The Weldon Family

What happened?

2011-07-30T17:14:00.001-07:00

We moved. That's what happened.

Brady's mom came to help us move Memorial day weekend. It was a great help. There were a couple problems with the move... like having to drive 140 miles round trip for a uhaul cause we didn't reserve one in time, and not having it start when we were ready to leave... anyway, it's over with.

Then we had visitors. My friend came from Cali with her 3 kids while waiting to meet up with her husband in Japan.

Then we got sick for 2 weeks.

Then Kortney, Brady's sister, graduated high school and we went to Seattle to celebrate with her. I can't believe it. I met her when she was 11. I love you Kortney!

Then Parker learned how to ride a 2 wheeler! Brady took his training wheels off one afternoon during his lunch hour and tried to help push him along. Parker said "No. Let me do it" and off he went.

Then we had family pictures taken. They're wonderful! Brady's friend took them for us. He did a really good job, and photography is only a hobby. We had a hard time deciding which ones to frame (and which ones to decorate my blog with).

Then Evelyn learned how to crawl AND pull herself up on furniture. I can't believe she's 8 months already.

Then we had a week of Moscow. Man I miss Moscow.

Then we got the flu this last week. Yes, the stomach flu in July.

And finally, Alayna became potty trained. We pushed and pushed and pushed the potty thing. It wasn't until this last week or so when we were sick that Brady and I decided to let the issue go (mostly because we were lying on the ground in pain and agony) that she stopped having accidents!

And that's the last 3 months.

She's figured it out!

2011-05-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

Oh my horse!

2011-04-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

My children got to ride their first horse this week. Some wonderful people in our ward let our children come and feed them whenever we please. This week they pulled out the kiddie helmet and let our kids ride.

Parker and Alayna had a blast. Alayna has been talking about the horses ever since she got to ride them on Wednesday. "I wan a ride a ho-see!"

Evey at 5 months!

2011-04-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here's our beauty queen out back enjoying our "spring" weather. I think she's played outside 3 times... poor girl. I'm anxious for the warmth so she can experience the park- our home away from home in the summer.

This week we started some rice cereal... actually, it's oatmeal. She enoyed it at first... now she's not so sure.

Before:

During:

And satisfied:

Easter

2011-04-29T12:49:00.002-07:00

Here are some pictures from Easter. The morning was gorgeous for the egg hunt. The easter bunny left lots of eggs for the children to find.

Brady's mother made the girls Easter dresses. They're so adorable. She also bought Parker a polo- he's a little picky as to what he wears, a vest would never do. We got some pictures of them in their outfits before they got too messy.

And below is probably my favorite picture. The kids just love Baby Evelyn.

ARTICLES OF FAITH!

2011-04-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here are our adorable children before church today.

Sunday is a special day for many reasons. But today was Parker's special day. Today he became the first SUNBEAM in our ward to pass off ALL 13 of the articles of faith!!! We are so proud!

We started reciting the first article of faith at bedtime as part of our family scripture study routine. In 2 days he recited it back to us. This began in the middle of January, 13 weeks ago. He has been able to memorize each article of faith in a week. Brady and I have had to learn them as well. It's been fun to watch him grow. After he memorized the 12th article of faith, which is considerably shorter than the latter ones, he questioned, "Is that ALL?" This experience has showed us that children are sponges and can learn so much.

During this whole experience, Alayna has started to work on the articles of faith herself. She knows 1 & 2 at age 2 1/2. She even showed the deacons in Brady's class her skills. The 12 and 13 yr old boys were indeed impressed, and perhaps even a little inspired to work harder.

And here's little Evelyn. She was so happy to see the sunshine after the cold rain. It seems like it's been so cold and winter has been so long. We're so proud of our little clan. They sure are a joy and a blessing. :) (excuse the wrong date stamp)

Movin' on up!

2011-03-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right, we're moving, again. For the last, almost, 6 years we have moved every 2 years. This will be our 3rd move in our 6th year of marriage. However, not moving father than 40 miles. Needless to say, we're planning this time. Not just sneaking out of town like a theif in the night. Moving day is June 1st.

We found a place just minutes from Brady's work which will allow us to save hundreds (literally) of dollars in gas as well as give us 10 more hours per week as a family. All benefits.

However, I will be sad to leave our ward. I have so greatly enjoyed working with the young women and the awesome families that are here. Many people help and take care of us. Parker absolutely loves primary and his teachers. Alayna loves her nursery leaders too. Brady has really enjoyed working with the scouts, even if he does have 16 active deacons. :) I think we've learned a lot and have grown here.

Once again, it's time to leave. What is fun about moving from Pullman, to Moscow, to Clarkston and back to Pullman is that we've gone from a Pullman student ward, to a Moscow student ward, to a Clarkston family ward, and now back to Pullman but in a family ward and have met LOTS of people. I enjoy my trips to Costco and seeing people from both pullman and moscow, or my trips to the mall in Moscow and seeing people from Pullman and Clarkston. We almost always see someone we know in the Spokane temple as well.

We are also excited for the opportunity to get to meet MORE people and live in Pullman not as a college student, but as a working family. I think I'll look at Pullman differently and find that it's not just a college town, but a great place for a family.

So here we are, anticipating a move, but getting ready for it in the best way possible by gathering BOXES. No trash bags and odds and ends. It's all going in a box. It only took moving to 3 different towns to learn that boxes are better to move and allow everyone to be happy during the painful process.

