Spring Break

Mike and I had the opportunity to go down to Provo to visit Mike's family and also go and visit my brother up in Great Falls, MT.  While we were in Provo we had Alex's baby blessing.  Almost all of our family on both sides were able to make the blessing.  We are so grateful for everyone that made the trip down to Utah to support us!

We spent the first week at Mike's brother's house.  We had a lot of fun spending time with all of Mike's side of the family.  It was the first time that any of them had seen Alex. 

Joy and Hannah

Hannah and Ethan (Dave and Joy's kids)

Mike's sisters, Amy & Sarah, and his mom

I love the confused look on both their faces

Mike's dad and his brother, Dave

On the way home we headed up to my brother's house in Great Falls, MT.  We spent a few nights with them and got to know their little girl, Allie, who is a few months older than Alex. 

Alex had his first experience in a Jump-a-roo at my brother's house and loved it.  He just kept looking at the frog and bird and laughing.  

Home Sweet Home

I'M FINALLY BACK!  We had a great time with Mike's family and my brother's family.  We also had Alex's baby blessing both our families were able to attend.  I will have pictures and details soon.  Right now I have a living room full of stuff that I have to take care of!

2 Month Appointment & Shots

Alex had his 2 month appointment shots yesterday and did amazing with them.  Of course he cried like we were horrible people for putting him through that pain but he was easily soothed.  Since then he has been sleeping.  He is being such a trooper!  

He also measured completely average on everything.  He is a little below 50% for his head circumference, right at 50% for weight, a little above 50% for length.  How average is that!  He weights 12lb 4 oz and is 23 1/2 in. long. 

I found a yummy and healthy whole wheat bread recipe.  It does have sugar substitute (Splenda) in it but if you don't like using that in your food you can just put normal sugar into the bread.  I think Splenda is a lot sweeter than normal sugar in foods so if you do replace the sugar substitute put a little more than the recipe calls for. 

Makes 1 bread loaf

1 1/2 cups water (at room temperature)

2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons sugar substitute (use more than 2 Tbsp. if you are using real sugar)

3-3 1/2 cups whole wheat bread flour

2 tablespoons gluten flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons quick rise yeast

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the water, oil, sugar substitute, whole wheat bread flour, gluten flour, salt, and yeast to form a rough dough.  Let the dough stand for 15 to 20 minutes.

Place the dough on a lightly floured board and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.  Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.  Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about an hour, until it has doubled.  Preheat the oven to 350 F

Turn the dough onto a board and shape it into an oblong loaf.  Coat a bread pan with cooking spray.  Place the dough in the pan.  Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes.  Remove the bread from the oven and turn the bread out onto a cooling rack.

Nutrition per slice:  130 calories, 5 g fat, 4 g protein, 19 g carbohydrate, 3 g dietary fiber, 220 mg sodium

I'm back...finally!!

Alex and I had the opportunity to spend a week and a half with my parents.  Mike and I decided to give Grandma and Grandpa some Alex time but Mike wasn't able to take that much time off from school so I went there by myself.  I was only supposed to stay a week but Mike had the opportunity to go down to Boise State University's archives to do some research for his thesis so I stayed a little longer.  

I really enjoyed my time at my parents and having my mom help change diapers, give baths and hold Alex was wonderful.  I was able to work on some crafts and put together several decorations for my kitchen, which is currently completely empty.  There are 5 different thrift stores where my parents live so I was able to find some awesome decorations that need to be refurbished and also several items for Alex.  

Until this past week, Mike and I had only been apart for one night so this week and a half was difficult for both of us.  It did help us both appreciate the other one so much more though!