Happy Anniversary!

Today marks six years of marriage for Josh and I. It seems like just yesterday when he walked into the dental office I was working for to get his teeth cleaned. Who knew that nine years later we'd be married, living in Utah, and have two kids? I can honestly say that I feel I lucked out. Josh is a wonderful husband and an amazing father. He works so hard to provide for our family and I don't feel I tell him enough just how much I appreciate him.

Boyfriend, thank you for always being my rock and strength when I feel like I don't have any. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face and making me laugh. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Most of all thank you for loving me for who I am. I love you with all my heart and I look forward to many more happy years together.

Love, Horsey

A Day At The Aquarium

Enjoying Utah's natural habitat exhibit.
Do you see all the fish?

Stingray pool

Ooooo Shark.

Look Dad, buggies.

See, more fish.

Oakley, Daddy, and Nana looking through the fish tank.

Fishy face.
Oakley looking through the fish tank.

Dad, I want to pet the fish.

As most of you know Josh and I savor our Sundays. This is our day to lay low, relax, and possibly stay in our pajamas all day. It's our day of sports whether it we watch Nascar or football. Well due to my procrastination we ventured to the Aquarium today. You see my Mom works for CVE and they did the expansion for The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. So I guess as a thank you she was given free tickets. Now she told me about the tickets a few months ago. Do you think I did anything about it? No. After constant reminding it came down to the tickets having to be used by the end of this weekend. If you've stayed current with my blog you would know that we went to the aquarium back in February when Wendie and Shelby came to visit. My memory stinks these days, but I did recall it being rather busy on Saturday so this time I figured Sunday would be better. So we forfeited our pajamas.

Sunday was the jackpot day. There were hardly any people so Oakley was able to run a muck without me being paranoid of him getting lost or someone stealing him. He did have to wear his bear backpack (leash) but he wasn't restrained to the stroller this time. I can't begin to tell you how much fun he had. He climbed up on everything to check out what was in each tank. He wanted to see the stingrays, but opted not to pet them. It was close to feeding time so the rays were coming to the surface quite a bit in hopes of finding food. Oakley just backed up when their heads came to the surface with a look on his face like "No way Jose". He did however want to pet the fish that were swimming with the rays but unfortunately the fish did not want to be pet. He liked looking at all the "buggies" (spiders), but it was not cool with him when the eel's voltage gauge starting detecting voltage. All in all he had a great time. He even got to visit the cafe where Dad gave in and bought him a cookie. Needless to say he was worn out by the time we got home and he had a nice long nap. So did Mom, Dad, and Easton.

Oakley and Daddy.

Easton and Mommy. They had fun too.

Our Boys

Oakley has officially entered the stage of doing everything himself. He has been gradually seeking independence a little at a time, but it seems in the last couple of weeks it has really hit full force. Now he can't really say "I do it", because he's not officially talking yet, well he is but unless you speak gibberish it just goes right over your head, but he conveys his desire for independence through grunts with a side of disgust on his face. Lets just say I get the hint.

This would be one of the messes I'm referring to.

With Oakley's new found freedom I find myself digging through my kitchen drawers in hopes of finding his bibs. No one told me once you put them away there would come a time when you need to get them back out...for the same child. Oakley has been feeding himself for some time now, but when it comes to the real messy foods I've been a little bit of a control freak. I've insisted on helping him because unless I do I know what kind of mess I'll have to clean up. I admit I'm trying to keep my messes to a minimum. Between poopy diapers, baby barf, and the common sticky hands and face I don't have much more to give.

Oops, dropped some. Yes, he's licking the table, but look at the yogurt container.

He has also become insistent on having a "whole" whatever it is. For example if you break a graham cracker into smaller pieces for him, he no longer wants it. Funny story, Oakley was eating a chocolate chip cookie and decided to show my mom what he was eating by sticking it in her face. My mom misunderstood and thought he was sharing it with her, so she took a bite. You would have thought the world had ended the way that kid started wailing. My gosh I thought for sure he lost a leg or something. Needless to say Nana will not make that mistake again. Apparently it was a "look don't touch" kind of situation.