More Evey Faces

2011-02-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

The Many Faces of Evelyn

2011-02-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

So I have been asked to put more pictures of Evelyn on our blog. She's a fun baby. She's always smiley and absolutely loves people, especially her siblings. She's sleeping and eating well. We really enjoy her. Here's some pictures of her over the last month or so. On the 25th of this month, she'll be 3 months. Time goes so fast.

Evelyn's Blessing

2011-01-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the new year, we blessed our newest family member, Evelyn. Brady's family came over for the event. My mother in-law made Evelyn's dress. It is so beautiful. She also made Alayna's blessing dress.

Above is Evelyn, Becky and the pretty dress.

Here's 3 of the now 5 of us. Church is now at 1 o'clock so the kids went down for a quick nap before church. We had 3 cameras and unfortunately, Brady never looked at our camera. Maybe Brady's mom or grandmother got better pictures.

I'd add pictures of his parents and sister, but Kortney wasn't completely ready yet, so I'll check with her before I add pictures that she doesn't want posted. Sadly, amongst the chaos, we didn't get a picture with Evelyn and Brady's grandparents. Getting 7 adults and 3 kids under 4 ready for church isn't exactly an easy task...but we did it AND made it to church on time!

A half truth and some fun.

2011-01-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

Ok so it wasn't a complete lie... I was going to have to spend my anniversary by myself... but didn't. I guess the highways reopened late afternoon and Brady was able to make it home for our 5 year. Not that we did anything big... it was just nice to have him home.

I finally got around to posting some pictures. Kids are so fun.

This is Parker pulling Alayna on the sled in the snow. Good thing Alayna was being pulled because as she'd ride, she would reach her hand down for some snow to eat as she'd get hungry.

A sister in our ward makes some great bibs as baby gifts. We also found out that they make great pirate hats. Excuse my naked son. He never wears clothes unless we're leaving the house. The minute we get home he comes in the door and says "Mom, I want to be naked."

I enjoy the fact that the older children share a room. I think it gives them some bonding time, and they get along real well while they're in there together. Sometimes they get along too well and we have to separate them. Alayna got sent to Evelyn's room to sleep one afternoon. When Brady went in to check on her, he found her asleep in Evelyn's chair... at least she slept.

Happy 5 Year Anniversary

2010-12-29T15:22:00.000-08:00

Due to white outs and snow drifts, Brady won't be making it home from work tonight. Both highways down to the valley are closed...
Good thing we have some great friends who we got to go out to lunch with yesterday. Arbys now has a special place in my heart.

Happy 5 years!

She's here!

2010-11-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

Evelyn Yvonne Weldon finally came on November 25, 2010, at 7:24 Thanksgiving evening. She weighed 7lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long. She was named after two grandmothers one on both sides of the family, one of which was actually born on the 25th of November. Labor was short (5 hours), delivery was even shorter (1 and a half pushes) and everyone is healthy and happy. Here are some pictures from the last week anticipating Evelyn's birth.

Oma and kids before church.

Family Home Evening in the snow.

It took a couple of days but Parker finally held Evelyn.

Here's the beauty queen sleeping in her chair even as I type this.

Due today.....

2010-11-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

Little baby is due today. Absolutely no sign of baby. I think I had more contractions last week than this one. It might be a long week and a half or so. My mom is here and we are waiting... waiting... and waiting.

Funny Comment

2010-11-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know where we live, you know there are some very smelly days. For those of you who don't know where we live, we live adjacent to a town with a paper mill. There are days where I don't smell the mill at all but some days, it really stinks outside. There are many mornings when we wake up to not only smell the mill outside our house, but it's activity through the night causes our house to stink inside as well. Thus, opening the windows for "fresh air" doesn't work. We have invested in the Glade company as we constantly spray air freshener, install new plug-ins and deodorize our carpet just to get the "mill" out of our house.

Anyway... Parker hasn't ever said anything about the way it smells outside or inside for that matter. However, yesterday evening, we were leaving town which required us to drive within a mile of the mill.

As we reached the mill, Parker turned, looked at Alayna, and exclaimed "Alayna! You Stink" and yelled up front "Mommy! Alayna's poopy!"

Oh, it was halarious- probably just funny to Brady and I- or those who have visited our town, live here or have lived here. I just love that he blamed the nasty stench on his sister. We laughed- didn't even try to play it off as not being funny.

As for a baby update-- 12 days and not much activity. Will most likely hit Nov 20th and pass it, unless my apendix decides to rupture or something along those lines. We're just hanging out for now.

Excuse the poor taping....

2010-10-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

She enjoys Maroon 5 but she really gets bumpin to Destiny's Child

Halloween Costume

2010-09-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so, on Halloween I'll be 37 weeks along and figured I should pick a costume that would embrace the enormous preggo belly. I've thought about going as Santa with the little ones as elves, but that might pose a problem with younger children who think Santa only comes in December. Other than that I'm clueless. So I'm open to suggestions.... Ideas anyone?

A "big galloon"

2010-09-16T11:26:00.001-07:00

Sometimes while Brady is commuting to work he will call and tell me to look out the window. I always look but see nothing. I guess he sees a hot air balloon flying in the valley some mornings.

Well, yesterday morning I go to open the blinds at 7:20am and what do I see? The hot air balloon!!! Except it wasn't flying, it had landed in front of our house in our culdesac!!! It must be part of their marketing strategy to land in random spots in the valley because our whole neighborhood came out. The owner came by after a couple minutes of us watching them and gave us a card.

