour over butter.
Pour blended mixture on top.
Bake for 15 minutes at 415.
Turn down to 350 for 5 more minutes.
Syrup
In sauce pan combine:
1 cube margarine
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. buttermilk
Bring to a boil then add
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. coconut flavoring

Wassail
1 gallon Apple Juice
2/3 c. sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tsp. whole cloves
2 tsp. whole allspice
Mix all ingredients in a crock pot, turn on low.
Can drink when a desired temperature.
Tastes best when brewed for a day.
As liquid runs low, just add more Apple Juice.
No need to add more spices until flavor is gone.
Great around the Holidays-makes home smell fantastic!

Mom's Rolls
Combine:
6 c. flour
1 Tbsp. yeast (recommend Saff's)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. powdered milk
5 tsp. salt
Stir.
Add:
5 c. hot water
Mix till smooth.
Add 1/2 c. shortening.
Mix well.
Add flour till right consistency.
Shape.
Let raise till double in size.
Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.

Jon's Home-made Brownies
1 1/2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1/2 c. butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. cocoa
1 tsp. salt
Mix all ingredients together.
Pour into greased 9"x13" pan.
Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
He likes to serve with ice cream instead of frosting.

Neil's Zuppa-Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb mild Italian sausage
1 medium onion chopped
3 slices of bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces
6 cups chicken stock (low-sodium canned)
8 cups unpeeled potatoes, small white, sliced and quartered
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/3 c. heavy whipping cream
1/2 c. coarsely chopped Kale or cavolo greens
Remove sausage from casing and brown in a large pot, breaking up large pieces as it cooks. When the sausage is thoroughly cooked and slightly brown, remove it from the pot and drain off all the fat. To the pot, add the onion, garlic and bacon. Stir and cook until the bacon begins to brown and the onions soften. Add the chicken stock and potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are very done. Take about 2+ cups of potatoes and stock from the pot and puree in a blender. Add back to the pot with sausage, cream and kale. Simmer 5-10 minutes. Salt to taste. Let it sit a few minutes before serving. A little Romano would be nice.

I intended to put a few recipes...but added a few too many! Hope no one minds being overloaded with recipes! Let me know what you think if you try any.

Our 4th of July

We spent our Independence Day in Neola. We started with Taelyn's first parade. First we waited...then waited...then waited. It was supposed to start at 9. We left the house at 5 to 9. I was afraid we would miss seeing my little sister. Well, it finally started at 9:45! Here are a few pictures taken while waiting.As far as the parade, let me document it in pictures. There were ~35 entries. Here are some of my favorites.

These are our Veterans. Seeing how many community members fought for our freedom and how many of them I knew brought tears to my eyes. I wished I could see the other side...

Umm...only in Neola... Union High School Cheerleaders (Jaci is on the left. Her 4-wheeler reminds me of Mario Cart!)
I had lots of family in the parade.

Taryn was in the parade too. Unfortunately, when they went by she was on the other side of the float and all you could see was from her nose up. I didn't get a picture... FORTUNATELY, when the parade was over, they turned around and came back through town! (again...only in Neola!) At first I thought the idea was silly...but then I realized there were a few pictures I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

I also got to see the other side of the float with our Veterans.
Taryn was the Neola Rodeo First Attendant. My mom makes all of Taryn's outfits. Taryn has decided that when Taelyn get big enough to walk, Mom will make Taelyn mini-outfits that match Taryn's. Then Taelyn can follow Taryn around and be a mini-rodeo queen. We're not sure what we think about that yet, but she does have horses and Mom actually looked excited to sew for them both. Ya, both are a little spoiled (not that I have room to talk...).

Here are a few more pictures that I took while we were staying with my family. I love being able to watch them interact with Taelyn.

Sleeping Beauties.

This is a new experience for my family. I think we are all loving every second of it (yes, even Truck...though I'm still trying to get any of my siblings to change diapers!)

Official Weed Growth

So we just got back from our 2 month appointment. Its official, she really is growing like a weed.

