Sounds Like Life to Me

Today it's -20 in Halifax.

No, not Antarctica. Halifax.

Miley is sick with croup. She woke up Thursday morning with a fever over 101, and a barking cough. She sounds terrible, and she is miserable. There has been a lot of holding, rocking, fresh air, homemade bathroom saunas, humidifiers, popsicles, soup, and children's tylenol at our house the past few days.

Poor Mi Mi. She's so sick.

Luckily in Canada we have the 811 hotline. It's a nursing service available 24/7 we can call with any questions or concerns, and the nurse will tell you what to do. I love it. I call it all the time. With two little ones there is always a reason to call. And, of course my neighbor Jaclyn who is a walking encyclopedia of motherhood, and is ALWAYS there to help me when I need her. Day or night. We love Jaclyn.

We saw the doctor on Friday morning and she told us it is best to expose Miley to cold air. She said to open up her bedroom window, or bundle her up and take her outside.

So, afternoon sleigh rides it is.

Dr.'s orders.

Sometimes I wish the 811 Nurse hotline could help me organize Scotlin's daytime sleep. He won't usually nap longer than 40 minutes at a time. Resulting in 4-5 catnaps during the day and a super early bedtime. Instead of 3 solid naps a day and a regularly early bedtime. Sometimes it takes me 40 minutes to get him to sleep, so when he wakes up shortly there after I'm just thinking "are you serious?" I really should not complain. He is an absolute angel baby. He is so easy and delightful. I would not really mind that he takes brief naps if he woke up well rested. The problem for all of us is he acts pretty sleepy after just waking up, and it always leaves me wondering when I should try to feed him again. The strange thing is he sleeps really well at night. His nighttime patterns are predictable and routine. I should be grateful his daytime sleep is unorganized rather than his nighttime sleep.

I asked the Doc when we took Miley in if she could explain it to me and she said it's an actual condition where the baby is simple termed "Wakeful." I had to smile when she joked and said it should be titled "My baby won't sleep during the day, and I'm going crazy..." instead.

I don't feel like I'm going crazy, but the sympathy was nice.

The good news is the Doc says his sleep patterns should organize by six to eight months, and that is completely fine with me. All I want is a happy baby.

Has anyone out there ever dealt with this before? ( just FYI, this is different than what some call the '45 minute intruder').

It's the weekend, so Justin is home. I always love it when he's here. I love the extra help, and I can tell the kids are happy to have him here. Every morning Miley will ask "Da Da? Da Da?" and I'll tell her "Daddy go to school..." she'll respond "Daddy kool"? and I'll say "Yep., Daddy's cool." When Just is here Scotlin will just stare at him and study his face. He always gives his dad big smiles just for looking his direction.

He is so loved.

Sometimes I feel bad for him because he has such a demanding day to day schedule, I would like it if he could just be home on the weekends and relax, but unfortunately, being a member of our household just doubles the exhaustion.

Now here we are with the weekend almost finished. It all just goes too fast.

What's happening in Halifax

Please Welcome the newest member of our family.

Yay!

My husband makes all my dreams real.

We had christmas money, and we were not sure what to spend it on. There are over a million things the money could have gone towards. A treadmill has been at the top of my wish list for years, and Justin offered this morning that we go out shopping for one this afternoon. He is the best husband in the world!

We went out shopping, and spent all our money on this awesome treadmill. We drove home with an enormous box sticking out of the back of our Jeep. Justin had to get in the back seat and hold it down when we drove up the steep hills by our house. Somehow, He got it from the car into the basement. I helped a little, but man, this treadmill is heavy.

Justin put it together while I was upstairs tending the kids, making dinner, and treats. When I came down into the basement he had cleaned and organized the kids toys, rearranged some of the furniture to fit the treadmill, and made a little workout zone.

I'm telling you, the man is perfect. At least he is for me.

I am way excited about the treadmill if it's not already clear.

*******

Here is a little more of what is happening here in Halifax...

Our friend Jo came by to visit one night, and her husband about put her on the missing person's list. We kept her here almost all night telling her about our families, making her watch slideshows of our kids and dad turning 50, and showing her endless wedding scrapbooks. Poor Jo. We are so cool to hang out with. Truth is we had fun, and we love it when she comes to visit. Even if it brings out some tears;)

We hadn't seen Sammy, a.k.a. Miley's boyfriend, since being back in canada so we had Jo bring him over for a play date. Miley LOVES Jolynne. Mi's will lay her head on Jo's lap and say "awww." The only other person who gets this special honor is her little brother. If you get an "awww" you know it's love. Jolynne is so sweet with kids. Miley kept bringing her books and wanting to sit on her lap to have her read them to her over and over.