It was fun to watch but Alayna couldn't understand why she couldn't get closer or get in the "big galloon." She was a little upset that she had to stay on the front portch while they deflated the galloon. But on most days at 7:20- mommy is still in her jammies not ready to interact with the rest of the world yet.

Alayna's 2!

2010-09-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Probably one of Alayna's best pictures! She likes to make funny faces so when she smiles nicely its precious.

Alayna loves rice krispie treats and doesn't like ice cream or cake! So that is what she got for her birthday- a big pan of rice krispie treats.

Since Alayna's birthday was on Sunday, we went to church in the morning and played out back in the afternoon. We were going to go to the river that weekend so she could play in the sand and water (she loves the river) but it was quite a bit cooler so we didn't go. However, I think she had fun with the 4 of us playing in the back yard.

I know there aren't many pictures of Alayna. We were trying to get her to sit with some of her presents so we could take a picture but it didn't work once she got the rice krispie treats. We love our little girl and are amazed at how big she is.

Parker's 3!

2010-08-16T13:41:00.001-07:00

Q: What do 2007, 2008 & 2010 have in common?

2010-07-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

A: Birth years of our children!

We are awaiting the arrival of our third child on November 20, 2010 or somewhere thereafter (that's my guess at least).

Ultrasound says... girl? Maybe? She was being stubborn and gave the sonographer a rough time.

I don't have pics but I do have a video... however, I didn't think anyone would want to watch a recording of my ultrasound that was extremely hard to look at and distinguish. Even though my 3 printed pics are priceless.... they're not that good.

Maybe I'll get on the ball and post cute pictures of my other children....who are big big big

Birthday Season Part 2

2010-02-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

Since I made a Birthday Season Part 1, one would only assume there is more than one part to the whole "Birthday Season" collection of posts. But there isn't. There isn't mainly because our computer broke. My mother brought an old computer that my dad rebuilt but it doesn't have the snazzy "insert camera disk and upload without cords" slot. As of right now I can't find our cord to our camera. However, October brought Brady's birthday, and mine came in November. My mother came over for mine in November which is always nice. We have some awesome pictures of her and the kids playing in the leaves, but they sit on my camera....

Christmas wasn't too exciting. We got the stomach flu... and it was BAD! I've never been so sick in my life. Brady says the same. It went from person to person within 12 hours. However, Alayna didn't catch it. I was glad. And that's all I'll say about that...

However, even though we were stuck here for Christmas, on New Years we went and met up with Brady's family for a late Christmas. Parker especially had fun with Auntie Kortney and Uncle Russell. He still talks about everyone. The funny thing about that was... we got everyone sick even a week and a half after we were better. The day we left we got reports that Brady's family was so sick...

As for us right now... its the beginning of TAX SEASON! One thing that is nice about being in a smaller town is his commute. It takes 10 minutes and that is it! I grew up with my dad commuting 1.5 hours for only 15-20 miles. Brady probably travels 10 miles in 10 minutes. So the overtime is not killer like it would be in a city with traffic. Nonetheless, he's busy. It probably wears on him more than it does me. I am just greatful that he can pick where to put in his extra hours. That way, he gets Sunday off.

What does seem to keep us busier is our callings at church. We enjoy them and the chance to serve those around us. Because we've typically spent the last 6 years in 3 different towns within a 30 mile radius, we seem to know more and more people everywhere we go. Last time we went to Spokane we saw some people we haven't seen in 4 years or so. It's great. I am even beginning to recognize the cashiers at walmart and choosing my check out line accordingly.

That's about it. The only other event coming up is Alayna turning 18 months in March! That means for the first time in 2 1/2 years we won't have a child with us during the 2nd and 3rd hours of church! It's tough to juggle Alayna right now because we both have 3rd hour callings... I think she'll handle the transition well because Parker will be in nursery with her. She cries already since she can't go in there with him.

Oh, and here in the Valley, it is much warmer than in Pullman/Moscow. We've been going to the park for the last 3 weeks now. Some days are warmer than others, but I think it keeps the kids and I happier if we can get outside, even if it is for 45 minutes.

Almost Famous.....

2010-01-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Take a look:

http://www.lmtribune.com/northwest/2010-01-06/

That's right! The little tiny person in the back with the "huh?" look on her face is Alayna! She made it into the newspaper yesterday.

Alright, so even though the article is not about her, it was fun to see her picture in it. We go to Play & Learn once a week at the county library. WSU gave the library a grant so that kids can play with different toys, blocks, do different crafts and activities. At the end there's a snack provided while the librarian reads the children some stories. However, this week was visitor week. The Sheriff read to the kids along with some others. Big stuff...

This isn't the first time the kids have been in the paper. Last summer the kids were "featured" in a paragraph, written by Brady's grandmother, in the Potlatch newspaper. Special people huh?- Well at least I think so.

Since December 29, 2005...

2009-12-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

A Great 4 Years!

Ode to the Metal Spatula

2009-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

And so, with moving comes cleaning. With renting, comes more and more cleaning.

I would consider myself a clean person... just not too particular. Yes, I have toys everywhere, my hair isn't always the neatest, my kids do run around in just their diapers with leftovers on their faces, but it's clean. I have a daily chore to do (besides dishes, laundry, cooking, and picking up) like clean a bathroom, every day so that our house has continual upkeep. It is just rare that everything will be put away and neat all at the same time, and if it is, it's probably 11 o'clock at night.

