So this is what an "easy" baby is like.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Welcome Baby #2!
I doubt Amanda will be documenting her birthing experience anytime soon, so here are the birth details from dad’s perspective. I really debated posting baby pics because let's face it - all babies look the same. But Amanda would probably want at least some pictures, so I posted them below.
We were on our way to the hospital by 6:30, arrived at triage at 7:00 (where we found out she was at a 10 already), went to the delivery room shortly after, she started pushing at 7:30, and the baby was out by 7:39. It was great because there was no down time at all. Pure excitement and efficiency. So far, everything has been 1000 times better than our first delivery and newborn experience.
Amanda did a great job of preparing for the birth. We went to a 6 week Hypnobabies class, and she did a ton of research and practice on her own as well. I learned quite a bit myself, even though Amanda is the one who applies most of the information. I pretty much just learn it with her for support. Now I have all this pregnancy and birthing information taking up space in my brain, and I have nowhere to apply it. Maybe I ought to bag the MBA next year and become a midwife (yes there are male midwives, I looked into it out of curiosity).
Sunday, August 2, 2009
10. Massive head injuries. Nathan likes to run around with his blanket over his head. Unfortunately, when he does, he thinks that all the furniture disappears. I was afraid his forehead would fill with blood and explode but the phone-in nurse assured me he was probably okay.
9. Talbot Family Reunion: Sea World! These are all my siblings, plus 3 spouses. Grandpa and Grandma took care of all the grandkids so we could all get thoroughly soaked. They tried to stop the whole ride and make me get off for being pregnant. I thought that was ridiculous since my body goes through more trauma in one hour of running after Nathan than anything that happened on this ride.
8. A chance to see the Arizona Diamondbacks up close! Mark's boss gave us front row tickets to a Diamondbacks baseball game. We have been wanting to go to a game since we moved here, and it was so fun to sit right above the dugout. The great thing is, they actually won the game, which apparently doesn't happen often. Nathan loved it too- definitely an event for serious reflection...
7. Hiking in Phoenix. We acquired a baby backpack! We woke up and went hiking by 6:00 AM, our goal being to avoid the heat. Unfortunately the sun was already bright and it was over 90 degrees. So it was a short hike, but good. We are finally fitting in with the rest of the Phoenicians. All we need now are road bikes with a baby trailer. Then we would REALLY fit in.
6. Oceanside beach!!! Mark was so excited to take Nathan in the waves. It is a treat as a parent to introduce your kids to new things. Maybe one day we'll let him get in above his ankles...
5. My brother Scott came home from his mission! He served in the Tennessee Nashville Mission. Nathan and I flew out to San Diego just to be there at the airport when he returned. The flight there was hectic: There were no extra seats so Nathan sat on his mother's already pregnant lap. Nathan started throwing tantrums as soon as we started taxiing, and eventually spilled water all over the person next to us. Nathan's pregnancy-hormone laden mother then cried for a good ten minutes for all in the plane to see. Luckily seeing his mom cry made Nathan mellow out for the rest of the flight. But it was all worth it to see my little brother- we are so proud of his service and feel like he has grown into a mature and confident man.
4. For one member in our family, playing in cement pipes is one of the most exciting things we ever do...
Let's see, running out of exciting things...
3. Oh yes! We are expecting on September 21, and it's a GIRL!
2. Proud fathering moment. Look at that balance!

1. And number one: Family pictures. Our son is so even tempered, it makes us proud parents. :)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
One Year in Phoenix
This week is the official "Celebration of One Year in Phoenix Week." We arrived last September with no clue how many adventures we would go through under the heat of the Phoenix Sun.
Some memories:
We both graduated in August 2007. And then we packed up our meager belongings and left for Ahwatukee, a small suburb of Phoenix.
Mark started working at Ernst and Young a week after we arrived. And every morning before work, and every evening after work, and every Saturday he would sit at his desk and study for the CPA exam (to be a certified public accountant). Even I learned all about GAAP and FASB. All his hard work paid off! He eventually passed all 4 in six months, taking the last test 2 weeks after Nathan was born. Yikes!
We definitely had to adjust to the heat. I remember one night in September when we had just arrived, we were headed out on a date and stopped to get gas. Of course Mark had to turn off the car. And I only lasted about 30 seconds before it got too hot to sit in the car and wait for all that gas to pump. I retreated to the air conditioned convenience store. And it was 7:00 at night- not even mid day. ~ But this is a picture of the beautiful weather in November.
During the first few months, my great Aunt Beth and Uncle Marv were so nice to let us stay in their home. We loved having a nice big house for awhile, and it was so helpful to have time to look for a good apartment. Here we are in November, just moved into our new apartment, and still no kitchen table.
Christmas time! We went to visit the Phoenix temple grounds on a rainy night. It was beautiful! Our special camera technique didn't quite work, but what a handsome guy!!