Everyone told me it would be fun to have our kids so close in age because the day would come when they could entertain each other, and play together. Even though Scotlin is still little, I have already found this to be true. Just this week Miley has made Scotlin her new BFF. She constantly is getting in his face to talk and laugh to him, is trying to pick him up, gives him hugs and kisses, and reaching her arms out to tell us she wants to hold him.

It's the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

One of the best things about having two is seeing them love each each other and play together as siblings.

It's not anything new that Miley wants to do everything by herself, but it is new to try and dress herself, and everyone else around her. She picks up her shoes and tries to put them on Scotlin, then herself, then mom.

She likes to take over all the toys that aren't hers. If brother has anything it's tested and tried by Miley first.

Sometimes you just have to settle for a different chair.

We have watched her infatuation with Scotlin grow, and it is obvious she can and does feel love towards him. She will cry and yell if I take him away from her.

The other day I was fixing dinner and Scotlin started to cry. Miley's eyes got big, and she ran to him, talked to him, and placed probably 5 toys on his lap. For the next little bit I just listened to the two of them 'talk' back and forth. Not only did she get him to stop crying, but she had him cooing, and happy as can be. I know they are going to be the best of friends.

Scotlin enjoys an early bedtime these days, and can't stay up past 6 pm. He still wakes during the night usually twice, but is good to eat and go right back to sleep. He gets up in the morning sometime between 6-8. He's good to go down for naps. Still loves his swing, and prefers a nightlight.

He's good to follow a routine most days, but being the baby of the family means he's spoiled, and basically gets whatever he wants. He's so happy and mild mannered most the time, so he makes our job as parents easy and enjoyable.

Sometimes I just stare at him, and can't get over how absolutely beautiful he is.

*******

Miley is learning to climb the stairs at our house these days. Most days I am astonished at how much she understands and communicate. She feeds herself 100% of the time now, and can say many words i.e. "doggy, momma, daddy, bath tub, light, hot, all done, amen, hi, brother, no way!, fun, uh oh,"- to name a few. She is into mimicking everything mom and dad does, and is getting better at independent play. Loves her doll house, toothpaste, helping, and dancing. She's getting better at obeying, but also spending more time in time out. She will fold her arms to pray and end with "amen." Takes one nap each day, still uses and loves her binki, and has a favorite blanket she calls 'blank.'

Being the older sibling brings more expectations and responsibilities for Miley pie. She does not get away with too many 'baby' things much. Miley is full of energy and is an absolute blast.

She is my very best little girlfriend.

A Year in Review: 2009

2009 was a big year for our little family.

Our goals were achieved. Our family, faith, testimonies, experience, and knowledge grew.

In 2009, we were pregnant. In 2009, Justin Graduated from USU.

In 2009, we were accepted into Dental School. In 2009, we moved to Nova Scotia, Canada.

In 2009, our baby girl turned one.

In 2009, we welcomed a son.

What a year.

We welcome you 2010!

We are excited to see what you have in store.

It's January.

It's January.

Which means I'm doing what I do every January. Going through every cupboard, drawer, shelf, box, and closet in our house to make sure everything inside is something we need, want, and use. It's a new year, and I am all about "Out with the old, and in with the new."

If there is junk, or 'stuff,' or anything else that makes me feel disorganized, and if it does not fall into one of the three categories then I say goodbye, and it's gone.

It seems like I just barely went through everything when we moved, but I can tell it's time to do it again. It is amazing how fast things can accumulate. And if those things don't have a specific place in my home, then I really don't want them here.

*******

The idea is to get an early start on my spring cleaning, so that when spring actually arrives I can be outside enjoying it instead being inside organizing and cleaning my house. Putting away the Christmas decorations is like the kick off party. Next I dig deeper into the storage closets as I am already there putting away Christmas. Once the storage is under control I head to the master bedroom. More specifically, the mater bedroom closet. This is a tricky place to begin, because I usually have to hold Justin hostage in order to get it done, and if it's not first on the list chances are it won't get done at all. After the Master Bedroom is tackled then it's on the kitchen. The kitchen always seems daunting, but I spend a certain amount of time maintaining it day after day, so once I get going it's not as bad as I thought. Our bedroom, and the kitchen are the two main functioning rooms in our household, so once they are complete, everything else starts to feel more organized, even though there is lots more to be done.

*******

There is not much rhyme or reason to how I go through and organize the rest of the house, other than I try to take it one level, one room, one drawer, one closet, one cupboard, one box at a time. I always take a note pad and pen in my pocket, and as I stumble along things that I need to shop for I write them down. The grand finale is my inventory lists. After all the junk is gone, and all the things we need, want, and use are in there place I make inventories of my food storage, and house hold supplies. This way when I go to the store it's easier for me to shop for and replace the things I need, want, and use.