Taelyn is now 10 lbs 9 oz. That is big for us because she is finally over 10 pounds...but it is only in the 50th percentile for weight.

The weed growth is evident in her height. She is now 23 3/4 inches! That's 2 1/4 inches in 2 months. For height, she is in the 95th percentile.

Verdict...she is tall and skinny. I've complained a lot about clothing sizes. Who decided that all onesies needed to be short and wide? Jon and I went through and sorted through onesies (clothing of choice) and pulled out the ones that won't fit. Many of them were too short from the beginning. We have a stack that may or may not fit, depending on when she finally fills out. We'll hang on to them and cut them off for t-shirts if needs be.

My mom said that she had heard that babies stretch a lot if they are growing. Taelyn has a 10 minute stretching ritual that she does whenever she wakes up-and it sure paid off. Guess mom's crazy theory is true.

It took me about 20 pictures, but I finally got one where she was all stretched out!

We Both Survived

Well, we made it through my first day back at work. I'll admit, I had a really hard time leaving Taelyn. It took me several attempts and wet eyes to get out the door. Once in the car, I cried. It took me half of the drive to work to calm down. It helped to actually get to work and talk to everyone. When they asked how I was doing, I opted for honesty. I let them know that I cried, but I thought I could make it. Darla let me know that she cried both times she had to start back to work after having her little girls. It made me feel better.

I did go see Taelyn during lunch. At first I was hesitant because I was afraid it would be harder the second time. At 11:45 I realized that I knew the whole time that I wouldn't pass up on an opportunity to see her. It was great to see her half way through the day. I fed her, swaddled her, and put her down for a nap. I was a few minutes late getting back to work, but it was worth it.

Jon picked her up at 4, but then had to go to an acupuncture appointment with Dan. He dropped her off at my work at 4:20. I was determined to sneak her in and not let anyone know she was there. Ya, that didn't work so well. I passed Scott, my boss, on the way in the door. Just before making it to my cube, I ran into Brent, Scott's supervisor. In a very loud voice he exclaimed, "BABY ON FLOOR". So much for secrecy. Actually, Jenni and Jenna didn't realize she was there until 5 when we were leaving. That is impressive because Jenni and I share a cube wall. Taelyn actually slept the whole time.

The best part of the day was when I got Taelyn home and she woke up and smiled at me. I was over joyed to know that she didn't hate me for leaving her. An unrealistic fear, I know...but it was a fear of mine none the less.

Even though the day wasn't that bad, I sure am grateful that I'm only working 2 days a week. I'm SO excited to stay home all day with Taelyn tomorrow.


Oh, and I'd like to thank Jenni and Shane for modifying my cube for my return. They were kind enough to take a panel from a different cube and add it to the entry of my cube. It made it so that if you wanted to enter my cube, you had to do it sideways! It did make me laugh. I'm sure glad I love my job and the wonderful people I work with. It made today much easier.

3 posts in one day?!

So I had a few more pictures I wanted to add.

She sure enjoys walks. Tonight we went early (6-ish). It was so stinking hot that we should have gone at 9, like we usually do. It is easier once the sun is down because we don't have to be so worried about blocking the sun from her eyes. Doesn't Jon look happy!

I asked Taelyn to smile for mommy so I could take a picture. This was the response I got. Like everything else she does, it made me laugh!

Yesterday, someone made the comment that they liked the crazy haired pictures of Taelyn that I had already posted. They said that it reminded them of Doc on Back to the Future. I had to add these pictures because...well...if you thought that hair was crazy, check this out!

There is that ever present tongue! By far her favorite body part.

My Working Mother Woes

So I go back to work tomorrow. I've been dreading it, but it came, none the less. I had been fearing the emotional difficulties that would come with going back to work. Up to this point, I've only been away from Taelyn for one to one and a half hours at a time. I don't know how I'm going to get through the 8.5!

