Open Wiiiiiiiiiiide... good boy

We are just now starting to feed Mikko baby food. He is a little small for the high chair (as you can see in the pictures) but he is getting better. He definitely is not a natural with baby food. AJ just opened his mouth right up and gobbled a whole jar the first time. He ate anything we would give him and NEVER spit anything out. He was SO NATURAL at it (What can I say he loved food... He was also SO CHUBBY). Mikko isn't sure he likes it. He tries to suck it like a bottle and it comes right out. UGHHH! So we use words like, "open wiiiiiiide... that's a good boy... keep it in... good boy!" I have ZERO patience. But here are some pics of his first try.

I also decided that AJ needs to start feeding himself with his utensils. I will usually put the food on the spoon/fork for him and then he grabs the utensil and puts it in his mouth. He has done very well with this method. But I think its time he learn to scoop it on the fork/spoon himself. So I gave him a bowl of cereal to start with. I thought it would be a huge mess. But most of the milk actually stayed in his bowl. He got frustrated that he couldn't get anything to stay on his spoon, so he decided to use his hands. But at least he is still holding the spoon. I was proud that he didn't get it all over the floor... I think he was proud too.

However, after being so proud that I had such a mature, clean, well-behaved little boy, this morning (day 2 with the cereal), he poured the bowl on his head and on the floor and threw his milk-soaked Apple Jacks on Mikko (who sits in his walker watching AJ eat every morning). Milk and Apple Jacks were EVERYWHERE!!!! I did not get a picture because I was so MAD and found absolutely NO humor in it at the time. But I do now. And we will try again tomorrow. I think I will keep a better eye on him this time. And if the milk does get all over the floor again, I will clean it up, just like I did today, and I will not take a picture because I will be too ANGRY, just like I did today, then I will laugh about it to Aaron that night, and try it again the next day. And hopefully the day will come when he picks up that spoon, scoops up his Apple Jacks and carefully puts it in his mouth... all by himself. And I will not have to clean milk off of his head, the floor, or Mikko - and I will proudly give him a big kiss and say "good boy".

Did you know?

Hopefully most of you know that this week is the Democratic National Convention. I have been paying close attention to the speakers, trying to watch and get as much information as I can about Barack Obama. I have learned a lot about the democrats just in the last two days. For instance, sometimes democrats get pinned as being anti-American and anti-Religion. However, did you know that the DNC opens everyday with a prayer, the salute of colors & flag, pledge of allegiance, and the National Anthem? I didn't. I learned something new. I think it is no secret that I consider myself as a Republican, but I feel it is my duty, as an American Citizen who will be voting for the next President of the United States, to learn as much as I can about BOTH candidates. Whether I like it or not, Barack Obama may be my next President. And instead of complaining about him and all his policy, I have been trying to watch this DNC with an open mind and look for things I DO agree with. I encourage everyone to do the same. It is not enough to turn on the 10:00pm news and get a 5 min brief on NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, etc... and their SPIN on what is and is not important. Shouldn't WE the voter decide what IS and IS NOT important? And you just might learn something you didn't know before.

Hairspray for HAIRSPRAY

Oh how I love HAIRSPRAY. Tonight I am taking Aaron and his Mom to see HAIRSPRAY at the theater. I have already seen it and absolutely LOVED it!! Personally, I think the movie was below par compared to the exciting Broadway rendition (no offense John Travolta). I had to drag... literally drag, Aaron to see Phantom at the theater and how well do you think he liked it? He LOVED it and constantly wants to see it again! I have a feeling he will feel the same after seeing HAIRSPRAY tonight. I swear I know my husband better than he knows himself. And not to add confusion, but I do love hairspray. Now I am talking about the actual hairspray I have sitting on my bathroom counter. My sister-in-law introduced me to the Tres Semme aerosol can Extra Hold (Thanks Sariah). With an easy push of my index finger it lightly mists my artificially colored blonde hair and helps shape it into whatever I have done for the day. Sometimes strait, sometimes curly, sometimes extra curly, sometimes braided, sometimes up, sometimes down, and all around. Tonight I think I will go curly and up- perhaps a french twist with curls pinned to the top and sides of my head, lightly misted by my wonderful Extra Hold Hairspray for my night out to see HAIRSPRAY.

