Family Pictures

We made an attempt to get some family pictures done a few weeks ago. It went pretty well other then Boston didn't want to get his picture taken. He just wanted to play. So we told him that we needed to take his picture with Logan so we can send one to Santa so he knew that Boston had a new little brother. That seemed to work. Check them out.

Life has been going wonderfully for us. We are all very excited for Christmas next week. Boston is getting so big and finally getting better with the potty training. We are now on to pull-ups. Boston is such a smart boy. He has learned how to spell his name and Cody's. He's still learning mine. He knows how to count to 60 on his own and knows all his letters. It just blows my mind how smart he is.
Logan is growing so fast. He loves to talk to everyone and smile. Cody says he's like me because he is a good sleeper. That works great for me. Less feedings during the night. Boston still loves Logan a lot and can't seem to quit kissing him and giving him loves.

Are we loved?

Sometimes I wonder... are we loved? I mean really loved? Take a look at these pictures and you decide.

Great-grandpa Floyd

Great-grandma Lala (LaNile)

I would have to say YES! We have been so blessed to have so much family close by that our boys love so much. We are lucky to have both our families in our boys' lives and they get to share in all the fun and all the love. Like most people, we also have family that live out of state that we get to talk to often and share stories of all our new adventures. They may not be here all the time but they are always thought about and in our hearts. We are so thankful for our families and all their help, love, and support. Life would not be the same with out them.

CariAnn loving on Logan (left) and his cousin Bracken (right)

Aunt Marcia with Bracken and Logan

Silly faces from Kiah and Boston

Boston loves, and I do mean LOVES, Logan. He is constantly kissing him and hugging him. He has really been such a sweet big brother.

I had to share this picture of Cody and Logan. It is so sweet.

A house full

This past week and a half my family came out to visit from Virginia and Connecticut. Our house was definitely full but fun. We didn't do much but hang out and enjoy spending time with everyone. Logan and Boston got lots of loves and attention. It was nice to be able to spend some time with everyone together.

The adjustment has gone very smooth in having Logan home. Boston LOVES Logan. He hugs him and kisses him constantly and is very protective of him. He loves to have Logan by his side. I couldn't have asked for better boys. They are both so sweet.

My Boys

Boston playing baseball with Grandpa Paul

The boys with Mimi and Grandpa Paul

Denise, Mark, and Mandy

Logan with his Aunt Mandy

From 3 to 4!

Logan Tate Valdez is finally here! The first week home was a little crazy. With the visitors coming to see our new little guy and him coming a week earlier then planned, it took a bit to get things together. We have posted pictures on the previous post so check that if you haven't already seen them. Now that I've got a little time here's the story, sorry it's a little long.

Initially my due date was November 9th, but we scheduled a c-section for Logan on October 29th. With Cody's work it would just work out better to do it that weekend. I had my regular doctors appointment on the 22nd to check me out and to get things set for the next week. When I went in, the nurse did the usual checks of weight and blood pressure. They ended up checking my blood pressure 3 times because it was pretty high. They took me back to my room and then my doctor checked it also...140 over 100. Not good, so he sent me to labor and delivery to have them monitor me and continue checking my blood pressure. Now, the night before Cody and I both had a feeling that we were going to have him that day. Cody was actually going to take half the day off and go with me to my appointment just in case, but I told him that I really doubt it would be high enough for them to take him so just go to work and I would keep in touch with him. So that night we made sure our bags were packed and a list was made of all the additional things that we would need and what was needed for Boston to stay with grandparents. Better to be prepared.

Well, after being monitored for about an hour my doctor decided that since I was full term (37 weeks) that he would just rather take Logan that day than for my blood pressure to get any higher in a week. I had about five hours till surgery. Yikes! There was no concern for Logan, he was doing fine, we had to wait because I had eaten breakfast and had water that morning so they had to wait six hours from my last drink till we could do it. I called Cody and let him know Logan was coming that night. For the next couple of hours it was a little crazy. Between calling family, keeping in touch with Cody to make sure everything was taken care of with Boston and everything was packed from the house, and moving my appointments it didn't help any with my already high blood pressure. I was planning on working that Friday and part of Tuesday so I had appointments to call. By the time everyone was called and Cody was on his way the nurse came in and told me she was going to take my phone away if my blood pressure didn't go down. I promised her I was done. I just couldn't help but be a little stressed out. Both Cody and I kept in touch with Boston to let him know his baby brother Logan was coming that night. He was so excited.

