Keeping up with the Andrews: January 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Nothin' but Laughs

This weekend we went to Salt Lake to spend time at Trent's grandpa Jim's house with Trent's parents and family. While we were there, Jackson was so good. He was nothing but smiles and giggles. I was able to catch this gem of a video of him laughing at Trent's mom as she was playing peek-a-boo with him.

Reunited at Last

A little over a week ago, my sweet grandpa passed. There was very little suffering and I cannot help but feel happy for him. For years he cared for my ill grandma, so when she died several years ago, I think he didn't really know what to do with himself. He missed his wife so much and all he has been wanting to do is join her.

The funeral was in St. George and there were 98 family members present, including all 17 Smith's. It was great to see extended family members and to see my parents and siblings again so soon.

The cemetery is located in one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. The beautiful red rock and blue sky are such an amazing contrast. He could not have been laid to rest in a more special place. I am grateful for the life and example of my grandpa Arden and I am glad that my loving grandparents are reunited at last.

My mom and her lovely siblings at their dad's funeral.

Our little family

The gorgeous hill above the cemetery

On the drive home we decided to do a quick detour and check out Kolob Canyon. We could not believe that this was right off of the freeway and that we had no idea. It is GORGEOUS!!! If you are ever driving up the 15 in Utah, stop, you will not regret it!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Extended Stay

Going home for Christmas was a blast! We had so much fun that Jackson and I decided to stay in Encinitas for two extra weeks while Trent headed back to Provo for his new semester. Here is a little bit from our extended stay in California. (When I say a "little bit" I mean this is one massive post, we were there for 1/4 of Jack's life so I feel justified in the massiveness.)

Jackson was able to get to know his extended family a little bit better.

Christmas was a blast, we are so lucky that our parents live within a few miles of each other because we are able to spend holidays with both sets. Jack received more gifts that you can imagine, but his favorite two were the Bumbo seat my parents bought him and the stand and play table that Trent's parents got him.

Christmas morning... please ignore my super-hot pajamas.

Doug surprised Kathleen with two awesome stand-up paddle boards. What a sweet husband!

By the end of the day, Jack was a pro present-opener!

I think it must be common knowledge that when momma is happy everyone is happy because I sure was spoiled... Trent surprised me with a Michael Kors watch and some bling-bling true religion jeans, his parents got me the most beautiful leather boots, and check out the Petunia Pickle Bottom bag I "surprised" myself with. Seriously the best Christmas gifts ever!

We were able to meet our good friends Lexy and Jared in San Clemente for lunch, it was so nice to see them! North Carolina, I hope you realize how lucky you are!

Toward the end of the stay two of our good friends Darren & Isis were married in the L.A. temple, we were able to be there to support them.

Kirra turned one while we were there and it was so fun to see her demolish her cake and attempt to open her gifts.

Did I mention that on this vacation we discovered that Jackson's cheeks can make a mean squishy-face?

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Now and Then

Our little man is growing so fast! We had his 4 month check-up yesterday (he is actually 4 and 1/2 months, we are a little behind).

At birth, he was 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 20 inches.

At 2 months, he was 12 pounds 8 ounces (70th percentile for weight) and was 23.5 inches (70th percentile for height).

At 4 and 1/2 months, he is 16 pounds 8 ounces (68th percentile for weight) and 27 inches (93rd percentile for height).

He has come such a long way from when he was born. Here are a few of our little man's major milestones:

He has successfully overcome his acid reflux (no more 3 hour-long screaming parties)
He can now roll over
He can sit and stand with us barely supporting him
He has the cutest little belly-laugh
He can stand up in his pops' hand in the air (this scares the crud out of me, but it is pretty cute)
He eats rice cereal and his doctor gave me the thumbs up to start him on baby food! Sweet potatoes, here we come...
He carries on long conversations with himself
His grip is so strong that he can pull out mommy's hair... seriously.
Best of all, he has learned to take naps. We have been working on his schedule and he is doing so well!

I cannot begin to describe how our lives have changed in these few short months. But, Jackson has been the biggest blessing, we love our little chunk so much!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Smith Family Photos

Can you believe that the Smith side of our family grew by 4 in 2010? In fact, the Smiths went from 7 to 17 in only 5 years! My parents decided to take some family pictures to document the growth on Christmas day. It was so fun! The kids were all hilarious to watch as they were forced to smile and pose.

Everybody