10 Ways to Gain 20 lbs

As some of you know, I have been on a little bit of a health kick after having Mikko. As I have been loosing weight I have asked myself… how did I get this FAT?! And while yes… I did have 2 babies in one year (and not at the same time), which helped me gain 50 lbs, I actually gained 20 lbs my first 2 years of marriage at BYU. Looking back, I have noticed some rather interesting habits that I think may have been contributors to my 20 lbs of weight gain before baby, and then which inevitably helped me with the 50 lbs with baby (you are only suppose to gain 25-30 when pregnant). Anyway, for those of you who may be looking to gain 20 lbs… I have 10 ways that helped me, so I have no doubt they can help you. These are real-life 100% true statements that yes- I really did. But I warn you, this may make you physically ill, and I will understand if you can’t look at me the same again. Here they are:

1. Avoid living among stairs. Live on the bottom floor apartment or a one story house. You don’t want a daily activity of constant up and down stairs. Its way too hard.

2. Eat out at least 10 times a week. This can be breakfast, lunch or dinner. The trans-fat loaded meals go strait to those “you’re getting fat” places. My personal favorites include; Chili’s (at least once a week), Denny’s (sick… I know), Krispy Kreme Donuts, Café Rio, Fazoli’s Italian, and Cold Stone.

3. When eating out, you want to save money. So when possible choose low class, fatty, fast food restaurants such as; McDonalds, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Arby’s, Burger King, etc… They provide the most grease, fat, salt and calories for your dollar.

4. Start wearing your husband’s clothes. (If you’re male, try your Dad’s clothes) This makes you feel like you have room to grow since “hubby’s” or “Dad’s” clothes fit nice and loose. You don’t notice them getting too tight, they simply are starting to fit better.

5. Go to the Hostess Shop and buy crème filled pies, chocolate donuts, ding dongs or any other sugar-filled fatty snacks. Buy enough so you eat 1-2 a day.

6. Get a job that requires very little to no activity. Such as sitting in a chair for 4-5 hours a night picking up the phone and conducting interviews. I hear now that some companies automate the numbers so you don’t even have to dial. This will help significantly.

7. Start a Sunday ritual where you drink 1-2 cans of soda (your choice) and down half a can of Fritos Cheese Dip with Jalapeños and the bite sized tortilla chips. This is tasty and will insure tremendous weight gain.

8. Always drive. Avoid walking or riding a bike whenever possible. Even if it is 100-200 feet away.

9. If you must eat at home, don’t worry. You can still enjoy salty, fatty, greasy foods. Any of the following will do: Spaghetti Os, Frozen Totino’s Pizza, Mac & Cheese, Hot Dogs, Raviolis (in a can), home-made Cheesy Gordita Crunch, or frozen Corn Dogs.

10. When making a batch of brownies, cakes, or cookies, eat half the batter before baking. You can cook the other half using a smaller pan. This way you can enjoy half right away, and the other half a couple hours later nice and baked. You must do this 1-2 times a week.

I think I just threw up.

The kid who doesn't like getting wet in the pool

It has been a little hot the past few days so we decided to get AJ a little pool. Aaron was proud of himself that he got a cool little pool with accessories for AJ on clearance - since technically its the end of the season. We were so excited for him to try it and what do you think he did? He WOULD NOT let go of Aaron. Aaron had to sit in the little pool and hold AJ so he wouldn't cry. He was scared of the water! I just don't get it! He loves his baths.After about an hour of sitting with him (by the way, the pool only fills up about 3-4 inches), we finally got AJ to the point where he would sit in it without holding Dad. But he still wouldn't get up and walk around or anything.

So... task for this week, I am going outside with AJ everyday and putting him in that pool so he can get use to it. I don't want to be the one with the winey kid who doesn't like getting wet in the pool... that's annoying. Wish me luck!!

Piggies. the roll over, and YOUR BALD!!

Piggies:

Last Sunday Mama's Boy suddenly started grabbing his piggies (feet). Now he does it ALL THE TIME. Yeah... a small milestone for him! I think he looks so cute while doing it.

The roll over:

So about 2 weeks ago Mama's Boy rolled over for the first time. He has only done it about 10 times since then, but this is a picture of him getting ready to roll over onto his back... which is unusual. He will usually only do it stomach to back. He doesn't like being on his tummy :)

YOUR BALD:

It is almost 100% official. Mama's Boy is bald. He has some wisps of dark hair barely holding on, but I think I can confidently say most of it is lost. He looks like a little Yoda to me. And the ears are protruding out farther and farther. However, I still think he is the most adorable little 4 month old. And of course he doesn't seem to mind he has lost his hair. Now I am anxiously waiting to see what color it grows back as... dark, which is how it came out... or blonde like big brother. Only time will tell...