The c-section went very smooth. It was very different this time to walk into the operating room and have everything planned. With Boston it was not planned to have a c-section but it ended up happening that way. Recovery has gone well and we are starting to get back into a routine. It ended up working out even better to have him on the 22nd because Cody got to stay home almost the whole next week. He did have to go into work a couple of times. Boston has LOVED being a big brother. He is very protective of Logan and is constantly giving him kisses on the forehead. Anytime Logan is crying Boston is right there to see what is wrong. When we took Logan to his doctor's appointment after he went home Boston was not happy. He did not like the doctor making Logan cry. What baby likes to be checked? Cody asked Boston if he needed to take him out into the hall so that Boston wasn't mad and Boston did not want to leave Logan. Protective big brother huh. Boston definitely loves Logan.

I still can't believe that Cody and I have 2 kids. Sometimes it seems a little overwhelming but Cody has been wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better husband. He's done so much to help me and take care of the boys. I am truly blessed to have him in my life and I wouldn't want to share this with anyone else but him. Thank you Cody for being such a perfect husband and a perfect daddy!

Halloween

This Halloween Boston went trick-or-treating with his Grandma Diane. I stayed at home with Logan and Cody had tickets to go to the Real playoff game and the Utah football game. If any of you haven't gone to the Trick-or-treat on Main in Tooele you should check it out. Boston loves it. I just had to share the pictures of his costume.

Logan Tate Valdez

Almost Time!

We can't believe that we only have 3 weeks left! I get people telling me all the time that they think this pregnancy has gone by so fast. I would have to agree with them. Throughout most of the pregnancy I would forget how far along I was and have to check a calender. With Boston I knew exactly how far along I was the whole time. I think having another child already makes it go by a lot faster. I have been having braxton hicks a lot at night, which are really annoying. Logan is still high so it makes it hard to breathe when I have them. Sleeping is near impossible with having to get up every couple of hours to go the bathroom and then trying to get comfortable to go back to sleep. I feel so bad for Cody. I think he's about ready to hit the couch. We are almost there with 3 weeks left. We've just got a little decorating to do in the bedroom and we need to set up the glider and the cradle and we'll be all set.
Boston seems to still be excited. He and I will be snuggling on the couch and Logan will be constantly kicking Boston. He thinks it is so funny. Boston's potty training is still a work in progress. He's getting better though. Any suggestions?! It seems to me that boys just don't care. It would just take too long to stop playing and go to the bathroom.

Meet the team

In August we got to go to Snowbird to meet the Real Salt Lake soccer team. That is part of having season tickets. It was so crazy! We have gone to meet the team for three years now and this year was packed. There was TONS of people there. We didn't even bother getting in line to get autographs. We did get a picture with Leo the Lion. That was all Boston cared about. He loves Leo. He is always looking for him and yelling at him at the games.


The pregnancy is moving along. We have set the date to go in on October 29th. We are so excited! It has really gone by so fast. I think that it is partly to do with having a 3 year old also. You just don't have the time to relax as much as you do with your first. Cody sure helps me out though. He has been so great to let me take a quick nap on the weekends or just letting me relax on the couch when I've had a long day. He has been so wonderful. Little Logan is moving all the time and kicking me like crazy. Boston still seems so excited to be a big brother and have Logan here. He has helped me get the baby clothes washed and get the room set up. He keeps telling me "oh, cute mom" when he sees Logan's baby clothes. I really hope he stays this excited when Logan comes home with us. We know there's always an adjustment. If anyone has any suggestions to make this any easier on Cody and myself and also Boston please let me know. Otherwise, all is going great and we're counting down to the big day!

Birthday Boy!

