Our Trip to the North

My sister, Amy, got married on Aug. 19 in Cardston, Alberta. (Congrats!  Welcome to the family, Charles!) So we went to stay with my parents in Calgary for about a week. We got to help test all the desserts, put up the tulle, and set the tables. In case you're wondering, testing the desserts was the most fun part! My mom did a dessert bar for Amy's reception and it was absolutely amazing.

Aubrey and Mommy ready for the wedding

It turns out Aubrey is a great traveler. I was getting pretty nervous about the 2 flights and a layover each way. We had bottles and soothers and blankets and extra clothes and diapers all ready for the trip. We had some of everything in the carry-ons in case we got delayed or lost our luggage. But we didn't need to worry too much. Aubrey really did so well. She mostly slept once we got going. She was so patient with layovers and waiting for luggage.

Aubrey got to meet all her aunts and uncles on that side and lots of other relatives. Everyone was so excited to see her. She got passed around quite a bit, which made me sort of nervous. But she didn't seem to mind it at all. She is pretty friendly and likes people. She was just starting to smile and giggle a bit when we were leaving. So it was perfect timing.

Aubrey loved staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandma has lots of fun toys.

Aubrey - Home 12 Weeks

Aunt Amy brought Aubrey this hat from Peru. However, Aubrey grew too fast and it didn't fit on her head by the time she got it. But I decided to try it on her anyway. Isn't she so cute?

Aubrey: Home for 8 weeks

When I was a little girl I never imagined that I would be so lucky as to have a doll that would demand a new wardrobe every 3 months.  But, lo and behold, here she is!  I have been waiting and waiting for Aubrey's head to get big enough for these adorable headbands.  And the onesie matches!  These are sold by some friends in our ward.  Super cute.  Check out their website.

Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam

When we brought Aubrey home from the hospital, I think we were all sort of sick of having such a strict routine.  We let Aubrey eat whenever she wanted and sleep whenever she wanted.  And then that sort of backfired when her sleeping got really disorganized.  I was talking to a dear friend about it and she lent me this book.  It is really good and it has helped a lot.  Aubrey is starting to sleep for long stretches at night and she is much happier during the day.  I like this book because it is moderate.  It talks about having a routine, but being flexible.  It teaches that the routine should serve you and your family, not the other way around.  So this book has worked really well for me.  

The List by Melanie Jacobson

John's mom gave me this book when she came to meet Aubrey.  It is a very fun and quick read.  It's about a Mormon girl who doesn't want to get married until she has completed all the adventures on her list.  But she meets the man of her dreams and has to decide what's most important.  It was definitely an accurate portrayal of the Mormon Singles scene.  It was a very nice distraction while Aubrey was in the hospital.  Thanks, Janis!

Half-Baked by Alexa Stevenson

So, you know that song "Killing Me Softly?"  The narrator describes going to a concert and the song performed describes exactly what she's feeling.  That is how I felt when I read this book.  

It's a memoir of a mother who goes through IVF, gets pregnant with twins, ends up on bed-rest, loses one twin and takes care of the surviving twin through a long stay in the NICU.  Sound familiar?  It did to me and it was extremely cathartic to read this while I was recovering.  The author has the same gallows sense of humor that I do.  She describes the incredible anxiety that came with that whole journey.  It was just so reassuring to know that other people went through what I was going through and survived and their babies were okay.  I spent several afternoons crying over this book shortly after Aubrey was born.  It helped me to have courage.  

Do we look alike?

Sara:

Aubrey:

I guess Aubrey wasn't as impressed with this dress as I was back in the day.  Or maybe she was mad that she didn't have a super-cure sweater to accessorize...