dimples...

My son has a dimple!!! He's been smiling so much lately...and tonight, he revealed a cute little dimple to the right of his lips. How stinkin' cute.

my big laugher

Last night at 11:52pm...my little Judester totally laughed out loud. Now. It was probably a random reflex...but he had a big grin and I'd like to think he was laughing at his parents playing along w/ Jeopardy. I couldn't get him to do it again...but he did have a smile for 15 mins afterwards. I about died!!! Ohhh I just love him!

judeatude...and yes, another ode...

I have been so busy blogging about randomness that I realized I haven't done a Judderbug update in a while... Oh, Jude. How you make your mommy crazy some times! Especially at 4am! Jude has been doing SO good. We have had many many many great days. Yesterday was not one of those days. Not that it was a horrible day...just a fussy day. It's funny b/c now that I'm reflecting back on it...it's mostly my fault. I always compare things in life to teaching...for example...whenever your class is acting up, you really have to look at what you as a teacher are/aren't doing...and usually, you'll find the cause...and yesterday, mommy just wasn't all there... Poor Judy Moody! The worst part for me is in the middle of the night- when Jude's fussy then, mommy has 0 patience- well...I have a little more than 0...a little. I'm SO not a morning person!

Anywho- I've finally got him on a schedule. Babywise style. I'm not a nazi about it...but I feed him every 3 hours, we play and read and sing and dance, and then when he fusses, I put him down for a nap (in the cosleeper). Most days I can just rock him for a wee bit and then put him right down. Other times, he's more high maintenance and needs me to rock him longer and pat his lil' tooshie. (I love that tush by the way!!!) I still cannot believe he's my son. I have a son!!! I hope that feeling never goes away. I hope I don't take for granted the blessing he is to me.

One of my most favorite moments....and don't judge me!...is when we cuddle in bed together. Sometimes if his feeding lands at 5:30am...I just want a liiiiittle more sleep before saying goodmorning to the world...but Jude usually is ready to get rollin' w/ his day...so I'll lay him down next to me- he falls alseep, everytime! Oh how I love those moments...so after about
45minsish, I'll wake up and he's just sooo smooshie and cuddly next to me. Now- I know it's not "safe" to have your baby sleep next to you...but I'm a very light sleeper and I'm not so much concerned about rolling over him...but, I am aware of the "no-no" of it- thus the "don't judge me" comment. :) I mean seriously...look at how stinkin' cute he is...this is what I wake up to laying next to me!!!

Anywho- My new ode today...is acutally from last night. I went out to dinner w/ my girlfriends last night. We have this tradition of going to Oregano's in Snobbsdale and feasting together while gabbing the night away (which usually consists of us listening intently to Tiffany- she's a great story teller!!!). Anywho. We get the same thing EVERY time. Which is all kinds of humorous...b/c we still open up the menu and read it over!!! We start our meal off w/ Oregano's Favorite Salad- large of course...just for Lester. Then we move on to our meal: Pizza and Zany Ziti. And who can forget the Chocolate Chip Pazooki (or Oregano's Original Pizza Cookie) dessert. It was a very bittersweet evening. 1. b/c I had to leave my Judemonster at home...but he was in good hands w/ daddy and 2. b/c our Tiffany is moving to Oregon on Saturday. Our Oregano's trips will be missing one person. And that's just sad. Now. You'd think w/ the tangent I just went on about Oregano's and the girls, that this ode would be dedicated to something related to said tangent. Not so much. It was just a tangent. A typical Kim moment. :) (Gotta love me!) I shall ode them later- goodness knows they deserve it! (ps- in the picture- it's Jaime, Leslie, big fat me- which you can ignore, and Tiff) So...on my way home from Oregano's...I was at a red light...and crossing the intersection (going the other way) was this car going incredibly slow. A chick gets out and starts pushing her car...poor lady....and she's not doing such a great job. Well...I'm at a red light- I can't really do anything...then out of the blue- literally- two cars pull over, jump out, and help this girl/lady push her car. My heart was filled w/ pride for these nice citizens. So. My ode is to good citizens of the world. I appreciate you. I am thankful when:

* you let me in when I signal
* you put your shopping cart in the shopping cart holder- and not next to my car or in an empty parking space (although- I am guilty of doing this since Jude's been born- I can't just LEAVE him in the car while I go searching for those darn things!)
* you open the door for others
* you say excuse me when you cut in front of them as they are looking at something in the aisle
* you smile and make pleasant conversation
* and when you "get it" that I may not want to conversate back
* you aww at my kid and hold the door for me as I struggle to get the STUPID stroller through the door

If you're a good citizen out there- thank you. This ode's for you!