However, I do not like dirt, and mildew buildup in the bathrooms. This duplex seemed to have had past renters who neglected little nooks and crannies, so there was a lot to take care of. And as of today at 2pm, I think I've gotten most of it taken care of. This I owe special thanks to .... The Metal Spatula!!!

Oh, how I have neglected you, Metal Spatula, since we bought non-stick cookware. You have just sat in my drawer used only as a chew toy for the children while I try to cook dinner (with the other non-metal utensils). But these last couple of weeks you have assisted me in scraping, and digging and prying dirt, mildew, and shower scum out of tiny places. You have allowed me to feel good and clean. How great I feel, that now we are friends again. You and I can bond every day while I clean. No longer are you kept in the kitchen with the "other" utensils, but rather in the garage with the cleaning supplies that I visit with every day.

I feel at peace... and happy... and clean... thanks to you, my Metal Spatula!
Until Tomorrow....

Balloons and Birthday Money!l

2009-10-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Brady got some birthday money and spent part of it on the kids. Dollar store balloons! The kids love them. I thought it was cute that they were enjoying running around the house with them so I had to take pictures! Enjoy!

Special Visitor

2009-10-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I checked my inbox and had a message from my old roommate Melissa! I hadn't seen her since our wedding. She was there from the beginning of "Brady and I," back in the day when he was just "Motorcycle Brady." Now, 4 years, no motorcycle and 2 kids later, life is a little different.

Melissa was in the Tri-Cities and wanted to drive 3 hours to our house to come and visit for the evening! I am so glad she came! My kids loved her. She got here at 8:20 which is bed time... but the kids loved her so much that they got to stay up later. She spent the night and stayed for most of the morning when she had to head back towards the coast.

Melissa is so creative! She brought her camera and took lots of pictures of the kids. She left some copies on our computer for us.

Melissa is one of the most positive and upbeat people I know. She's so spiritual and happy! She's a great example of someone who devotes herself to the things she loves and believes in. She leaves for Portugal in December to serve a mission for 18 monts!

We love you Melissa! Thanks for stopping by!

Weldon Birthday Season Part 1

2009-09-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

We've been busy, busy, busy! In July, Brady started his new job. It seems to be going well. He is enjoying the slow time at work before tax season which starts in January. In August, I was in my best friend's wedding. Becky (Brady's mom) and Kortney (Cricket- Brady's sister) came and stayed with Brady and the kids while I was gone for five days. I wish I had brought my camera and had taken some pictures. September 20th we moved down by Brady's work. His commute is only 10 minutes now. The move was hectic and last minute so we didn't say good-bye to anyone (plus we were sick). Last weekend we went to a family birthday party for Brady's grandpa. It was great to see everyone and the kids seemed to have fun.

The kids play together more and more now that Alayna was walking. Below is a picture of Parker feeding Alayna goldfish. It was his tradition to pull out the box of goldfish before bedtime. I think it was his way of stalling.

August through November is birthday season in the Weldon household. Parker's birthday was in August.

Here's a picture with him and his car set that he got. Yes, he is in a diaper.

Here's his cool car ramp that he got. Alayna loves it too!
Parker didn't want his ice cream cone... he wanted a sandwhich instead. We gave his ice cream to Alayna.
She loved it! Especially the Oreo.

Alayna's birthday is in September. My mom came up and it was fun to have her here to celebrate with us.

Here's Alayna with her doll
Fisher price has a little kitchen, workshop, doctor and baby set that all fit into bins. Here is Alayna with the kitchen set that she got.
We decided to just give Alayna oreos for her birthday since she loved them so much. That onesie isn't white anymore.

We enjoy our new house. It has a fenced yard, laundry room, garage, nice neighbors, and a 3rd bedroom! Last night was the first night Alayna slept in her crib. And last week she graduated from sleeping in the bathroom to her own room! An exciting time in our lives!

Our Wonderful Little Family

2009-07-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

So, it is about time for an update.

The most grand and glorious news is that Brady just started his job last week. I mean "real" job, in the "real" world. He is accountant in Lewiston at Presnell Gage. I am very excited for him. He worked so hard through school. I really wanted to take a picture of him on his first day.... but I didn't even ask.... I'll save the "First Day" pictures for our children's schooling.

In June we went to the west coast and visited our families. Brady's brother got married in Everett, spent some time with Brady's mom and step-dad in Arlington, we saw my brother on Whidbey Island, spent time with Brady's dad and grandma in Federal Way, stayed a couple of days with my Grandparents in Shelton, and cleaned out my parents basement in Vancouver. Needless to say, we spent two weeks and covered just about all our family members and traveled all of Washington.

As for the kids....
Parker will be 2 on August 13th. He is talking more and more which is really nice for mom and dad. He has been attending gymnastics and can almost do a sommersault! He enjoys the trampolines and jumping off of the big mats there. Parker has also been enjoying the park. We go almost every day. His favorite thing to do is swing.

Alayna will be 1 on September 12th. It is amazing how time has flown by. She is crawling and couch surfing. I think she wants to walk so she can keep up with her older brother. Parker is by far her favorite person. If Alayna is upset, we just get Parker to look at her and she starts laughing. She has such a personality and a joy to have around. Brady and I get a kick out of watching her.

As for me....
I am trying to become a better cook. Brady doesn't get home until six so I am trying to be a good person and have dinner almost ready. Before his job he probably did most of the cooking. He enjoys it, where I don't so much. In August I am in my best friend's wedding. I am excited to be able to be a part of it. My mother in-law is making my dress and it is going to be so pretty.

