1, 2, 3...

(warning: lots of pictures of a cute baby boy)

Brent has been such a joy in our lives! He keeps me quite busy, so here are the updates I have jotted down in a journal (of sorts) from birth to 3 months! He is almost 4 months old now. I can't even believe it! Time flies..

Month 1: Basically what he was up to was as follows: eat, sleep, poop, cuddle, repeat. He has always been a snuggler, and I LOVE it! Some days I just stare at him! (:

Month 2: was a bit more eventful! Forgive me if I have forgotten a few things! He started smiling a lot. I love his dimpled toothless grin!! 

Most of his time was still spent eating, sleeping, pooping, cuddling and repeat! But in between were smiles and a little bit of fun! During month 2 he traveled A LOT. He did so good, and just keeps proving what a good little baby he is! He slept 8 hours straight in Cheyenne, and he did it every night after that up until his 2 month check up! He was pretty traumatized from the shots for about a week where he was getting up 2-3 times a night. Then he went back to sleeping 8-10 hours a night! (how in the world did I luck out with that?!) He found his thumb. Right from when he was born, he occasionally would find his thumb and suck for about 2 seconds and forgot about it. Well, one of the first nights he slept all the way through, I got up to check on him at about 5am, and this is what we found!

Man that thumb is shoved as far as he can possibly get it! (; We now find him sucking his thumb at night just about every time either MacKay or I check on him. We figure he must wake up in the night, but not fuss to loud to wake us up, find his thumb and suck himself back to sleep. I have to say....I wont complain! Babies who suck their thumb are content babies, and that is just what he is! Content.

He had his first Church experience and went to all 3 hours! He was such a good boy and slept almost the whole time! He got to meet a lot of people, there were a lot of showers. He started his Planking stage. He doesn't do it much anymore, but man he was strong from the beginning! Those back muscles!!!

We got rid of his head support clear back on the weekend of the Cokeville shower, he was just sick of it! He was really good at holding his head up. The first month he LOVED his tummy, month 2 came around and he just got very frustrated! Probably a good thing, because now it is a workout for him, and he is getting stronger everyday! 

First Easter!! It was just a normal day for him of course, but mama and daddy sure had fun! (: He had his first snowmobile ride, and his first plane ride! His first cabin experience, where he slept 7 hours! He discovered splashing, he is so adorably cute when he splashes, he doesn't smile, he is all seriousness. I giggle every time!! He LOVES tubby time!

He loves the mirror. My baby is vain. He loves to look at himself, then he gets embarrassed and turns away! Adorable. Him and Daddy have a lot of fun moments together in the mirror!

I sure love my baby boy!!

Month 3: He rolled over right about a week before he turned 3 months! He went from his tummy to his back. He hasn't done it since! haha! But he is sure moving a lot. We moved him to his big crib this month, and I placed him in his crib the first night, the next morning he was in the exact opposite position!! He is so silly. When I place him on the floor so I can do chores, he will turn a full 45 degrees! He is so darn close to rolling from his back to his belly! He pulls his legs clear around, and holds them there, but then rolls back and starts all over again:

He started to suck his thumb in the day, instead of just at night! (as you can see in the above picture...) During the day he mostly chews on his thumb, fingers and fists, my hands, fingers, arms, toys...basically anything he can put in his mouth...he does! He still loves tubby time and his fun splashing sessions. He LOVES the gym! Sometimes he is content in being in the massage chair and watching me run on the treadmill, and sometimes he wants to experience the weights with daddy! 

My favorite is when MacKay lays him on the ground and does push ups above him! He adores that! (so does mama!!) He loves our morning runs, and being outside. He usually falls asleep pretty fast in the stroller when I am running, but wakes up towards the end and we play in the grass. 

He loves Sunday cuddles. (OK Mama loves Sunday cuddles! hehe) 

He got his first petal bike!! Yep, we are those kind of parents!!

He is starting to laugh! Oh my goodness I can't tell you what joy it brings to my heart!! His first giggle was with his mama playing on the couch, a day later he laughed for like 15 seconds with Daddy! and about a week later he laughed for Great Grandma Henderson! Boy did she love that! He has also laughed for uncle Zac, and then again for mama!! He has to be just in the right mood. I just tickle under his arms and make hilarious noises that you all would die laughing at me for. But it works! (; He thinks I am pretty funny. hehe. And we are talking real laughs here! Not just coos, and gurgles, full giggles and laughing! SO FUN!!!!! Most of the time he gets the hiccups while laughing, and that is the end of that. ha. Love him.