Ode to Dads

Happy Father's Day to all those daddy's out there. This ode is to dads. Specifically, two dad's in my life...

My dad. He's always been my knight in shining armor. My entire life, he has been there to listen to my rants and raves, my ups and downs. And he's always listened with his boxing gloves on...ready to kick butt if necessary. I remember once after I became a teacher, my dad informed me that he was one of "those" parents- you know- the one who goes and talks to the principal...every single year! He told me that he wanted the principal to know who I was...and know not to mess w/ me! LOL. (Hard to believe for some of you...but I was like THE model student- so there really was no need for the threat!) My dad has always been my main man...well, until Derrick came along. I even used to say that I was going to marry my dad (um. I was like 3!) So..shout out to my daddy. I love you. Thank you for...

* letting me ride on your back like a pony when I was little...

* always telling me how proud you were of me...and pushing me to do better when I slacked...

* teaching me how to bowl and play darts...

* being objective when I would have some ridiculous drama in my life...

* taking me on McDonald's dates after school...

* playing Mario Bros w/ me...

* teaching me how to change my oil, and my brake pads when I got older...

* letting me play w/ your tools when I was younger...
* teaching me how to ride my bike...and kissing my owies when I biffed it...

* giving me sound advice...

* praying for me and my family...

* walking me down the aisle...

* loving me $2 and letting me be your SPPP

* inspiring me to read the Word and be closer to Christ...

DLo. Don't know if you all know this...but Derrick is the "Baby Whisperer"...whenever Jude is crying, and I can't console him...Derrick walks in and saves the day. Really comes in handy! Derrick is such a great daddy. He gets so excited to see our little Judderbug when he gets home. He wakes up in the middle of the night with me to warm Jude's bottle. I am so blessed to be married to him...Jude's daddy. Thank you for...

* changing diapers, even the poopy ones- even in public restrooms...

* reading the Word to him...

* hugging and kissing him and letting him know that you're there for him...

* always carrying the carseat when we go places (that thing is HEAVY!)

* driving carefully when we have precious cargo...

* checking on him in the mirror when driving...

* getting excited when the little things happen- like when he gives manly burps...

* doing late night feedings for me...when I need a little more sleep...

* parenting with me...I couldn't do it without you...

Arizona Baby and Children's Expo

Calling all mommies and daddies!!!!

Beth and I are going to be at the Arizona Baby and Children's Expo in a couple of weeks (June 28th&29th). I think you should come out and see us!!! Doors open on Saturday at 10am and Sunday at 11am (and ends both days at 4pm) @ the University of Phoenix Stadium!!!

Fortune

So...when Derrick and I first started dating...waaaaay back in 1998...he refused to eat Chinese food. It was sadtimes people. I remember one day when we were like 19, I pretty much begged him to get "takeout" w/ me. I promised to watch Titanic w/ him (a movie I don't particularly like) if he would indulge me- I thought takeout and a movie would be a cute date. So. He totally went for it. Would have been a romantic time- except that his brother, Jerrod, came home from work (@ Fazoli's) reeking of garlic and decided to watch the movie w/ us...which watching the movie w/ us turned out to be napping on the couch w/ us- and if any of you know Jerrod- he snores...LOUD! Ahhh- memories.

Ok- that was a tangent- So. Chinese food. I'd like to think that my brilliant date idea is what got Derrick to start eating Chinese food. But- now he's addicted. Poor guy. I wouldn't eat Chinese food when I was pregnant. He went through withdrawals. Since Jude's been born, I'm pretty sure Derrick has had Chinese food a dozen times.... You know- each time you get takeout, you get a ton of fortune cookies. These usually always end up piling up in our house, until I finally can't take it anymore and throw them away. I mean- they're yummy and all- but I can't possibly eat that many!!!

So today I decided to eat one. It's been in the tray on the ottoman for a week. I wanted to discard of it- and what better place than in my belly. This is what my fortune read:

Even the greatest of whales is helpless in the middle of a desert.