We are also looking to move to Lewiston or Clarkston... so if anyone knows of any places down there let us know. The kids need a warmer climate during the winter so they can play outside.

As for that.... here are some pictures....

Parker hamming it up... notice how he is almost two and still doesn't have all his teeth. Yes, teething is still a battle.

This is my brother Eric, girlfriend Ashley, Brady and the kids when we stopped and visited my brother on Whidbey Island. My brother is in the Navy and is stationed there. We got to tour the base! Parker loved eating at the McDonalds on base and watching the jets take off and land. That was the longest he has ever sat for a meal.
Beautiful Alayna eating lunch after church. We are hoping she will get hair some day
Parker and his easter bucket on his head.... he loves walking around with it on his head. He even shares and puts it on Alayna's head, except she can't see when he does that.
My kids and I. Alayna was almost asleep at that point.
Yes, we have a crib for her... but not an extra bedroom. They both freak out when the other one is in there with them. Thus, Alayna sleeps in the pack and play in the bathroom.

Alayna

2009-02-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures. They mostly are of Alayna since most people haven't seen too much of her. She is 5 months old and as of her 4 month check up, she weighed 16 lbs. This is very different from Parker. She is so happy and loves Parker. They play... or rather babble to each other. She can roll over both ways but we have to be careful because she ends up across the room. Here are some more pictures.

Alayna loves her daddy, especially when he dances with her.

Doing what she does... happily.

We started her on rice cereal this week but she has developed a nasty rash so we are holding off a bit.

Silly boy who gets in front of the camera

Pictures... Enjoy

2008-12-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

Moving on in Life

2008-11-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Some exciting news for the Weldon family. No, it's not another baby. I know that is what you were thinking. But Brady got a job. Like a real job. Not a part time one but one of those jobs with benefits that he gets to begin after he graduates in May! He got a job at the accounting firm in Moscow, Presnell and Gage! He starts in June. We are all really excited especially because we wanted to stay here in this area... and now we get to!

Other news... the kids are growing and getting big. I don't think we have any current pictures on the computer. We will have to change that. Alayna sleeps through the night at a whopping 2 months. Parker loves her and tries to play with her. They keep us busy, but they're fun

Alayna Nicole

2008-09-11T12:50:00.001-07:00

She is here! Alayna Nicole was born at 10:32 am this morning. She was 6 lbs 9 oz and 19.5 inches long. She's a tiny one but she is 2 weeks and 3 days early. Here are some pictures of her.

Daddy and baby

Mom and baby
Big brother Parker who didn't really pay any attention to Alayna at the hospital. He was more entertained with the blinds
Grandma and Alayna

Baby news

2008-09-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

First off, Parker is growing like a weed and it is so exciting to watch every day. He will be 13 months on Saturday. He loves to read and can recognize some letters of the alphabet. Right now he is having his first slumber party without mommy and daddy at our friend's house in Colfax. As for Brady and I we are in the hospital. I am underway in being induced in order to have my gall bladder taken out ASAP. Contractions aren't bad yet and since there's wireless here... I thought I'd play a little bit and see what everyone is up to. We can put up pictures when she is here.

Where have we been????

2008-07-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Actually, we've been right here in Moscow. Just the internet is disconnected. It is weird how much we rely on it. I think I actually get more accomplished now that we don't have it to play on. Yet, it is so sad that we aren't as up to date with everyone's happenings. Blogging is great. But no pictures this time. I will have to put them online next time... if i remember to bring the camera

Some news with us....

We are growing a garden. We didn't know how to do it so we planted too many squash plants and they are taking over. Our friends got a garden all set up and ready to plant, but at the last minute had to leave for a summer job. They let us plant and try to see what we can grow. So, Jason and Erika.... I think there will be a lot of squash to eat. We will get a picture up asap.

Brady just finished summer school. He has a couple of weeks before he goes back full time. He is a big help around the house.

We have 9 weeks to go until our little girl arrives. I am at the point where traveling is limited. I can go about 2 hours from home but that's it. There are a lot of family events going on in August that we would like to go to but can't make it to.

Other than that... she's growing, I'm growing, Parker is running around and all is well. Hopefully I will get on the ball and post some pictures soon.

Parker Update

2008-06-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Many wonderful things have happened during Parker's 9th month. He started to crawl, got some teeth, learned to dance, and said "all done." Within the last week, right before he turned 10 months, he started to take steps on his own and started ... SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! It is very exciting. It took him a while, but we think that he just didn't eat enough to sustain him through the night. One morning he woke up and was mad that he only had 6 oz in his bottle. We gave him more, and that day he ate 7-8 ounces all day. Then he slept through the night! So now he eats and sleeps and all is well. Below are a few videos that we thought were funny. One of them I took vertically and couldn't figure out how to turn the video around so you have to watch it sideways.

Oh and one more thing.... the house is messy... so don't mind that.

This is Parker dancing to his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD. It's his favorite even though we don't have cable and don't watch the show.

This is Parker walking from Brady to me. He doesn't fall at the end even though it looks like it.

This is the one you have to watch side ways. His expression is cute.

And another note... not about Parker... Brady started school this week. Not too exciting, but nevertheless it is something new.

Missing Daddy

2008-06-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Brady is gone for 5 days to the west side doing some accounting stuff with his mom. Hopefully it will give him some practice and get him in the mindset of "accounting" before his class starts in a couple of weeks. Sadly though, Parker really misses him (well I do too). He crawled around saying "da-de" all day. I tried to wrestle with him (as much as a pregnant woman can) and play with him the way that Brady typically does... but there was an obvious difference. So Parker and I took some pictures this evening for his daddy cause we know daddy misses Parker too.