Well, our baby is growing up. Boston turned 3 on September 8th. I just can't believe that it has already been 3 years. We had a birthday party for Boston at our house that evening. All the family joined us for some bbq, cupcakes, and presents. Boston had fun running around playing with Hunter and Ryan, and attacking Grandpa Mark and Marky. Boston got foam swords for his birthday so the boys liked "slaying the dragons". It was really cute. Boston got so spoiled for his big day. He LOVED all his gifts. After each one he opened he wanted to play with it right then. We had to keep reminding him that he has other presents. He just wanted to have fun with the boys. Thank you everyone for celebrating Boston's birthday with us.

Two Months Left

It sure seems like it is a long ways away, but we have just about two months left until our second son will be here. We have now decided on a name. It took a bit of convincing to get me on board, but Denise has once again won out. His name will be Logan Tate Valdez. I really like the name I just didn't want another city name. It eventually grew on me and I really like the name.

We are busy getting ready for our new arrival. We have spent a lot of time getting the room ready and we are almost there. As soon as it is finished, we will post some pictures. We have it painted, now we just need to get all of the furniture in there and arranged how we like.

School has once again started and I am really enjoying this year. While it has only been one week, I really do like my classes. My students seem to be very well behaved and for the most part, they seem to be glad that they are in my class. I have two new classes this year that I haven't taught before, so that is a bit of a challenge, but I am loving it. I have been assigned to be the yearbook advisor and I am now teaching an Engineering Design class as well. These will keep me on my toes, but I know that I will become a better teacher because of it. I am really looking forward to a having a great year.

The great outdoors

Cody and Boston have become quite the fishermen. They go quite often during the week and sometimes I'm lucky enough to join in on the fun and go to. We've tried Grantsville but had absolutely no luck so we've been sticking to Settlement. Tons of luck. Boston loves to reel in the fish. Every time we go we always forget the camera so we don't have any pictures but the next time we go I'll definitely get some pictures to share. Besides the fishing they've also enjoyed a little camping... in the backyard. Boston loved it. He thought it was so cool to sleep outside under the stars and the moon.

What a big guy!

I just had to share this picture of Boston. We took it right before we went to church one Sunday. He has been insisting lately to wear a tie to church because Cody wears one. He looks so handsome.

I know it has been a while since we have blogged about our family. I have a really good excuse. We have been EXTREMELY busy! We've got softball a couple times a week, indoor soccer on Monday's, Real Salt Lake games to go to, fishing, spending lots of time with family and friends, and we just put up our shed. It is never ending I swear. Our next project will be to get the baby room done before Cody goes back to work mid-August. The summers always seem to just fly by. We really have enjoyed our summer. We haven't gone on any trips but we have had lots of fun. I will try to keep this post short and share the many pictures at the bottom of the post. I really hate when I have to play catch up. I will try harder to stay on top of this.

The 4th of July was fun, but hot! On the 3rd we always have a family BBQ at Cody's grandparents. The WHOLE family comes out and we do a dutch oven (YUMMY!!) and camp out in the back yard. The back yard is not very big so you squeeze in tight. I told Cody I would sleep outside it we could get an air mattress to sleep on. We didn't have one so I slept inside and Boston stayed outside with Cody. I have not been sleeping comfortably anyway and to attempt that on the ground would be awful. In the morning we got up and ate a little breakfast and took Boston to the parade. This was the first year that he really enjoyed it. He really loved seeing his grandpa Mark (stinkybears) ride his Harley in the parade. He got really excited to see him. He waved at everyone that went by and of course grabbed as much candy as he could. Anyone in need of some taffy? We relaxed the rest of the day and played games with some friends at our house. We thought we would be able to see the fireworks from our backyard but they didn't go off high enough. Oh well, we got to enjoy some excellent fireworks at the Real SL game on the 24th and on the Bee's game on the 25th.

Boston took swimming lessons this summer. He was a little hesitant at first and would only stay in about half the time. After a couple of days he was doing great. We have been taking him swimming quite a bit this summer and Boston LOVES the water slide. He has figured out that if he leans back with Cody going down the slide you go faster. What can I say, he's fearless. We also bought Boston a little pool for the backyard that he loves to play in. He invites his friends over to enjoy with him. What a water baby.