*******

So there you have it. Sounds easy right? Well, it's not exactly hard, just a bit tedious, and time consuming. But it makes me happy to feel clean and organized when I'm finished. Plus, I'm not the craftiest, so organizing my house is a project I actually enjoy. And, becoming organized now frees up oodles of time in the spring and summer, so I can spend time doing the things I love to do like playing outside with my kids, and getting exercise.

*******

We have been home from the holiday break for a week now, and we have taken a big dive right back into the swing of things. Justin and I say to each other everyday how much Miley and Scotlin are growing and changing. Scotlin seems like a different baby from one day to the next. And Miley is more busy than ever. Here is a little bit of what the two have been up to:

Mi Mi's loves to be chased around the kitchen table, and when she knows she's safe on the other side she bends down, and looks under the table at our feet so she knows which way to run. She squeals and laughs herself silly the entire time.

When Justin and I have a chance to tell each other how the day went I'll tell him how Miley had been so funny, nice, or naughty while he was gone. He'll always say "did you get the video camera out for that?" Um, yeah hun, When I was bathing the baby and Miley wanted to get in the tub so badly that she went into her room, opened the bottom drawer of the dresser, grabbed clothes out, and then came and threw them in the bathtub water, I definitely thought first to run and get the video camera....

Hmm. Discipline Miley? Wring out wet clothes? Bath Scotlin? Video Camera? Which one should come first?

Sorry, there are many more naughty instances like this one to tell about, that don't have pictures or video footage to back them up.

What is it about Bumbo Chairs that make babies look so chubby?

Plus, it has to be pink to top it all off. Poor Brother:(

Miley's playtime is extremely repetitive these days. But, she is pleased as punch to do the same things over and over and over again. Like throwing toys out of the basket so she can sit in it, then climb out, then back in, and sit again. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Scotlin is getting stronger each day. He has awesome neck strength, and has started to bare weight with his legs while standing. He is full of smiles and coos these days, and I bet it's safe to say he's over his colic. He is starting to fall into a more predictable day and night routine, and his overall disposition could not be any more tender and mild. He has finally settled into the baby we always knew he was which is practically perfect in every way.

Coming Back Home

We packed up well over 200 lbs of spoiledness and headed back to Canada on a redeye flight.

The kids zonked out during our layover at JFK Airport.

I had to smile after crossing the border and hearing the gaurd ask me about the kids "they must be tired a bit, are they?" I guess I kind of missed the Canadian accents.

We made it. The kids did exceptionally well considering all they had been through. Justin and I are exhausted, and it feels weird being back. One day we hope Halifax will feel more like home rather than some sort of dream land far, far away.

The time change has got us all out of sorts. Justin stayed home from school today to help me get things unpacked, get food in the fridge, and get the kids settled in. He also had to run a few errands into town, so I stayed home and unpacked while he did that, then we switched and I went out to stock up on groceries. Once we had things under control we crashed in the basement switching the t.v. back and forth between The Bachelor (my guilty plessure) and football with our snuggies on;)

Home Sweet Home.

Scotlin's Blessing

On December 27th 2009 our sweet baby boy was blessed and given the name

Scotlin Prince Madsen.

Justin gave Scotlin a powerful, beautiful, and special blessing. My heart was overflowing with gratitude for the gift of my precious son, and appreciation for the love and support of my dear family and friends.

Scotlin's blessing day was made even more special because it was Justin's 27th Birthday as well. I pray that our children will one day come to know how tremendous a blessing it is to have him as their father. I am so grateful Justin stands ready at all times to bless our children and our family with his priesthood power.

Sweet baby Scotlin came into this world bringing with him the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I was overcome with it at Scotlin's birth, and each day I look at him I am reminded of that love. Scotlin is a very special individual. His spirit is very strong. I know there are big plans laid out before him, and I have no doubt he will be diligent and wise as he makes his way through this life. We are honored to be chosen, and raise this remarkable son.

Thank you to everyone who came. It was so wonderful to see you. We were overcome with emotion being surrounded by our favorite people. We only wish we could see you more! Thank you again, We love you!

What a Trip!!

This is the post of one thousand pictures.

I am notorious for it, and this post takes the cake.

We just got home from Utah where we spent the last 12 days spending time with our families.

The entire trip was a non stop party, and our camera was snapping away the entire time, so these pictures really only capture the highlights.

If you read all the way through this post, you are either the most patient person on Earth, or you have way too much time on your hands. Either way, I hope you enjoy.

While we were in Utah Miley took interest in climbing the stairs. Once she discovered how there was no stopping her. It is the first place she would run to when we set her down.

THE 22nd:

The 22nd was my mom's birthday so we spent the day being with her. Later that night Justin caught up with his brothers for a little football and wings. Something he has been looking forward to for a long time! I stayed home with my mom, ate sushi and visited. Something I've been looking forward to for a long time!