On top of the emotional time factor, she won't be in day-care at the county building as I had planned. I went in in December to put my name on a list. Apparently that was not soon enough. Live and learn. I called two weeks after she was born and they said they were glad to know I was still interested, call back in a week or two. I called back two weeks later, and got the same response. After repeating this one more time, I was super frustrated. I called back the following week and asked more questions. They had one opening for July, and it was filled. I did find out that they take 8 infants at a time. At the age of 1, the infants are moved up to the toddler class. Right now, they are waiting for the kindergarten age kids to start school. At that point, everyone will be bumped up a class and the older infants will be able to move up, leaving openings in the infant room. When I called back to let them know I wanted them to keep me on the waiting list, they let me know that the parents of the July baby were not sure if they wanted the opening. That was one bright weekend of hope. When I called back on Tuesday, as I had been asked to do, they let me know that the opening was taken after all. All my hope was dashed! OK, so it wasn't that awful. For July, I'm only working two days a week. I found a lady in our ward who will watch her for the 10 days I will be working in July. I'm hoping that by that time, there is an opening at the county building. If not, we may have to get creative!

So, on top of the emotional difficulties caused by being away from Taelyn and the day-care hold up...we had an eating dilemma. First, I didn't start pumping until yesterday (that is a long story in and of itself-and I'll spare you the details). So I've been trying like mad to get enough for tomorrow. Almost there. Second, I forgot about the joys of trying to bottle feed. We had given her formula in a bottle on several occasions. She took it fine. Well, last night she won't have anything to do with formula. She pulled faces, and spit every drop of it back out. Jon decided to be sneaky and feed it to her in the syringe that we give her Gripe Water in. She loves her Gripe Water and it sure does help settle her tummy. She grinned when Jon put the end of the syringe in her mouth. Imagine her face when she was expecting one of her favorite things, and was given her least favorite. She was not happy with either of us. Despite the desperation we were feeling, it made us both laugh so hard it brought tears to our eyes. We then tried to feed her breast milk. Still nothing. She pulled faces when ever the nipple touched her tongue. She wouldn't even close her mouth around it. Today I went to The Lactation Station for help. The lady recommended a $14 bottle. I asked if they had any nipples shaped like her Nuk. In a manor I found to be quite snooty, she said "We don't carry that kind of nipple." I was willing to try anything, so I bought the $14 bottle and a new pacifier shaped like the bottle nipple. After 1/2 hour of wailing (her, not me) and more tears than my heart can handle (again, her-not me...well, mostly), I gave up. I could get her to take the new pacifier, but she still wanted nothing to do with a bottle. My mom suggested I get a Nuk nipple. Jon stopped by the grocery store on the way home. $4 later, we had success! She still doesn't care for bottle feeding, but she has taken 2 bottles now, and I am confident she isn't going to starve to death tomorrow. Nuk, I love you!

Taelyn's Baby Blessing

So Jon blessed little Taelyn yesterday. It was beautiful. Like everything I have experienced in the last two months, it didn't quite seem real. I still stop sometimes and think, "Oh my gosh! I'm a mother!" During the blessing, nothing I did could keep my eyes dry. I feel so blessed to have this precious little one and have the opportunity to teach her and watch her grow.

I'd like to thank all those who were able to come and enjoy it with us. We appreciate all the love and support.

Following church, we had a lunch for the family members who were able to stay. It sure was nice to see everyone. I'm grateful for the love and support that Jon's family shows me. I couldn't have married into a better family.

I was in such a rush yesterday that I didn't even get pictures of anything. I didn't get pictures at the lunch, let alone Taelyn in her blessing dress! We're going to go get them done next week. I'll post them then. For now, this is it.

I had wanted to make Taelyn's dress. I planned on making it while my mom was staying with us the first week after Taelyn was born. HAH! That was naive of me, wasn't it. Needless to say, my mom ended up doing all of the machine work that first week. She left all the hand work for me. I did the beading, sewed on extra flowers, stitched the hem, turn under and stitched the lining and added a few too many snaps down the back. It took more time than I anticipated, and I was lucky to get it all done during Taelyn's naps. Thanks, Mom, for the help. It sure did look beautiful on her.