The pregnancy is going great. It seems like this one has been easier then with Boston. I think it's just because I've already been through it. We are hoping to set the c-section around the 29th of October. We go in to the doctor next Monday so we'll find out then. Boston has decided that the baby's name should be "mommy" so I told Cody we need to decide soon so Boston will get use to it. He seems really excited to have a baby brother. He likes talking to my belly and singing songs to it. It is so cute. I really hope he enjoys it as much when the baby gets here.

I tried to keep this as short as possible. Here are some pictures of all the fun we've been having. I had to do them in a couple of slide shows.

The 4th of July

Boy or Girl?

Last Monday we found out we will be having another boy! Boston is very excited because he has been saying that he wanted a baby brother, well he gets his wish. Cody and I are very excited as well. Now to find a name for this little guy. We've got a few names that we are considering but nothing final. I told Cody that he seems to always be kicking me so we should name him Striker (not seriously). He is a very active little guy though. Boston likes to put his head to my belly and talk to the baby boy because that makes him kick. Boston thinks it's funny he kicks him in the head. There will be a lot of little boys joining the family this fall. My sister-in-law Dy (Brett's wife) is due mid October with a boy and my cousin Cherise is due with a boy the beginning of October. At least they will have a little buddy to play with!

A day at Lagoon

This last Friday Cody and I took Boston to Lagoon. It was so much fun. His Grandma Robin and the kids were there and also DJ, Sally, and Hunter with John and Cheryl Adams. It was a blast. We got there at 11:30 and ended up not leaving till 10:00! We did not think that Boston would last that long. He did take a nap in his stroller so that helped. Boston had fun going on a few rides with Hunter, Cody, and myself. We did take him on a couple of wet rides. He didn't mind being wet he just didn't like getting wet. We all really had a great time.

In other news, school is finally out. Hurray!! Cody is going to be enjoying this summer. He's got a few trainings he has to go to this week and next week we'll be in Logan for a yearbook camp. Cody is going to be the yearbook advisor next year. So June is kinda busy. In between all of that we've still got softball, soccer, and fishing. Cody got his father's day present early so he could go out and enjoy. He's been doing quite a bit of fishing so far and plans to go often. Anyone who wants to go just let us know.

The potty training is over. Boston was definitely NOT interested. We decided to wait for a little longer to train him but we are still talking to him about it to keep it on his mind. The problem was Boston decided he wouldn't go to the bathroom AT ALL. Not safe for him. We have been reading and have also heard that most boys start around 3 years old. We will be trying again later.

The pregnancy is going great. I am 19 weeks and feeling huge. I'm not swelling as much as I did with Boston so, so far so good. We find out next Monday what we are having. We are really excited to know.

This Friday and Saturday is our 10 year class reunion. We just can't believe it has been that long. On Friday we are having a family night at Deseret Peak. $7 will get your whole family in to swim from 6-10 (8-10 is our private swim time). On Saturday we are having dinner at The Salt Lake Hardware Store in SLC by the Gateway. It is $30 a person if you pay ahead or $35 if you pay at the door. Dress nice but not fancy. We do have a class website that you can RSVP and pay on paypal at tooelehighschool99.blogspot.com if you want to check it out. We really hope to see lots of out classmates and be able to catch up with everyone. So just thought I'd remind you all that it is coming up.

And the battle begins!

Today we started potty training Boston. I was so tired of having to change his bum when he is old enough to know when he has to go to the bathroom. So yesterday when I was at work I developed a plan. When I got home from work I had Cody distract Boston and I took all but one diaper out of his room and put them away. That night when we were getting him ready for bed I asked Boston to get me a diaper. He opened the drawer and noticed that they were gone except for the last one we were going to use. So I told him we were all out of diapers and in the morning he had to start wearing his big boy underwear. Boston kept telling me we needed to go to the store and buy more diapers but I told him we were not buying anymore and now it's time to go on the big potty. He seemed a little hesitant. In the morning he got up and his diaper was dry so we went in the bathroom and Boston sat on the potty. It took him a bit but then he finally went. His reward is pennies. I know you shouldn't bribe your kid with money, but candy does not work and he LOVES money. During the day I've been setting a timer in our kitchen to go off every hour and when it goes off he has to go to the potty. So far he's been doing great! He's had one minor accident. I think he started to go and it startled him and he finished in the potty. So far so good though. Wish us luck because we've still got a long way to go. If any of you have any other ideas please let me know.