He loves Tangled! (ok, it's the only cartoon we have!) If I need to get some chores done and he is being clingy, I turn on the movie and place him on the floor a ways away from it, and he just stares at the moving characters and colors. Daddy even tried to play with him, but he wouldn't take his eyes off! Don't worry, I only let him watch a little at a time, but it sure does wonders for my house work! (: 

He loves when there is music. He giggles when I sing to him, smiles and gurgles. He will usually calm down if I sing to him. If there is music in the background he is pretty content! He loves to fall asleep with noise around him.

He went through a week of fighting sleep. It got old fast! But whatever it was, he is over it now. He would cry for at least 15 minutes before he would take his binky to calm down and fall asleep in my arms. We had to drive him around at night once, and I had to place him in his swing with the vibrations on once. But now he is back to his cuddle time and rocking to sleep. Mama loves it. He is still sleeping through the night, I will put him down around 10pm and he will sleep till 7am, nurse and go right back to sleep till 9:30! I get a lot of stuff done in the mornings, but sometimes decide to sleep in a little too.(:

He found he can hold your hands in place if you touch his belly, he is strong and it is hard to pull away sometimes! Funny kid. He LOVES to sit up, if you place your finger inside his hands, he immediately tries to sit up by pulling his knees to his chest and stretching his neck up! It is the cutest, he actually started doing that when he was 2 months old! He has some abs on him! He loves to stand. And when I say stand, I mean hula hoop..without the hoop! haha. We call him wobbles. He is so funny! It looks as if he is dancing. Adorable. He has now associated sitting up with eating his fists, or my fingers that his little hands are clamped onto! And he makes the funniest faces!

He has CRAZY hair that Mama has a hard time controlling! (see above picture!)

He has been blowing bubbles for quite sometime now. He is grabbing and playing with toys, mostly eating them. And his current obsession is his tongue!

He had his first 4 wheeler experience last week while plating the garden! 

And he LOVES time with Daddy:

I may be forgetting some things, but that is the best I can do at the moment! He is so fun, I love being a Mom, I love taking care of my baby, keeping up with house work, working out and fixing meals. It is a lot of work, but so gratifying! I love my job! (:

XOXO- Shanna

Grandma Schumacher

I don't even know where to start. My heart is heavy. I am missing her a lot tonight.

My sweet Grandma passed away the night before Easter. I hope it was painless.
I awoke on Easter Sunday to MacKay saying, "Shanna, your Mom is trying to get ahold of you, It's your Grandma, she died last night." I jumped up instantly awake, my mind whirling, "Which Grandma?!" I asked, "Schumacher" he said. I was in shock, I didn't know what to feel, I grabbed my phone and called my Mom. It didn't feel real. She confirmed what MacKay had told me, no tears came, just numb. After I talked with my Mom, I walked into the living room where MacKay had Brent, he heard me coming and set the baby down turned and welcomed me in his arms. I sobbed.

I still can't believe she is gone. I didn't even get to say goodbye. Snipits of my last conversation with her a few days earlier ran through my mind,  "We will come visit this summer, you can meet Brent." "I miss you." "Get feeling better." "I hope you like your new home." "Goodnight, I love you."

I felt sick.

We had just made it home the day before, Saturday, from Cokeville with a lot of family from Cheyenne that had traveled to be at my Shower. Lindsay and her family were heading home Sunday until the news. That day went by as a blur, as my sister, Lindsay and her daughter, Avery came to stay with us, instead of travel home to Las Vegas, to attend the funeral. We spent the day booking flights to Denver and packing to make the appropriate weight limit, and laundry, the next day Her and I packed up our kids and left for the SLC Airport. Devin headed home to Vegas for school and would join us the day before the funeral. MacKay had work and couldn't get away.

I won't even mention the airport experience!

We were met at the Denver Airport from my Mom and her sister, Aunt Cindy. My Mom had traveled back with Cindy and her family from Cokeville to Cheyenne, my Dad would join later for the funeral. We drove straight from Denver to Cheyenne just in time to make the appointment with my Grandma's bishop to arrange the funeral. Due to my grandma having some health problems the past few months, she had everything planned and in order in case this happened. She had in her plans of the funeral that she wanted my Mom to talk, and my uncle Tony. She also wanted Me, Lindsay and my Mom to sing a song of our choice at the funeral. We chose my favorite hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