Easton. What can I say about my sweet baby boy? I have to admit I was kind of scared about having number 2. You know because everyone always says number 2 is usually the trouble maker. I realize it's way too soon to tell and yes I could very well eat my words, but right now I can honestly say he's a good baby. Don't get me wrong, he does have his fussy times and one of those times is usually during Oakley's bath time, but other than that it's the typical "I'm hungry" and "I'm tired". One of my frustrations when Oakley was a baby was that he was such a light sleeper. Everything woke him up. Not Easton. This kid will sleep through anything and if it does startle him and wake him from his slumber he just simply closes his eyes and goes back to sleep. I love the fact that he likes to snuggle and take naps with me. Again, I realize not a good habit, but he's still roomless and for some reason he will not nap in his bassinet. Hey I do what I gotta do. There's nothing like holding and snuggling a newborn especially when he coo's and gurgles at me. Yes, he started talking this week. I have a feeling my house will not be quiet for some time.

I love the one little dimple.

Oh How They Grow!

3 days old!


6 weeks old!

I can believe how big my baby boy is getting. It's only been 6 weeks and he's already turning into a chunky monkey.

~3 Weeks~

Our little Easton is now 3 weeks old and we are adjusting. That's the best way to explain it...adjusting. Oakley is getting more and more comfortable around his little brother. 3 weeks ago he wouldn't even look at me if I was holding Easton and just the other day he tried to pull the baby out of my arms because he wanted to hold him. I still have to remind him to be easy and gentle because Oakley thinks he should be able to poke Easton if he wants. Oakley also thinks he should be able to play basketball with the baskets that hang off the end of the pack n play and again I have to remind him that his brother is laying on the other side of the baskets and playing basketball isn't a great idea. He definitely likes to test his limits whenever I'm feeding Easton but all in all he's a good boy...for the most part. Don't ask me to repeat that statement on a day to day basis because some days are better than others. Today would be a good day.

My recovery has gone well so I can't complain in that department. I'm still tired from time to time so my house isn't immaculate, but I try to get at least one thing accomplished every day. Some days that accomplishment is a shower and I just have to accept that. It would be great if the boys would nap at the same time during the day and on the days that they do I seize the opportunity and take a nap myself. Sorry toilets you'll just have to wait until tomorrow...or next week. :-)

(As you can see I started this post last week and I'm just now finishing.)

Our Sweet Baby Boy!

Easton Anders Hegstrom

Easton and Daddy

Easton and Mommy

My first outfit.

Time to go home.

Oakley playing Peek-A-Boo with the curtain. He was proud of himself.

Josh, Oakley, and I are happy to announce the birth of Easton Anders Hegstrom. He was born on Saturday June 27, 2009 at 8:19am. He weighs 7 pounds 7 ounces and is 20 inches long. It took us two days to decide on a name but we finally did it. I found the name Easton while searching the internet one day and his middle name is Anders after Josh's Great Grandpa Hegstrom.