Happy Birthday Cody Ray!

Today is Cody's birthday! The big 28. He thinks it's funny though that I am one month and one day older then him. Oh well, I guess I "robbed the cradle." We had a birthday BBQ for Cody at our house last night. It was a lot of fun. My dad, Robin, Brock, and my grandparents came along with Rich, Diane, Brett, Dy, Chad, and Cody's grandparents. It was a lot of fun. This was the first family gathering we've had at our house. It worked out wonderfully. Plenty to eat and drink and had fun visiting with everyone. Boston was in heaven because he got to sit at his new picnic table with his cousin Ryan. I remember when I was little I always had to sit at the little kids table. They looked so cute though. Cody got spoiled this year. He got some money from the grandparents, gift cards from his brothers and Dy, an Itunes gift card from my dad and robin, and a peg board for the garage with some tool hooks and a work bench. Oh yeah, and he got an Ipod touch from me and Boston. I'm pretty sure he liked that gift. It really turned out to be a wonderful evening. Today it's back to work for him though with a softball game and a soccer game tonight. It never ends does it, even on our birthday. I know that Cody wouldn't have it any other way.

Cody is such a WONDERFUL husband and an AMAZING daddy. He always puts our family first no matter how busy he is. I can't believe I lucked out and was able to marry my high school sweetheart. We have so many memories that we get to share together and so many more to come. Thank you for all you do for us and for having such a big heart. We love you pooh bear and have a wonderful birthday!


OUR STREAKER
We went to church yesterday and we were getting ready to take Boston to nursery. He LOVES going to nursery. It use to be a big fight with crying and Cody and I having to sneak out. Now he happily walks to class opens the door, gives me five, and says "See ya mom". It definitely makes it so much easier. Yesterday, there was a little girl walking behind us SCREAMING because she didn't want to go. Boston kept looking up at me with this worried look. I just kept smiling at him and trying to distract him. Well, we get into nursery and he's a little hesitant to let go so I told him "why don't you go tell her it's okay and ask her to play with you". He just looked up at me with a scared look and said "no way mom". He then just gave me five and went on his way. Well after classes we picked him up and were walking home and I noticed that his pants kept falling down. I took a closer look and noticed that they were on backwards!! I asked him if he took his pants off in nursery and he said "yes". So I said who put them back on and he said "I did". So now we have a little streaker. He was quite proud I think because he could do it all by himself. I should have guessed this would happen because he will be jumping on the tramp at his grandparents house and all of the sudden his pants are on the grass. Or in the morning he'll be very quiet for a bit and I'll go check on him and he's no longer in pajamas. I guess I just didn't think he'd do it in nursery. Boys will be boys I guess.

Coach Valdez

I've mentioned in previous posts that Cody has been helping coach the THS soccer team. He never played soccer but just loves the game. He has really enjoyed the season. This Tuesday was the last league game so they had an alumni vs varsity game today. Cody played and did really well. He had two shots on goal. One was blocked by the goalie and the other hit the top bar. Boston and I just love watching him play sports and cheering him on.

Boston LOVES going to soccer games. It doesn't matter if it's the high school or the Real games. He loves soccer. He constantly kept running out on the field (pitch) to play with his soccer ball. We were sitting in front of one of the spare goals so he kept kicking his ball into the net. Boston got himself caught in the net many times. He didn't get mad though. I think he thought it was pretty funny. So did I.


I just had to share this picture of Boston. I think I've mentioned before that Boston is a nut. He checks his toes every now and then to make sure he doesn't have any toe jam. Yes, this his him cleaning his toes. I know it gross and we don't know where he got it from.