Parker trying to get daddy through the camera.
Had to retrieve the binky
Awwww... he stood and smiled for daddy.

Brady has seen this video so it is mostly for family far away. It is about how Parker can entertain himself with 2 Binky's for an extended period of time. This is just a clip. Also, a warning.... this is probably not the most sanitary activity either.

Kamiak Butte

2008-05-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today, after the farmer's market, we decided to go to Kamiak Butte and take a hike to the top. It was a 1/2 mile hike.... all up hill! It didn't take long and we didn't stay long, but it was nice to get out and exercise. Parker did well in his pack. He got a little antsy going down hill and wanted out. We took some pictures.

Parker in the pack

A nice little farm

North View
Brady and Parker getting ready to go
up the mountain
It's a chipmunk! Can you find him?
Out there in the distance is Pullman.
You could see it better up there.
Moscow. The big shinny thing in the back
is the Kibbie Dome.

Dad and son.

Teeth and Knees

2008-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

Parker turned 9 months on the 13th of this month and with that have come some big milestones (or at least some that we have been waiting for a long time for).

First off, during this last week Parker's first tooth broke through. It is hard to see but if you stick your finger in his mouth... you can feel it.

Second, he is crawling! On Saturday he made it across the family room 3 times. From that day on he has not stopped. Since today was rainy, we took Parker to the cool indoor playground in the Eastside Marketplace. It has soft floors and soft things to play on. No shoes are allowed as well as big kids. It was nice to get out and let him crawl around on this nasty day.

The tree slide that Parker wanted to climb up rather than
slide down.

Grizzly bear tunnel

Parker on top of the Grizzly
Bear tunnel

All Gone

2008-05-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

With summer comes the loss of some things. Some of our friends are moving. Some are moving permanently (with a job), and some just around in the complex. Either way, it's kind of sad.

Parker also lost something.... his hair. Brady, Parker and I went to the East City Park today and boy, was it hot! Parker was so warm with all his hair that we ended up shaving it.... well he's not bald. It is just really short. But above are some pictures from our day. It begins with his hair cut. Enjoy.

It's a....

2008-05-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

GIRL! Here are her feet. The other pictures look more skeleton-like. She kept hiding and so it took a while to get the ultrasound done. Apparently we were disturbing her peace.

Boy or Girl

2008-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Alright, tomorrow is the day we find out what sex Weldon #2 is. What do you think? Once you tell us, we'll tell you :)

A Week Full of Firsts

2008-05-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

When Brady and I had Parker, we decided that we couldn't do spontaneous trips anymore. We used to do these crazy late night trips to go visit our families in Western Washington which weren't very well planned out. Well, we have gotten better.... our spontaneous trips aren't late night trips anymore... they're just daytime trips. Once we decided we were going to travel, we left within an hour and a half. Yet again, we didn't bring our camera. So there are pictures.... on different people's cameras in different parts of the state. Also, with our ill-planning we weren't able to visit with everyone we would have liked to. However, it was nice to be able to see some of our family, most of which hadn't seen Parker in a while.

Parker had many firsts during our trip. He had a first taste of Jello and Oranges. Boy did he love oranges. we just cut the orange up into slices (with the rind) and he would just hold onto the rind and devour the orange. I had thought it would be too acidic for him. I guess not. He didn't touch the Jello, but would eat it if you fed him.

He also went swimming for the first time at an aquatic center. I wouldn't say he liked it, but I wouldn't say he didn't. He just didn't move much, but didn't cry. So I think we are going to keep trying to put him in the pool. I think this summer he would like the Moscow aquatic center (which is outside).

He went to the zoo for the first time. My dad had a company thing at the Portland zoo so we all went for free. I don't know what all he saw but I am assuming he liked it...

He (as well as Brady and I) saw a black bear in Brady's parent's back yard (pictures below). It was crazy. He just waltzed through their back yard! Kind of scary though.

Aside from firsts, Parker got to see many family members. He warmed right up to them after not being around them very much. Everyone had a turn holding his hands and walking him around. Even his cousin Connor (who is almost 21 months old) took Parker's hand and helped walk him around.

Well, we had fun and are tired. Parker went to bed at 7 tonight because he didn't sleep well last night. Brady had to work at the President's Residence at WSU tonight, and I am just waiting for my homemade applesauce to finish thawing so I can enjoy it while I read other people's blogs.

Renaissance Day

2008-05-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today was an important day for the city of Moscow. It was Renaissance Day and the first day of the Farmer's Market for the summer! Since Brady has been taking classes at both University of Idaho and Wazzu, he had finals last week as well as this week. Because he has been spending a lot of time studying.... and must spend more doing so.... we were not able to make it to the coast for a surprise party for his grandma, (we really wish we could have made it). However, so that Brady could get a break and enjoy some of the nice weather, we went downtown for the morning and took part in some of the festivities.

At the Farmer's Market Brady bought some tamales (which he has always wanted to buy) and I bought a gigantic blackberry/ cream cheese roll. They were both delicious. It has been a tradition since we lived in Pullman, to come to the Farmer's Market and buy those yummy rolls. When we moved here we learned that a lady in our ward is the one who makes them. Way cool! (Once again we forgot to take some pictures)

Then we went to the Renaissance Fair. Parker got out of his stroller and we put him in the pack. He loved walking around and looking at all the booths. There were lots of lawn ornaments, jewelry, pictures, hippie bags and food that you shouldn't eat. We didn't buy anything but it was fun to look around and see some funny outfits.