Sweeping my worries away...

So the other day I was having a little bit of a bad morning. Both kids were crying, I was exhausted and scrambling to feed AJ breakfast while Mikko was starving and screaming. I finally sat on the couch to feed Mikko and suddenly heard complete silence. I called for AJ (since I couldn't hear him) and was thinking... great, what has he gotten into... uhhhg. I got up with Mikko and turned around in the kitchen and this is what I found....
Apparently AJ thinks my floor needs to be cleaned. He is constantly following me around when I sweep the floor and I am always having to shew him away so he wont step in my pile. I guess he has had enough and decided to take matters into his own hands. I said, "what are you doing?" He looked up at me, then just kept sweeping. He is very serious about it too. Making sure he gets under the table.... we don't want to miss a crumb...

And of course, lets not forget under the highchair, where mom probably sweeps the most....

And he would not put that dustpan down.

What can I say... our children truly watch our every move and want to do exactly what we do. After observing AJ for a while I just couldn't stop laughing and I immediately forgot about my exhaustion and bad morning. This is the joy I get from staying home that I never got while at work. Thank you AJ, for reminding me of what is really important... and literally sweeping my worries away...

A Blessing on a Blessing Day

Today our new little niece Kennadi Williams was blessed. She looked sweet as can be in her beautiful white blessing dress that Grandma Donna made. The whole Lehikoinen family was there, except Danielle's husband Curtis, who had to return to Utah for work. There is something special about attending a fast and testimony meeting with your whole family. We were able to hear the testimonies from a few members of the family... Aaron, Mike, Sariah, Alyssa, Emily, Courtney and Caitlyn... oh... I hope that was right. I did have to step out a couple times with Mikko... but I think I got it right. I think hearing someones testimony truly lets you see inside their heart. Can I say, I truly enjoyed hearing all your testimonies. It touches me to the very core that we have a family that can all sit together and share the same faith, values and love. Families are an interesting thing... aren't they? I just love my family. All of them. My little "Lehikoinen" family... the 4 of us; my "Barry Schwitters" family... growing up on Pondlilly Lane; my "BIG Lehikoinen" family... all the cousins and excitement; the "extended Schwitters" family... what a group, I think there are 60 and counting if we all get together; and my "extended Baker" family... who I do not see enough. I think we are so lucky to have each other. Some live close... others far away. Some I talk to everyday... others sometimes years go by. But I love you all and am grateful for the impact you have had on my life. I hope this will filter to my children and they can enjoy the blessings of family.

... So today we welcomed little Kennadi with a blessing. And what a wonderful addition she has been to my ever growing list of family members.

~Welcome little Kennadi, and may your life be as full of happiness, family, and love as mine has.~

The blessed family. Congrats!!

The whole lot of them

All the Lehikoinen cousins. What a cute little bunch.

The oldest leaving for college, the youngest a month old...

We have two tired boys here... can anyone say nap time?!

A toast to you!

This weekend just flew by! We went to the temple and watched Lauren Groseclose get sealed to Skyler Evans. SO SWEET!!! She looked beautiful in her dress... although I didn't get a picture of her in it. The day was August hott... but not too bad. It was clear and only slightly windy. Which for any of you who aren't familiar with the Oakland Temple it tends to usually be too foggy to see San Francisco and there is usually a little wind, which keeps you cool when its hot, but can be troublesome when you are trying to take wedding photos. The picture on the header of the blog is one I took from the viewing area of the Oakland Temple. I know I am biased, but I just love the Oakland Temple. There is something majestic about it.

The sealing made me think of the day I got married. The whole day was so fun. Lots of things went wrong and fell apart, but I remember most how happy and in love we were. So excited to start a life together. Now here we are almost 6-years in. We have a lot ahead of us and sometimes it can be a little rocky... lets be honest, I'm not the easiest person to live with. But again... lets be honest... neither is The Boss. However, despite both of our many many inperfections, I love the wonderful times and I wouldn't want to have the ups the downs and the inbetweens with anyone else. I love you honey. You are my everything.

A toast - Here's to wonderful wedding days, new and exciting adventures, and love love love love love.

The Boss and I enjoying the view while we wait for the Bride & Groom.

Me and Daddy-O. Mom was inside touching up Lauren's makeup.

Taking a picture by our favorite tree on the temple grounds. ... it just seems like the perfect picture spot.

Mother and Daughter. Wow... I look so much taller than her. My shoes are decieving. I'm really only about 2 inches taller than her. Luv ya mom!