I. Feel. Enlightened. LOL!!!

Ahhh- those Asians!

Ode to Jaime

Oh my goodness. Did I have a fun day today. Jude and I met up this morning w/ one of my BFF's, Jaime and her daughter, Zoe. We trekked across town to IKEA for some fun and cheap schtuff. Then after some lunch at McDonald's...we went to Hobby Lobby (probably one of my favorite stores!) and did some major damage! -pix of Jude's new room decor to come...gotta paint first :) - It was so cute to hear her little 2 1/2 year old say "Baby Jude". She was such a good little helper- pushing the stroller or giving Jude his binkerdoodle or letting me know if he was alseep or awake. I especially enjoyed hearing Zoe's laugh when she would tell her mom to "leave her" and I would chase them as Jaime ran away w/ Zozo in the cart. :)

So this got me thinking about my blog and my odes...I decided to make my first ode to Jaime. Jaime is such an unbelievably smart person. She brings so much wisdom and insight to the table. She is so strong and she knows/loves Christ. I love Jaime's ability to lay things straight- she gives her honest opinion. She is a true friend. I cannot express how blessed I am to have Jaime as a friend. I learn so much from being around her (and Leslie, of course). I've known Jaime for about 6 1/2 years. I still remember the first time I met Jaime. It was the summer of 2002. I had just accepted the position of 4th grade teacher at Litchfield Elementary School. I was SO stoked to get my keys and see my room. You cannot imagine the horror on my face when I walked in...and saw that the teacher that had the room prior to me loved cows. I mean LOVED cows- to the point that the shelves were painted white w/ black cow spots. Yucky. So...I found the Principal's Secretary to BEG her to let me repaint the shelves...I told her that the cow-y-ness "hurt my soul"...Jaime was there- waiting to get her keys or something. At the time, I had no idea that she was also a 4th grade teacher. She later told me that she went home and told her then boyfriend that she met this big tall girl that said the shelves hurt her soul... LOL.

7 years is a long time to know someone...we've had a ton of memories together. Here are just a short few that I enjoy:

* DW. Do you remember? LOL- don't know why this is the first thing that popped in my head!
* Our long preps at LES- I went w/ you all over- to different places you were thinking about for your wedding to Petsmart to get crickets for all your nasty reptiles!
* When your snake got loose over the weekend- yipes!
* Geocaching.
* When you were preggo w/ Zoe and you yelled at me b/c I wouldn't change the FAT schedule! LOLOL
* Lunches w/ the 1st grade team and our dates at WOW!
* Debating and changing our minds a million times to move to DS.
* 5. 5, 4. 2. 7. 7, 2, 4. 5. 7, 2, 5. 7. 7. *seven*
* Holes in our pants.
* Starbucks. Lots and lots of it.
* Hayden- from wearing those shoes at the fire drill, to drawing on your whiteboard, to talking about Tiffany's big yellow teeth- LOLOL!
* Easter gifts!

Oh man...I could go on and on! I love you Jaimers. Phil 1:3

My Day and Odes...

So...I had a kickbutt day. Jude and I...we had SO much fun together. And b/c I know that you all care so much to know.... ;) we played on the swing...read a story...had tummy time...looked at our "friends" out the window...played on the mat...took a bath...had a "photoshoot"...and....the icing on the cake...we napped!!! Well...Jude napped...but we did it "babywise" style. We ate...had our wake-time...then when he started to fuss...I put him in his co-sleeper, turned on some music, and let him put himself to sleep. I did this 4 times...and it worked ALL 4 times!!!! I am simply amazed. Going to IKEA w/ Jaime and Zozo tomorrow...so our schedule will be a lil' messed up...but I am ALL KINDS of encouraged! I am so proud of my lil' lover! Seriously though...he doesn't do much...but I just beem w/ pride...for instance...when he burps- these manly burps- I just get so tickled! Now...if Derrick were to do that...I'd be repulsed...but lil' Juderbug...I just go nuts! :) Sigh...

Odes...Derrick has this thing where every once in a while he blogs the "Common Misconceptions of a Worship Leader" or some junk like that...I've decided that I'm going to have a theme that I blog about too... Mine are Odes. Odes to the people in my life that I love and couldn't live without. People who have impacted me and inspire me. Be on the lookout for an ode soon.