Batteries!!!

2008-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

We got some batteries for our camera! It probably would have been another month or so before we would have gotten some but at 4 am this morning our smoke alarms started beeping and saying, yes ours talk, "low battery." We probably wouldn't have gotten a battery for that any
time soon either, but we have some sort of inspection today, where we need to have our alarms working. Anyway we got some batteries for our camera (and smoke detectors) this morning and took some pictures of Parker.

Look-alike-meter

2008-04-24T20:40:00.002-07:00

I must say I stole this from the Williams' blog. I thought it was hilarious. Everyone says Parker looks like Brady but has my eyes. But the look alike meter says its equal! So HA!

Weldon Look-alike Meter

2008-04-24T20:40:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Let's get down to Business!

2008-04-24T08:41:00.001-07:00

I love that song from Mulan.... "Be a Man." I probably shouldn't because after all I am a "sociologist." (My undergrad is in sociology). I could just imagine having to sit in a class and dissect all the ways in which that song degrades women or promotes masculinity in men, along with how Disney is a horrible corporation (I've had to do that before). But in all honesty, I don't care. I just happen to like the song. And I love Disney. So there *sticks tongue out*!

Business Item #1: Parker went 7.5 hours last night without eating!!! Brady fed him (Parker seems to eat better with Brady) 2 servings of oatmeal with fruit, plus 2 containers of fruit before bed. Parker woofed it down and seemed to want more. Hallelujah. I can live with this! Except, I stayed up tv watching shows from the 90's that people have posted on Youtube. So alas, I am still tired.

Business Item #2: Brady has a disease. It is true, he has a disease. I don't think there is a cure for it. It is called Entrepreneuer-itis. Even though his Masters degree is going to be in Accounting and his undergrads are in Sociology and Criminal Justice, he ends up in all of these Entrepreneur classes where he starts business and such. Anyway, this last semester he was in yet, another one of those classes. Him and a friend, Chet (name has not been changed) had to enter the WSU business plan competition. They spent hours and hours writing up a business plan for a breathing monitor for babies, to help detect SIDS. Long story short (cause it could be long), for some reason they only had 6 weeks to work on it (where most people had since fall semester or longer). They had to write a business plan and present it or pretty much sell it in front of judges (people who are typically "high up" in companies) in a 15 minute presentation. After the presentation portion they to endure 15 minutes of questioning from the judges about their business plan (very nerve-wracking since they're students and these people are big-wigs). Then they either move on to the finals the next day to compete against 4 other teams (5 total) or they're done after the first day. Brady and Chet made it to the second round, and placed 4th!!!! It was so awesome, especially since they didn't have much time to work on it, nor did they have an actual product to write a business plan about. (Others who placed higher had real products and sales). They won $3,000 ! I was (still am) very proud. The only bummer is that part of the $3,000 has to go to the company... instead of being split between Brady and Chet 50/50. Oh, well. That is what happens when you start these crazy business ventures.

And, I am realizing I should have taken pictures at the competition. Our batteries were dead (still are).... story of my life (forgetting the camera or having dead batteries).

Business Item #3: Nap time. Parker wakes up between 6 and 6:30. I don't mind him getting up that early. It just means early nap, which is fine for me.

We're all getting BIGGER....

2008-04-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Weldon family is growing.... in many different ways. Brady taught his last lesson in Sunday School and announced that he has reached his New Year's goal of 150 lbs. (Makes me sick really). I think this is the most he has weighed since we met. I think he told me that he was around 138 when we got married.

Parker really wants to move around. He likes it if you hold his arms and let him walk around the house. However, bending over to let him walk around kills my back and if you don't let him move he gets grouchy. So Saturday when I was cooking dinner Brady came out from the back bedroom with Parker in his Johnny Jump Up. Except, he wasn't attached to a door frame...rather Brady was walking him around in, it like you would a puppy. It is the funniest looking thing. (I would post a picture but our camera batteries died). Brady claims he's lazy and doesn't want to bend over. I thought he was a genius because now we can walk around all day and my back is fine. Parker also loves to turn the pages in his book. I think we read about 7 books a day just so that he can turn the pages! It's so cute when the book is done because he gets mad that he can't turn any more pages. He's got a lot of spunk.

I am definitely getting bigger with the little one. It makes it harder to hold Parker when we watch the cars go by out our back window. I wasn't in as good of shape in the beginning of this pregnancy... didn't lose all that baby stuff from Parker... so this will be fun!

And of course the little one is growing. Next month we should find out if it's a boy or girl. I think it's going to be a calmer baby already. By now with Parker he was kicking and moving... I haven't felt much. At least we're hoping it's a little calmer. Either way we love the kids.

Want to know what else is getting bigger? Our laundry pile. Our dryer broke like 3 weeks ago (and we haven't fixed it yet). Anyway, our little apartment doesn't have a lot of room to hang wet clothes. Since it isn't even spring time here yet, I can't hang towels or anything over our railing of our balcony (The clothes will just get more wet outside). So I do a load a day (which isn't a lot)... and the clothes are strung out throughout our apartment. This of course doesn't give me much motivation to clean since it looks so messy anyway.... even when I am in the process of cleaning. Oh well... what do you do. I just give up and take naps with Parker instead.

Weekend Wonders....