Growing like a weed

So several weeks have passed since the last post, and more time than that since I added new pictures. It's time.

She is growing so much. From our crude weighing techniques (the difference between Jon on the scale with a naked Taelyn and Jon alone), she is nearly ten pounds. She has found her voice, has rolled over once, smiles when she recognizes mommy and daddy, and holds her head up on her own. She is growing up so fast. She also now cries to notify me of her displeasure of being neglected when I set her on my lap to trade sides when feeding her. That last one I could do without, but it does make me laugh.

Well, here are some more pictures. The first set is when I was deciding what to do with her hair for the baby blessing. I put gel in her hair with a flower that matches those on her dress. I'll add several of those, because I appreciate the faces she pulls.

Here is what usually happens when Jon comes home from work...

I'll give him credit, he does change her diaper first!

This next one is her favorite possition to sleep in. We usually put her to bed swaddled...but by morning, her arms are always up. Well, at least when I swaddle her. She always seems to get loose no matter how tight I swaddle her. Jon, on the other hand, is a pro.

Just a couple of sleeping pictures. You can't see it well, but yes, I painted her finger nails. Her toes match.

We have a small, pillow sized bean bag that some friends are letting us borrow. It is great! It allows us to jiggle her down into it, so that we can put her down without having to worry about her scooting away. This next set is some that I took today while she was on the bean bag. We had just gotten home from church and she was in an adorable dress that you can't see. I didn't think to change her when we got home, because clothes are clothes, right? Well, by the end of our nap, she had managed to explode out the back of her diaper. Next time, I'll get her out of the cute little outfits sooner.

Time flies when...

Wow! Time sure does fly. I'm not sure that I would say that it has all been 'fun'... but it sure has been an interesting experience.

So I assumed that I would blog a ton. I haven't had a chance to take pictures or send out thank you cards and birth announcements. I had no idea that I would be too physically and emotionally exhausted to do much of anything this last month.

This week we had our 1 month appointment. Taelyn got her Hep B shot and was weighed. When we went in for our 2 week appointment, she had dropped from her birth weight of 7 lbs 12 oz to 7 lbs 1 oz. On Tuesday, her weight was up to 8 lbs 11 oz. She looks like she has grown so much. I'm so glad she was as small as she was at birth. I think about Colton, Truck and Taryn who were all 8 and 9 pounders and I cringe. I think about Darla's first who weighed over 10 pounds... I can't imagine giving birth to her at this size, let alone larger!

After her Hep B shot, I hadn't thought to give her anything. She started being very fussy and lethargic. She is such an angel and her behavior was very uncharacteristic. It worried us. I called the doctor and they had me bring her back in yesterday. Dr Cox (our wonderful pediatrician) said everything looks fine. Talk about a scare. She is acting much better today.

Well, as far as having a baby goes, I only have one gripe. No one really talks about how difficult it is!! I only had one person mention it, my cousin Amy. When Amy had her first, I asked her how it was. Her response surprised me. She said, "It's SO hard! It's so much fun... BUT IT'S SO HARD!" I thought that was interesting. At the baby shower, the advice she gave me was "It gets better". I thought it can't really be that bad. I'm grateful for Amy's comments. They made me realize that I'm not awful for feeling so wholly overwhelmed this last month. I'm grateful for Darla, Nancy, Travis and Melissa, and random strangers that I get to have conversations with: for Emily, who I met while we were feeding our babies in the mothers lounge at a wedding reception; and for Stephanie, who is in the YW presidency in the 4th ward and I met while I was at the church Tuesday night waiting for Jon to do interviews.

I will admit one thing. I have a whole new outlook on motherhood. I can not express just how much more reverence I hold for the divine role of Motherhood. I find myself more in awe of all the amazing mothers around me. I am more grateful for my own mother and all that she has done and sacrificed for me and my siblings. I'm sure that as our little one grows, I will only continue to develop a greater appreciation for this new road I am traveling and for all those who have made the journey before me.