Ok. 10 mins late feeding lovebucket. Gotta run...mommyhood has totally made me into this smooshie person. I kinda like it...I think! ;)

Happy One Month!

A month ago today, I gave birth to the CUTEST little guy in the world. I can't believe so much time has already passed. I am so blessed to be this kid's mommy!

Jude,

You are such a sweet little boy. Mommy is so proud of you for learning about this crazy world! Mommy and daddy promise to try our best to be great parents to you. Remember that Jesus loves you and will be there for you- even when mommy and daddy let you down. We pray that you will grow up healthy and strong and make good choices. We pray that you will grow to know and love Christ, and will find ways to serve Him.

Thank you, my lil' lover, for bringing mommy and daddy such joy. You truly melt my heart. I love you, Mr. Jude-atude.

-Mommy

dolce

Did my very first bridal expo today. Wow. Are my legs killing me! I've got to give mad props to my partner Beth and her husband Ian. Ian blew my socks off w/ his mad/crazy/awesome carpentry skills- and his ability to network w/ people. Beth was WAY more with it than I was- super blessed to have her as a partner! My apologies to Beth that I wasn't nearly as outgoing as I coulda/shoulda been- think I was a little more overwhelmed than I thought I'd be!

Here are some things I learned today- and some highlights and hilarity:
* Having your booth next to the "Pole Divas" is qual-i-ty...if you ever wanna know how to pole dance...you'll have to google their name (wait- did I just give them business?!)
* Saw "Elton John" today- there were many freaks there in glorious outfits. Glorious.
* Bridzilla is not a joke. If you bring your entourage w/ you wearing matching hotpink bridal shirts...you mean business!
* I learned today that some of my work is "not for us" LOL!
* Our booth was located next to several people I know/know of- THAT was interesting- right Derrick??? :D
* Almost had to roundhouse kick an LA Fitness dood. Well...I guess we DID steal his booth...the DJ did it, I swear!
* Even trashy people get married. (I would know- seems to be the only types of weddings I've shot so far pre-dolce!)
* People who turn down an opportunity for something FREE...are freaks.
* Did I mention the pole dancing booth? Oh yeah- there were some demonstrations- THAT was quality. It was super funny watching everyone else watch them...in horror.
* What was NOT funny was the quantity of people (young...and not so young) who were all KINDS of excited for the pole dancing booth...they even posed for pictures on the pole- yes- they brought a pole.
* After standing for 500 hours, and carrying 500lbs of stuff to the car....out of the expo- across the street to the parking garage...you reeeeeeeaaaaallly don't wanna mess w/ Beth and I! We get cranky! ;)

I sure did miss my little lovebucket today though. Thought I was going to burst. I did pretty good...even seeing little babies...until I asked one lady how old her little girl was...and she told me that she would be a month tomorrow. That's when I became overwhelmed with sadness and missed my Judy Moody like crazy. From that moment on, it ripped my heart out to see a little baby. I drove home wicked fast to see my two boys. Sobbed when I finally got to hold my lil' love...so glad I'm going to be an at home mommy!

Choose Your Own Adventure

I love being a mommy...but man is it tough! I've recently decided that someone needs to author a "Choose Your Own Adventure" type book on parenting. For example...if your child does this, turn to page 54. If this is happening, turn to page 23. All the books I can read in the world hasn't fully prepared me for motherhood.

Here are my top 5 toughest things about being a new mommy:
5. Finding time for "us"...when am I going to have KimandDerrick time?!
4. Doing housework...I've done some- I just can't do it ALL like I used to!!!
3. What do I do with him?!
2. What exactly does it mean when...he cries? his belly button is still oozing? he won't nap? he naps too long? he eats too much? he won't eat as much as normal? etc etc etc
1. Just when you think you've figured it out...it all changes!!! :/

I'm sure I can think of a few dozen more things... :) Can't wait until I have a better grasp on this mommy thing! :)

How Great is our God?

Gotta keep this short...meeting w/ Beth to set up for the Bridal Expo tomorrow. If you think to...pray for us to have a successful first attempt at an Expo- and pray that I don't freak out at leaving my loverbucket all day!!! (He's in good hands though, aunt Tori is watching him!)

How Great is our God?

I have sang this song countless times at church. I've closed my eyes. I've raised my hands. But yesterday- this song just meant something more to me.