Forgive me for the delay in getting you all caught up. Some of you have sent me texts wanting to know how everything went and the short version was "OK". Now for the long version. I had been having contractions off and on for 2 weeks. Nothing consistent. Friday night at 8:00 I started having contractions every 10 minutes for about an hour and of course they stopped. The only promising thing about these contractions was that they were definitely stronger than what I had been feeling weeks prior so I figured at least I'm moving in the right direction. I had a few more that evening and they stopped so I went to bed. At 2:00am I woke up to contractions getting stronger and with those contractions a lot of back pain and hip pain. Now I didn't experience the back and hip thing with Oakley so I wasn't really sure if this was labor. I layed there for about an hour and the contractions went to 5 minutes apart so I figured I should call my mom so at least she was at the house with Oakley if we had to leave. I let Josh sleep until 4:30am and then he joined the labor fun. Now just to back track for a minute, when I was in labor with Oakley and could no longer take it we went to the hospital and I was only at a 4. When I started throwing up I was at a 5 or 6. What threw me off with Easton was that the back and hip pain was far worse than the contractions. Well, when I started throwing up I figured we better go to the hospital.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:22am and as you read previously Easton was born at 8:19am. I guess you could say I cut it a little close. I had to chuckle because the nurse asked if I wanted an epidural and I told her no. Well the nurse behind her chimed in "That's good because it's too late for one anyway." The nurses had a hard time getting a read on Easton's heart rate so they had to put one of those metal prongs on his head. When my doctor showed up he was concerned about the baby's heart rate being so low. I wasn't ready to push but I was told I didn't have a choice. He let me push a couple times on my own but of course nothing was happening. So, after the agonizing experience of being numbed for the vacuum I was told on the next contraction to push and keep pushing no matter what and the doctor would vacuum at the same time. After what seemed like the Guinness book of world record push our sweet baby boy was born. After being out his heart rate returned to normal and he's as healthy as can be. Easton has his daddy's eyes and nose. I think Oakley (Big O) and Easton (little e) have similarities but they definitely have their own look as well.

Oakley was not to fond of his new little brother at first, but has grown to where he's OK to be in the same room with him and will acknowledge Easton's presence. It's funny though Oakley will get really upset and start crying if Mom doesn't hurry up to pick up the baby when baby is crying.

40 Weeks!

Yes, I'm 40 weeks and 1 day I might add. Trust me you're not the only one who can't believe it. I thought for sure with this being my second child that I'd go early if only by a day or two. No such luck. To add insult to injury I'm not even feeling labor lift it's weary head. I had contractions consistently for 2 hours a week ago Monday, but now I'm convinced that they were sympathy contractions for my sister-in-law. So now everyone I know who was due around me has already had their babies, but little ole Denise gets to play the waiting game. I've tried pressure points, juice, and walking. Yes, I know that sex is also suppose to help kick start labor, however I'd like to know how one participates in such an activity when they can't sit, stand, or lay down without being utterly uncomfortable.?

I'm carrying this baby out in front instead of all the way around like I did Oakley so of course the weight of my stomach pulls whenever I lay down on my side and if I lay down on my back I'm gasping for air. Sitting is OK until I try to stand up and then I have to hold my stomach when I do so I don't double over in pain. It's a good thing no one tells you how much harder the second pregnancy is from the first or else women would not have more children. As you can tell my maternity shirts are no longer long enough to cover the panels in my pants so finding something to wear is fun. I think when you get to the point that maternity clothes no longer fit GOD should oblige and make you go into labor.

Happy Father's Day!

Dear Daddy,

I wanted to tell you how much I love you and appreciate everything you do for me and our family. I know you work really really hard and you don't get to spend as much time with me as you would like. Which I'm sure is all day everyday. But the time we do spend together means a lot to me. I love playtime with you and I love it when you take me for walks in my car. No offense to Mom but you play ball better than she does. You're my bestfriend and I love you soooooooooooo much Daddy. Happy Father's Day!

Love, Oakley

Grace Brooklyn Helfer

I think she kind of looks like Oakley in this picture.

I'm happy to announce that my sister-in-law Makenzie (Josh's little sister) gave birth to a beautiful little girl last night. Her name is Grace Brooklyn Helfer she weighs 6lbs 7ozs is 20in. long and was born at 10:54pm California time. Yes, Kenzie was due the day before me. I should be so lucky to go into labor this week. My mom and Josh continue to tell me that I'm going to go late again and I just think they're evil for saying such a thing. Congratulations Kenzie and Christian!

Oakley Allen Hegstrom

I love belly laughs!

Technology gurus...let me try dad.

What do you mean they don't fit?

Check out the shoes!

Oakley loves Play-Doh time with Aunt Winnie.

