Happy 4 months Jaxy Boy

I cannot believe my little man is 4 months already! He is as cute as ever and has lots of new tricks. His best one is rolling front to back, and then back to front. Sometimes I walk in on him sleeping on his side, which is too cute. He has the best personality. He loves people and loves going out. I think he gets sick of hanging out with me around the house (I'm a bit of a homebody these days). He is holding his head up really well now. He used to have floppy legs and now he's learned how to stiffen his legs and is standing up now.

On his 4 month birthday, I went to my first day of work. The school Heath works at need casual teacher's aides so I told them I could work. It's only when other teacher's aides call in sick so it's not often. I couldn't help but cry a little when I left him (we've spent everyday together since BIRTH, give me a break) but I knew he was in good hands with Gamma Hart. And he had a great day! When I came home, he didn't even act like he missed me!

Here are some snapshots over the last couple weeks of my lovely little fellow.

Why do I love sleeping photos so much??

Courtney got me Jamie Oliver's 30 Minute Meals Cookbook so I've been making tons of meals from this! Here is my Crispy Salmon, Jazzed-up Rice, Courgette salad and guacamole. Soo good!!

Jax's passport photos!! He was such a good boy while they took these.

Going swimming in the pool!

Someone's discovered their tongue!

Getting his 4 month immunizations...not sure if it was more traumatizing for him or me!

I feel so incredibly lucky to have this guy in my life. His personality is shining through more everyday and is such a sweet boy! We love you Jaxy boy!

It's a talky talky talky boy

I love it when he talks to me!

(If you can bear to watch the whole video, he does the funniest flat-line smile at the end)

The Green Smoothie

I am doing the ol "eat better" New Years resolution. I am still breast feeding so I'm not doing anything extreme but I decided to start making my sister Lucy's Green Smoothie. It consists of spinach (or kale), strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mangoes, bananas and chia seeds. The base is 1 cup water blended with a handful of spinach and then add any fruits you like to make it taste better. Even though it looks disgusting, it's actually quite tasty! In addition to drinking this smoothie every morning, I have completely cut out soda. This is a huge thing for me and so far I've been successful. If I can make it to February I will be pretty proud of myself!

Jax continues to grow and entertain me. Our new game is to look at ourselves in the mirror while I call him a silly boy. He cracks up laughing at this. Every morning is a surprise because I put him to sleep on his stomach at night but when I pick him up in the morning, he's on his back! Such a clever guy. I don't really know how he does it because I've never actually seen him do it. He never fails to make me smile and I really enjoy spending everyday with him, even if we are doing nothing.

I sure love my laughin boy!

NYE 2013

What a wonderful year 2012 was! Heath completed his first year of teaching, we found out I was pregnant, travelled and snowboarded in Japan, Heath won a trip to London to see the FA Cup, welcomed our beautiful boy Jax, spent three weeks with my parents (I haven't seen them in almost 2 years!), celebrated Halloween and Thanksgiving (two of my favorite American holidays) and finished up the year celebrating Christmas with the Harts and enjoying Jade and Aaron's new pool!

To welcome the New Year, we had a little party with our close group of friends. James and Amy recently moved back from Melbourne and hosted the party at their house. I have to say that it was the best party I've been to in a lonnnggg time! It was nice to put Jax to bed and have a fun filled night dancing, singing, playing poker, kissing, break dancing and just spending time with friends.

 Of course, we had to get a picture with Jax all dressed up before he went to bed :)

 James and Amy making the virgin pina coladas. Yum!!

 Weston was eating all the lollies before everyone got there

 Alex and Angela and their son Riley

 Enjoying their pina coladas before they go to bed!!

 Lots of break dancing...

 Look at that beard!!

 They're getting too old!

 Playing the new Just Dance on Wii

 The boys dancing to One Direction...classic!!

 Poker

 David was first out :(

 The boys had to make some kind of bomb/firework

It was a really fun night and a great way to start 2013!!

Feeling blessed

Lately, I have been feeling very blessed. I have a wonderful husband that loves me and takes care of our family. I have a son who lights up my world everyday. He is the most precious gift from my Heavenly Father and I am so grateful that he has been placed in my care here on earth. It's very hard to put into words the feelings a mother has for her child. He teaches me to be patient and kind. He teaches me how to love unconditionally. He helps me realize how important the Plan of Salvation is. He makes me want to be a better mother, sister, wife, friend and church member. I have so much to be thankful for.

 Asleep in his car seat

With the tragedy that happened last week, I cannot help but cry every time I think about those poor innocent children taken too quickly from this earth.  I know there is a special purpose for these children in heaven but it is hard for me to see and understand WHY. So many cruel things are happening today...it makes me want to protect my little baby and stop him from growing up! My heart aches for those parents who lost their children. A friend posted this poem on Facebook and I really appreciated reading this as gives a little perspective and comfort for this awful event:

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
written by Cameo Smith of Mt. Wolf, PA.

I don't usually post religious things on my blog but I want to share how grateful I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have a testimony of Christ and his Atonement. I know that he has a plan for each of us. It may not be what we want or like but it is a plan that will strengthen us, help us grown and learn about what our purpose is here on earth. I am so grateful for this time of year that we have to reflect on the birth of the Savior. What an amazing story it is. What faith Mary and Joseph had to bring Jesus into the world. I cannot imagine what Mary went through but how grateful I am for her example as a mother. I know that through the Atonement, we are able to be healed, forgive and be forgiven, and return to live with Him someday. May God be with those who have lost much this last week.