Michael and Heidi Gray are great friends of ours. They have been trying for several years to get pregnant. Recently they were presented with an opportunity to adopt a baby boy. His mother is 17 years old. I can't imagine putting my baby up for adoption- but at 17, when you're still learning to be an "adult" and learning responsibility and having teenaged hormotional issues... the decision must be that much more confusing. The Gray's have been in Utah for the past couple of weeks- anxiously awaiting the birth of their son. The birthmother was to have 24 hours after the birth before handing over the child to his new parents. Things didn't exactly go as planned. There were many many many people who prayed that this young girl would make the right decision to give up her rights and allow the Gray's to be the parents to this little boy that God intended them to be. Praise God that she did. To read the story in it's not rushed form...and to see pictures of little Harrison Michael Gray...go to Heidi's or Michael's blog. How great is our God? The God of perfect timing. The God who knew us before time. The God who loves. The God who answers prayers.

The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice

How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great,
How great
Is our God

Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names
You are Worthy of all praise
and My heart will sing how great
Is our God


-Chris Tomlin

My Favorite Conversations

So...Derrick talks in his sleep. A lot. I love it...I'm usually a fairly light sleeper- so when he talks...I wake up...and talk back. Here was our conversation last night...

D: Are you going to use the mains?
K: Um...yes.
D: YES!!!!!!

The next thing I know...Derrick is on the ground!

K: Derrick- get up- get back in bed!
D: (grumbling noises)
K: DERRICK- get up- get back in bed!
D: I'm trying to fix something!!!
K: Derrick- you're sleeping- get back in bed!
D: Hang on! I'm trying to FIX something!!!
K: What are you trying to fix?
D: I'm trying to get my slideshow to work!
K: Derrick- get back in bed...

Finally Derrick gets into bed. He seems to actually be awake now. I start explaining the hilarity of him being on the floor doing who knows what.... his response to me....

D: Well...it won't matter when I'm 65!

Guess he wasn't really awake!

LOL!!!!!

My lil' loverbucket

Can I just tell you all how much I am in love with my boys? It's still funny for me to say that...my boys. I have a son! What?! Outrageous! I would love to sit here and verbally throwup all my thoughts...but seeing as Derrick is feeding Jude...and it's 11:10pm...and we need to sleep here soon...I just thought I'd do a little update.

Things I love about Jude:
* His Popeye face he makes when he's searching for food
* Cuddling at 5am- to make him go to sleep
* His smell- even the stinky one...
* His soft hair
* When he randomly "smiles"
* That he'll still latch on...even though nothing's coming out (sorry to the boys reading...er)
* His little sneeze
* When he responds to daddy's voice when he's home from work
* When he appears to be listening when I'm talking
* When he passes out to listening to me talk!!! lol
* How he puts his fist up to his face when he's eating...like he's thinking about something
* How much he enjoys bath time

oh...I could go on and on...

You know...they say that you fall in love w/ your spouse all over again when you have a kid. I did when I found out I was pregnant. I was waiting for that moment again when Jude was born. I couldn't believe how much more I could love Derrick by watching him w/ our son. He's such a good dad. He's an even better husband. I don't know that I could do this without him. I'm so thankful that he was able to spend the first 2 weeks off w/ me. He took such good care of us- (even when he was playing Mario Kart for hours a day!!!) ;)

Things I love about Derrick:
* He'll drop everything he's doing to help me out
* He believes in me and reassures me when I don't believe in myself
* When he's talking to Jude and says "Yes!" (you just have to hear it...it's wicked cute)
* That he'll change poopy diapers- reluctantly. LOL
* That he'll wake up at 1am just to keep me company
* His patience
* How much he loves his son

...oy...I'd better stop before I start crying. I'd like to keep that at a minimal tonight! :)

Writing this blog makes me think of the Grays. I'm so excited for Heidi to experience all these emotions with Harrison and Michael. I can't wait for them to get back from Utah so that Jude and Harry can meet! Oy. I'd better stop talking about that too- b/c that is a surefire way to get me cryin'! (We're prayin' for you, Grays!)

Anywho- gotta go- Derrick is waiting w/ Jude at the changing table. It's a stinker- and thus mom needs to come to the rescue!

Before I go...Anyone have advice on Jude's fussy time? From like...5:30pm-8pm?! He's not dirty. He's not hungry. But man can he scream and cry! (This is a new occurence- and I'd love for it to stop!)