He thinks he's so cute...he's right.

Oakley can always make me laugh.

One of the biggest joys in my life is being a mom. On that note, one of the most trying jobs I've ever had in my life is being a mom. As I wait the arrival of another son I reflect on the past 21 months. Oakley has brought such joy and laughter to our lives and as I write/type he's playing with Play-Doh and being a good boy.

I have such a wonderful bond with my little boy it's hard to believe that I could have that with another child, but I hope and pray that I do. It's hard to believe that I'll have two little rugrats to run and chase after, but I welcome it with open arms and heart.

Oakley has taught me a few things in his little life. 1) Patience. 2) Compromise. Everything doesn't have to be done my way or the way I think it should be done. 3) Spontaneity. I've learned to roll with the times. If I'm late deal with it. Odds are I had to change poopy diapers or change my outfit because of poopy diapers as I was walking out the door. I've also learned that it's OK to leave a cart full of groceries in the aisle and walk out of a store because your child is throwing a temper tantrum and come back 4 hours later to finish your marketing. 4) Lighten Up. It's almost like Oakley knows when I'm at my wits end because he'll do something that totally cracks me up or he'll come over and give me the sweetest kiss that I'll forget what I was getting so worked up about. 5) Priorities. Some things in life just aren't that important while the little things usually are. I've learned to let the dishes in the sink sit when my sweet boy wants to sit in my lap and watch a movie with me. Although I can sit and think of 10,000 things that need to get done around the house the bottom line is they can wait, but my angel can't. I try and soak up these little moments because I know they don't last forever. Oakley changes everyday and although I welcome the change I also realize that my baby is growing up and that makes me sad.

I'm so thankful and grateful for everything my husband does for our family, because it means I get to stay home another day and be a mom. And although it is the most challenging job I've ever had it's also the BEST job I've ever had.

36 Weeks & Counting

I'm now 36 weeks and some change. I was doing so well with my monthly updates, but let's face it I'm tired. I'm feeling large and in charge these days. It gets harder and harder to bend over or squat so whatever it is I dropped has to be pretty darn important, otherwise it's going to stay on the floor until I can convince Oakley to pick it up or until Josh gets home. For those of you that stop by I apologize now for the crap on my floor (usually toys, shoes, socks, sippy cups, books, etc), but at least now you understand why it's there. Odds are I couldn't convince Oakley to pick it up for me. I'm glad it has warmed up so I don't have to tie my shoes anymore I can just put on flip flops, but the down fall to that is that I can't paint my toes. I don't dare leave that up to Josh because I have a feeling he would paint my entire toe just so I would never ask him to do it again. ha ha ha. I know they have salons for this sort of thing, but who wants to take a 20 month old to a nail salon? Let's face it there would be no relaxation for anyone that day. All in all I can't complain. I'm truly blessed to have a healthy family. So far I don't have a blood pressure problem like I did with Oakley. It could have something to do with the fact that I cook more at home and I'm not eating Carl's Jr. and Chili's everyday. I haven't had any major swelling...just the usual puffiness. I'm no where near as big as I was with Oakley.

I still don't have the nursery ready for the little guy, but the reality is he won't sleep in there for a few months anyway because his mom is neurotic. It's funny how you're ok with everything not being ready when the second one arrives. That's not to say I wouldn't like it to be ready, but time has not been on our side with getting the basement done. I got the bassinet cleaned and ready. I still need to get the car seat out and clothes washed, but I did buy diapers the other day. So, if he shows up tomorrow at least he has a place to sleep and I have diapers and I'm ok with that.

We still don't have a name picked out. I'm guessing we won't until he gets here and we see what name fits him best. My mom is having a hard time believing me on this one because we had Oakley's name picked out before we ever thought of getting pregnant. For some reason she thinks I'm keeping it a secret.

So, here's to a fast labor and delivery (in next 2 weeks would be good), a quick recovery, and sanity when I get home. Cheers!

