Ms. Schnell Spotted in Flagstaff

While enjoying the Memorial Day in Flagstaff,

Amelia tried to hide from the paparazzi . . .

but she was seen with her father hiking near Snowbowl.

She forgot her shades at the pool, which did not go unnoticed by the paparazzi.

But even when the cameras were flashing, she still enjoyed a dip in the pool.

In Memory

In honor of Memorial Day tomorrow, I have been reflecting on past Memorial Days. In our house, spending time with the living was just as important as honoring those who were no longer with us.

Every year it was the same. Flag raising and pancake breakfast at the city park, hosted by the Lion's Club. Then cutting flowers around the yard to put on graves. Next we headed to the cemetery to put the flowers on the headstones and to hear stories of our relatives. And the rest of the day was spent picnicking with our cousins, grandma, and great uncle.

Every year at this time I realize how much I miss those days . . . and I'm jealous of my brother and Kat who live close enough to be able to continue the tradition.

Thanks for the memories.

Randomness

* It was so nice to spend have my Mom with me on Mother's Day . . . my first Mother's Day.

* I am slowly adjusting to being back at work and taking "pump" breaks. The pumping is super inconvenient, but I want to provide breast milk as long as I can. I don't make enough for Amelia to have my milk exclusively, so gratefully she's okay with formula too.

* Ken has been an amazing stay-at-home Dad. He does laundry, cooks dinner, and takes great care of Amelia. He even bought her this onesie :)

* I have decided that I don't care where Ken gets a job, as long as it is within a 30-min. drive to a temple. I'm tired of being so far from a one.

* Ken bought an iTouch and has really gotten into all the apps that are available. Besides downloading things that interest him, he has even thoughtfully downloaded games for me so that I would have something to play on our long drive to UT in July.

Winds & Adversity

For 2 days straight, the wind has been blowing, and blowing hard. Interstate 40 has been closed 2 days in a row, due to high winds and low visibility (too much loose dirt blowing around). It was amazing to see all of the semi-trucks parked around town and on the on/off ramps of the freeways.

Today I attended the Gila Valley temple dedication, via satellite. Pres. Eyring spoke about preparing ourselves to attend the temple. I thought it was ironic, or perhaps, prophetic, that he told us that we would feel the winds of adversity as we prepared to go to the temple. During Pres. Monson's talk, the wind blew out the satellite feed twice, but both times it came on again after only a few seconds (I'm sure I wasn't the only one praying for it to come back on).

The wind has been a literal adversary for truckers trying to get across the state of AZ. And so I started thinking about what "winds" are causing adversity in my life. Ken started his final internship this week - that should be a good thing, right? Well, it is, but it's also a challenge. It's 8-weeks of 1 1/2 hour commutes each direction; it's 8-weeks of working 4 days a week, while I work the other 3 days; it's 8-weeks of only seeing each other 2-3 hours each day, 7 days a week. This is an adversity that will soon blow over, but right now, I feel a draft!

I'm a Survivor

I did it. I went back to work today and didn't cry once - at work anyway. Perhaps this was due to supportive co-workers (one even brought me ice cream to make my day better), a loving husband who confidently took care of Amelia, and/ or an answer to prayers. Between pumping every few hours and trying to get back into the work mode, the day actually went by quickly (thank goodness). Here's hoping the next few months go by just as quickly and I can return full time to the job I really love - being a full-time Mom.

Growing Pains

Amelia took her first bottle this week. I think it was easier for her than it was for me. I felt a bit outsourced. And even though I'm happy that she'll take a bottle AND that it has breast milk in it AND that it's a necessity while I'm working, it still makes me a bit sad.

Maybe part of my sadness is that I have to go back to work on Tuesday and I'll miss some of Amelia's growing up moments.

Sigh

Good Times

We had family in town last weekend for Ken's graduation and Amelia's blessing and I'm just starting to feel like I'm getting caught up, but I loved having everyone here. I loved being able to show off Amelia to everyone. I loved that my parents were able to come. I loved that my cousin Kathryn and friend Carol drove my parents here. I loved that Ken's Dad and brother were able to come for the weekend. And I loved that Kathryn was our self-designated paparazzi for the weekend. I can't wait to see all the pictures, but here's a preview of things to come.

Missed Opportunities

So I'm laying in bed last night thinking of all the photo opportunities I missed yesterday. Ken graduated from NAU yesterday with his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Did I take a picture of him in his cap & gown? with me? or with Amelia? Nope to all three. He wanted a picture of him with Amelia and 2 of his classmates and their cute daughters. Did we get the photo? Nope. Do I regret it? Most definitely. He had to buy the cap and gown, so we can re-create the photo op with me and Amelia (and maybe Kat (the designated "paparozzi" for the weekend) can capture it with her great camera), but we missed out on getting pictures with our friends - bummer!

But on a positive note - WAY TO GO KEN! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!

Small but Healthy

Today Amelia is 2 months old. And she had her 2-month baby appointment.

The stats:

Height: 22"

Weight: 7 lbs. 13 in.

Summary: Our baby is small. She's in the 37% percentile for height, but only 3% for weight. The Dr. isn't too concerned because she seems healthy, alert, and attentive, but she wants to see Amelia again in a few weeks to follow up.

Amelia also had her first immunizations today. I was definitely more nervous than Amelia, and thank goodness that Ken was there. Ken had Amelia so calm before the shots that she was almost asleep, so she handled it all pretty well.

Despite her small size, Amelia is mighty. Her smiles go from ear to ear. She giggles when we play and sing songs with her. And lately she has started "talking" - it is so cute to hear it.

What a BIG impact this small baby has made in our life and we LOVE her.