2008-04-18T22:01:00.001-07:00

I wonder if it is going to snow this weekend.... probably

I wonder if Parker is gong to feel better this weekend.... hopefully

I wonder if the house is going to fall apart as it does every weekend, this weekend.... it will

I wonder if Parker is going to start sleeping through the night this weekend.... I wish

I wonder if I am going to keep Brady from getting his school work done this weekend... most likely

I wonder if I am going to stay up late and not get enough sleep this weekend.... happens every time

I wonder if I am going to spend lots of hours blogging this weekend.... I guarantee it

I wonder if I am going to forget to print off the sign up sheets for church this weekend... I bet you I will

I wonder if I am going to get new clothes this weekend... ha ha fat chance

I wonder if I am going to gain 5 lbs from all the candy Brady bought this weekend.... gummy bears here I come

I wonder if I am going to put Parker in our bed this weekend.... of course like most nights

I wonder if I am going to get caught up on laundry this weekend... nope don't think so

I wonder if I am actually going to cook a meal this weekend... I hope not, Brady cooks better

I wonder if I am going to dream of a nice sunny and warm place... DEFINITELY WILL

Sunny Day

2008-04-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

This winter has been by far the gloomiest I have seen here in the Palouse in the last 5 years. Last weekend was so nice for WSU's mom's weekend (my mom came and stocked us up with junk food). Parker spent Sunday afternoon on his play mat out on the back deck. He even took a nap out there (well he fell asleep out there- the cars were too loud and kept waking him up). He loved it... and so did I. Then the next day it snowed.... got cold... and rained... yuck! Today however, was nice and sunny. So we decided to spend today outside.
Brady came home from school early and was going to watch Parker because last night didn't go so well for the little tyke and the whole cutting back on feedings thing. But Parker and I ended up taking a really long morning nap. So we all decided to go for a walk into town. It was one of the longest walks I had been on. Out of shape I am. We first went to Pets are People Too to try and show Parker the animals (he fell asleep right before we got there), then to return the Ducktales movie "Treasure of the Lost Lamp" (great movie that I hadn't seen in a looong time) at Howard Hughes, then home. I think we were gone about 2 hours. I haven't gotten out and walked like that for forever. A good thigh work out. Anyway it was a really nice day.
Not much else exciting in the Weldon home. Except, ( this is exciting for me) Brady went to Costco with a friend and bought 6 lbs of Gummy Bears (I love them), 6 lbs of hot tamales (he loves those) a 330 piece tub of licorice, a big bag of trail mix, some salmon burgers and diapers. I love it when he goes shopping... really I do! :)

Weaning from night feedings

2008-04-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about getting rid of the bumpers for the crib, but ever since we stopped using them, Parker ends up in all these weird positions. His legs get stuck in the bars, he ends up on his stomach. We stopped using them about 3 weeks ago because they collect a lot of dust and I think it contributed to Parker's stuffy nose problem. Anyway before bed I decided to check on him... He was on his knees in a praying position, with his hands behind him and his head in the corner of the crib, all while he was still sucking on his binky. It was the funniest thing I had ever seen. I made Brady get out of bed to go look at him. Crazy Kid.
So last night we decided to start weaning Parker from night feedings. Yeah 8 months seems like it's a little late, but the little dude doesn't eat that much in comparison to other babies his age. We thought that once he had been accustomed to eating solids for a while he would start sleeping through the night. We were wrong.
First we moved him into his own room. Which meant moving the air purifier, space heater, music, nightstand, and crib. It was a lot of work. He now shares his room with the desk and filing cabinet. Not too cutesy of a room because we have so much stuff. Anyway, it was nice for him to be gone. I think he and I both wake up less in our own rooms. To get him to stop eating, I was going to use the Ferber method where each night you decrease the amount of formula you give the baby, while making him go a half hour longer between feedings. So he first woke up at 2:15 am (which was a long time considering he didn't eat well yesterday afternoon) and was WIDE awake. So wide awake that he was laughing at me... I know I look funny at 2 am, but come on. Needless to say, it took him two hours to go back to sleep. I don't know what his deal was. I finally was exhausted and brought him back to our room where he slept for the rest of the night. But hey, the bright side is that he only woke up once to eat! Maybe we are on our way after all.
Anyway, time for a nap....

Pictures

2008-04-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Parker is sleeping... but I think he is going to wake up any minute. This stuff is addicting. I like looking at everyone's pictures and stuff. I thought I would decorate a little bit with some of our own pictures. Just random really. This is waaaaay more fun than folding laundry.

Okay so these are his before and after haircut pictures. The after one comes first. I am still trying to figure this out.

No Adults Allowed

2008-04-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

That's right! No adults Allowed! As for my family and I, we are just a bunch of children. My husband, Brady (26), being the oldest at 7 1/2, followed by me (22) at about 6 years old, Parker at 8 months and Unknown who is now 16 weeks old in the womb. We enjoy playing with toys, games, building forts and watching cartoons. We don't take many things serious and have ducks and frogs in our bathroom. We have Disney pajama pillows on our couch and Mickey and Minnnie ears on our entertainment center. Our family spent the weeks before Halloween creating a dungeon with nasty creatures and rats for my father-in-law's haunted house for their ward. Our throw blankets have ghosts and dinosaurs on them and we just bought this huge ABC foam play mat that sits in our living room.... we say it is for Parker.
Anyway I have heard of this blogger fever. Since I am no longer in school and a "mom" Facebook seems not so cool anymore. The Weldon's have officially upgraded to blogging. Good deal.