~Yellowstone~

The Hegstrom's

The Osborne's (-2)Josh, Oakley, and I went to Yellowstone a couple weeks ago for a little vacation with The Osborne's (Jesse, Tara, and Tyler). It was our last little getaway before Baby H makes his grand appearance into this world.

We had a great time even though it rained on us all week. I booked this trip last summer so my thinking was since it's spring time in SLC it'll be spring time in Yellowstone and that would be a good time to go (you know not too hot). Yeah, not really. Now don't get me wrong I'm not complaining because as you all know I love the cold weather; however it does make it a little more difficult to get out and see all the sites with a 20 month old when it's hailing on you. It also helps to go when all the roads are open. This, of course, was something I didn't even think about when planning the trip because, again, it's spring time in SLC therefore it's spring time everywhere. Sad part is I wasn't even pregnant when I was being logical about this.


We took off Monday and had a nice drive up. Of course we had to stop at Jack In The Box for lunch. Apparently it was Jesse, Tara, and Tyler's first JITB experience. I'm not too sure they liked it, but Josh and I have our California indulgences that have to be met every once in a while. Thanks guys for going along. It was about the time we pulled into JITB that I realized I forgot to pack something. No, it couldn't have been my toothbrush that you can buy at the local grocery store. Nope, I forgot our cameras. Thank goodness for Jesse being the camera man that he is, between the 3 of them they brought 5 cameras and were willing to share. Faux pas #1, I blame on the inability to remember anything while being pregnant. I probably shouldn't have been in charge of packing. After a beautiful drive we checked into our room and quickly decided that we would cook steaks for dinner. Let me add that our entire week of food was based on having a BBQ on our balcony to cook on. Faux pas #2, yeah we didn't have a BBQ because the resort was too close to a National Forest. This time I blame it on the inability to think straight while being pregnant. No worries, Jesse introduced us to broiling. Sad, Josh and I have never used a broiler nor would we know how.













Tuesday was fun as we headed into the park for Day 1. We decided we'd check out Old Faithful since the park ranger informed Josh that they don't turn it off in the off season so it was sure to be an attraction. Smart Ass! We saw a lot of bison and mule deer a long the way. Of course Oakley moo'd at the bison and hehe'd at the mule deer, you know because they look so much like cows and horses. He was cute and kept us laughing with all his pointing, oooing, and aaahhhing. That night we thought it would be a good idea to go down to the pool for a little swim. We were wrong. Oakley screamed and hollered like he was being tortured in a prisoner camp so back to the room we went to watch a little Monster's Inc. for the 50th time. I figured I'd give him a bath since he smelled like chlorine. My timing was spot on. As I was rinsing his hair from being shampooed the fire alarm started going off. There I am 34 weeks pregnant hauling a crying flailing wet baby in a bath towel down the stairs and outside into the freezing cold. Thank goodness Josh had his head attached and grabbed the car keys so I could get Oakley out of the cold. Needless to say I was pretty ticked. Of course when I found out it was an inquisitive little boy that pulled the alarm in the hallway, I mellowed out because I quickly realized that it could be one/both of my boys that do the same thing one day.









Wednesday we went back to the park for Day 2. This time we traveled north to Mammoth Hot Springs. We had hopes of seeing bears because everyone we had talked to said they saw bears while on their way to Mammoth Hot Springs. No such luck for us. We did however see more bison and mule deer. When we got back into town we went over to the Discovery Center where we got to see live bears. Oakley liked the bears and wolves so he roared and woofed at them quite a bit, but his true happiness was being able to walk back and forth and back and forth and back and forth up and down a ramp. Who knew all I had to do was install a ramp in my house and he'd be entertained for hours.









Thursday came too soon and it was time to pack up and head home, but before we got on the road we stopped at the Discovery Center for one last visit with the bears and wolves. It was a nice drive home and of course we stopped at JITB for lunch one more time.









Thanks Jesse and Tara for the great pictures.