Life Potpourri

Wicked came to VA Beach a few months ago. We didn't go to see it, but the mall had this little photo shoot thing, Courtney was a very happy good fairy. Easter gift from Llama Grandma Devin with Darek's new ferret Dinner at Firehouse Subs For Courtney's birthday, I made these sweet looking cupcakes from Jamie's blog. I cut Courtney's hair all by myself :) Christmas gifts, she got dress up clothes from both sets of g-parents. Only bump pic from this pregnancy. Angry Fetus My parents were such a big help (always in life) but especially this past fall when they went to Idaho to help move our stuff. They also packed all sorts of surprise goodies for Courtney, including make up. This is the view from our back deck. Jealous?

Texas

Most of you already know I'm a big baby. Even in high school, when I was left overnight alone, I always spent it at someone else's house. So making the move to Texas was a big leap of faith for me; I had to spend 6 months living all alone without Devin. I spent a lot of time praying for comfort and peace, and I got it! It was a big testimony strengthener for me. I was thinking of this because I found some lost, unposted pictures from Texas. I loved having so much time to myself with Courtney. We actually took lots of pictures of just the 2 of us, but I lost them when my phone broke. We also didn't have a car, so we had to get creative. We liked to walk to the mall 20 minutes away, and then try on clothes we had no intention of buying. Unless they were way super cute :)

Mason the model

Our "little" boy is now a hefty 13lbs, and he is just so cute! He's very alert, and he loves to make faces at us :) By the by, at a relief society meeting back in Spokane, we had a photographer teach us about taking our own "professional" pictures. She recommended draping a sheet over the back of a couch to mimic a studio backdrop. So I draped Mason's sport quilt from a chair, and "Voila"! His first portrait. I think it turned out awesome.

Here's just another pic of Courtney from Becky's visit. I just love the expression on her face; it's a Courtney original:) She is a defiant little girl. Yesterday I fed her eggs, a muffin, and juice for lunch. She asked for bread with peanut butter, but I told her she had enough, so no. So she got down from the table and stood in the kitchen doorway with her hands on her hips. THEN the little brat says, "Here's the deal, you're going to give me eggs, a muffin, juice AND bread and peanut butter." I couldn't help myself, I had to laugh at it! I didn't let her have the bread and peanut butter for lunch, but I did let her have it for her snack later. Because she was just too darn cute to say no to.

We loved having 4 days with Becky here. Courtney got a boo boo the other day, and who did she run past? Me. Who did she run to for a kiss? Becky! Courtney just loves her Aunt Becky so much. Although on our way home from taking Becky to the airport, I asked Courtney what was her favorite activity with Becky. She said, "Chocolate!". Sorry Becky! Courtney is easily bought.We went to Colonial Williamsburg, spent a couple of days at home, and had a blast at the beach! I only put up 4 pictures; I'll let Becky have the honors of posting more on her blog. We love you Becky!

Happy Easter!

Courtney would like to thank Grandma Mitchell for her beautiful new Easter dress. Happy Easter everyone!

Mason Andrew Tartini

Our little boy is here! I figured you might his birth story interesting; I know it was wonderful (mostly) for me. I woke up around 2:30 am on Friday with what I assumed were braxton hicks contractions because that had been happening all week.
When Devin's alarm went off at 4 for work, and I realized I hadn't so much as nodded off, I started to think this could be the real deal! But I more strongly thought, "There's noway he's coming, it's his due date! No one comes ON their due date!" So I told Devin to go to work anyway. My contractions continued to come, and so my visiting teacher took me to the hospital, then took Courtney to her house. She also brought us soups, chilis, and a loaf of homemade french bread! Anyway, when I got to the hospital, I was dilated to a 6, so I thought I'd have Mason really soon. I was happy to hear the "doctor" on call was actually a midwife, and not an OB/GYN, because I'd already determined that I wanted a med free birth. Unfortunately, there were 2 or 3 nurses who were fresh into the program, and they tried my patience. And felt my rude, fiery wrath. But when I tell you I feel the urge to push, and you tell me not to push until you get the midwife, and THEN you don't get her, you just mess around on the computer, you can't blame me for the tone I choose to take. So the midwife broke my water which made the contractions much worse, but it super sped up the process. I felt 3 or 4 contractions, pushed for 4 (also, watch a natural birth sometime; I chuckled to myself as other moms screamed/sang through contractions, but I did the same exact thing!), and then I had a new little fetus on my bed!!! And yes, I did it without meds. So thank you to my sister, Lindsay, for inspiring me to do this pain free; i'll share more of my thoughts and experiences later.