Last week we got to spend the whole week with my sister Mandy and her husband Dave and baby Emily. It was so much fun. Boston LOVES Emily. He constantly tells me "Mom, Emily best friend me!" I take that as Emily is his best friend. He did great with playing with her and sharing his toys. I was a little worried how he would do with that. There were a few times I had to tell him to quit kissing her. He just wanted to be with her all the time. When I came time for them to go home we were all very sad. Boston wasn't too happy to wake up and all of them not be at our house. We definitely miss them all very much. The whole time they were out here I forget to get my camera out so this is the only picture I got of Boston and Emily playing. Oops.



Well to finish this post I thought I'd update you on my pregnancy. I'm 14 weeks now and everything is going great. I'm finally looking pregnant and not like I've gained lots of weight. With this baby I definitely showed early. I have been loving it though. I can't wait till I can really feel it move. I'll try to be better about updating more often so that it doesn't end up being so long.

Catching Up

Life just flies by and I forget to update you all on what's going on in our life. Well first of all Boston's wall in his room is finally finished being painted. Rowe did an excellent job and Boston sure enjoyed the visits we would get during the process. Rowe became his buddy. We still need to get some wood to border the picture and frame it in but the painting is done. We sure love how it turned out.
My brother Mark moved out here in the beginning of April. He moved to Conneticut with my mom about 15 years ago. It's so nice to have him here in Tooele. Cody started playing in an indoor soccer league in Bountiful with Mark. He loved it, but then softball started and they ended up on the same night. He was pretty bummed that he can't play soccer anymore unless he get a rain out for softball. He did get to play one game though and it was fun to watch them play together.

Boston LOVES soccer! He had to take his soccer ball to the game and when the game was over him and grandpa Rich had to go on the kids field and play. Boston's actually very good at dribbling the ball to the goal and scoring.

Happy Easter Bunny!

Easter day was a lot of fun. The Easter Bunny made it to our house and left Boston an Easter basket with clothes, puzzles, coloring book, and the Memory game. He also hid Easter Eggs in our living room. When Boston woke up he was so excited to see if the Easter Bunny came. He ran into the living room and was so shocked and excited to see his basket. He then began the hunt. He loved looking for the eggs. After he was done he opened all of them to see what was inside. Lately Boston has had the fascination with money. To Boston money is coins not bills. Luckily for him the Easter Bunny put some money in some of the eggs and some candy. He had to count all of his money and of course line them up. He also had a separate pile for his candy.
We had church to go to so we got cleaned up and went with Diane. It was a great testimony meeting. We kept reminding Boston what Easter was all about. Right now he's just interested in the eggs. After church we went to Grandma and Grandpa Valdez' for dinner. Boston was so happy to know that the Easter Bunny had gone there too and left more eggs for Boston to find. Of course, he enjoyed the whole thing! Even after all the eggs were found Boston would keep looking to find more. It took him a while to realize that was it. The Easter bunny left him more money and candy and a new red wagon and soccer ball. Boston was in heaven today. He liked telling everyone "Happy Easter Bunny". We all sure had fun watching Boston get excited every time he found an egg. We hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

The hunt is on

We all sure had fun this Easter. This year has been great with all the holidays because Boston is to that age where he is starting to understand and gets excited. He wasn't quite sure who the Easter Bunny was for a while but he kept singing "Here comes Peter Cottontail", especially when he was at Grandpa and Grandma Valdez'. They have a bouncing rabbit that sings it and of course he loves that toy. On Saturday morning we took Boston and his aunt Lauren to Deseret Peak for the Easter Egg Hunt. It was complete craziness. We got there 30 minutes early because we were told you need to get there early and mark your spot. I could not believe how many people were already there. Well going early for a 2 year old is not good. Boston was not too happy he had to wait to go get all the toys. We finally got him calmed down and then the mad dash began. I swear it started at 11:00 and ended at 11:01. Everything was gone! You had to be quick! Boston did get some good toys though. He passed up all the candy and went for the big stuff. He got a soccer ball, nerf football, a fire engine, and some other toys. Once we were done Boston was ready to go play on the big fire engine and slide down the big blow-up slide so Grandpa Rich and Cody took the kids while Diane and I waited for the drawing to see if Boston would win a bike or wagon. In the end I think Boston was feeling a bit overwhelmed so we got him and Lauren home.