Every year on the 23rd my Dad and Michelle host their Christmas Eve with my family. It's a night we look forward to all year. This year it was in their new, beautiful home (Trav's house) in Lehi. It was the first time I had seen my siblings in a long time including my sister who was in from LA. And for many of them it was their first time meeting baby Scotlin.

THE 23rd:

I loved visiting with you Just, Miss, Celeste, Kenny, Trav, Nate, Bran, Rhi, Chellz, and Dad. The night was complete because you all were there.

And seeing all the cousins together.

If Miley is up past her bed time she gets a little hyper. Before you know it she's bouncing off the walls, and doing all her tricks to show off.

This year Dad and Michelle are celebrating their ten year anniversary. We are so happy they are together, loving and affectionate after a decade.

THE 24th:

My mom hosted the family on Christmas Eve. The whole family came together for a beautiful and delicious dinner. After dinner we visited, exchanged gifts, and had the little ones dress up to preform the Nativity. I read everyone a Christmas story, and then we watched a slide show of family pictures from 2009 my brother put together. Once again, it was an amazing night.

I never realized how much of a momma's girl I was until I moved far away. I always miss my family, but living far away gets hard not being able to be with my mom. Nova Scotia would be the best place in the world if I could if only my mother was with me.

THE 25th:

Christmas Day!

Every year on Christmas morning we go to my Grandma and Grandpa Rolfe's for Breakfast. I love this tradition, and look forward to it during the holidays.

After Breakfast we went to the see Grandma and Grandpa Madsen, and celebrate Christmas with Scott, Kerri, Jason, Heidi, Sadie, Josh, Ashley, Jordan, Johnny, and Jared.

Later on Grandma and Grandpa Cox, and the Anderson's joinded us for a beautiful Christmas lunch. We spent the afternoon exchanging and opening gifts, playing games, eating, laughing, and visiting.

Josh and Ashley gave us Snuggies!! BEST GIFT EVER;)!! I am wearing my snuggie right now, and It's keeping me nice and warm. Thanks guys!!

Grandma and Grandpa bought Sadie and Miley matching coats. They looked so adorable.

Thank you for an amazing Christmas Grandma and Grandpa!!

We love you!

The 26th-27th:

On the 26th we stayed home to get things ready for Scotlin's baby blessing, and give the kids a chance to catch up on a little sleep. The 27th was a special day because we blessed Scotlin at my mom's house, and it was also Justin's birthday. It deserves it's own post, so I will write about it next.

THE 28th:

On the 28th we celebrated Grandpa Scott's 50th Birthday a little early because we won't be here for the real thing. The family kid napped him, and took him out to a very nice dinner.

WE threw Justin on the saddle to give him a little birthday shout out as well.

After dinner we came home, and had a little birthday party. The kids put together a book of fond memories, and a special video featuring Scott throughout the years. We had cake, and sang, and stayed up visiting way too late. Once again.

Happy Birthday to our awesome Grandpa!!

THE 29th-30th

We played at home for a bit, and then made our way down to Gunnison for the Madsen Family Christmas Party. Seeing our family on the Madsen side made our trip even better.

On our way down, we stopped and visited with Grandma and Grandpa Cox, and got to see Aunt Leigh Ann who we love and don't get to see very often.

The kids were sooo good being hauled around from party to party.

It probably helped having Uncle Jerry as their personal jester.

It was so fun seeing all the little cousins. There are so many, so close in age, and it was our first time meeting beautiful Cora, Kemree, and Seely.

Grandma Madsen is a phenomenal quilter, and she makes her a children a gorgeous quilt each year for christmas.

THE 31st-1st

Throughout our trip we were so spoiled. Our parents and siblings were always so gracious to watch the kids for us so Justin and I could enjoy being together. The two of us went out shopping, and out to movies, and then always came home to delicious, special home cooked meals. We lived the life!!

We enjoyed New Years Eve at home playing games, but couldn't keep our eyes open to ring in the new year, so we called it a night early. Justin and I hardly slept the whole trip, so it was bound to catch up to us sooner or later.

On New Years day I spent the day with my mom, shopping and visiting, and then saying goodbye. Saying goodbye to her didn't get any easier.

THE 2nd:

We spent the day packing and getting ready to fly home. Before heading to the airport we got to meet up with Dad and Michelle for Dinner, and spend a little time with Grandma and Grandpa Prince.

Four Generations

Dear Family, Thank you for everything! Thank you for making our trip so wonderful and memorable. Thank you for treating us like royalty, and being there to play, tend, feed, bath, dress, hold, hug and kiss our babies.

Even if it was a bit exhausting.

WE LOVE YOU!!