The next few days were filled with family, and planning. Even though we were brought together because of this awful circumstance, we were grateful for the time we got to spend with family that we never see. My Mom asked Lindsay and I to help her dress my Grandma. I was really freaked out and nervous. When we got there, and I saw her, I started to cry. I hadn't seen her since Andrew left on his mission, a year and a half ago! In that moment I missed her more than ever. My fears went out the window as I stared at my beautiful Grandma. She was no longer in pain, she was with her Father above. Dressing her was the most spiritual experience I have ever had. The last service I could do for her. It was the closure that I needed, as well as my Mom and Sister. When we were saying goodbye, I cried for her not getting to meet Brent. It still haunts me. We should have made the time! I ached for her to hold my baby. Then I realized she was here, seeing him, and would watch him grow through the years. My sister and I had joked that she was with our other children up in heaven, looking after them. "Send them down Grandma!!" Lindsay had said. We laughed for a long time.
My Mom told me that when they went into her room at the Home she had just moved too, sitting on her made-up bed was some mail and things, on the top was the announcement of my sweet baby boy. I cry every time I think of it. She was so proud of him, and so wanted to meet him and kiss his cheeks.
Her funeral was beautiful. My uncle Tony did a wonderful job telling about her life, and some funny memories. A great tribute to an amazing woman. We sang, and it touched my heart like no song ever had. I knew in the moment, more than I ever had, that she was happy. I know my Redeemer Lives!
My Mom couldn't have done better with her explanation of the beliefs we shared with my Grandma. Told some fun stories, and made us laugh and cry. The funeral was a perfect memorial for her. She would have loved the flowers, and the people.
My Grandma was a wonderful woman. So loving, always wondering about her kids and grandkids, and great grandkids. She was so proud of who everyone became. So loving to everyone. Kind, sweet and gentle. She had the prettiest hands, nails always done. She had her own smell, that I miss a great deal. I remember she always had treasure candies in a bowl in her kitchen, or starburst jelly beans. I remember her love of animals, and all her knick-nacks.
She is missed everyday, especially by her kids. We will see her again someday, she will be with her husband Jim, and her parents! I think it is very fitting that she died a few hours before Easter Sunday. How amazing would it be, to get to meet your Maker on Easter? It brings tears to my eyes. How incredible.

I love her so much, and can't wait for the day I get to see her again.
I love you Grandma. Watch out for us, would you?

My Small Victory!

I accomplished my goal of getting back to my Pre-pregnancy weight!! It took a lot of hard work and effort. But I did! I have now 10 more pounds before I get back to my goal weight, where I felt the best about myself. Wish me luck!

This left picture was about 3 weeks after I had Baby Brent, and the right is 4 months post baby. Nursing and everything. Not too shabby! 

 

XOXO- Shanna

Blessing Brent

March was a crazy Month! I got to see my family a great deal. It was wonderful. (:  My mom, MacKay and I planned to surprise my Dad for his Birthday on March 16th, a Saturday. So MacKay and I took our first long road trip with Brent. He slept the whole way and did great! (other than the poop up the back in Evanston when we stopped to feed him. . . ) We showed up at my Dad's office, it was after hours, but of course he was still there. (; He was so surprised! We played a lot with Brent and had some fun. My Mom and I also got to spend half of Saturday with Candice & the laughing Zoe, Kelsi and her adorable Sagen, and Camille. We had the best time ever. It was so fun to laugh and talk like old times! Miss you girls!

Happy Birthday Dad!

 The above picture from left to right, Camille, Brent & I, Candice & Zoe, Kelsi & Sagen Love these girls!

My high school best friend, since we were 3!! Love her!

The following weekend was Brent's blessing here in Spanish Fork. All of my family was able to come except of course, Andrew. We had lots of Aunts and Uncles and cousins attend as well. We had the best lunch at the Taylor's with Pulled pork Sandwiches, lots of salads, desserts, and sides. Yumm. The Blessing was beautiful! Very nice, and of course Brent slept through the whole thing. (; Daddy did a great job!  As we were rushing to get the rolls over to the Taylor's inbetween the blessing and lunch, we almost forgot pictures in his blessing outfit. Thank heavens for my Mom! Sadly, our camera was being funny and the pictures came out pretty blurry, we didn't find out till later. Darn it! Oh well! Enjoy! (:

The week after was the Shower in Cokeville and the next week was my Grandma's funeral. So we saw a lot of familly in the month of March!

Our April was pretty busy as well. When we got back from my Grandma's funeral, we rushed to the Cabin for Conference weekend. The Taylor's have it as a tradition, we listen to Conference on the Radio. We love the Cabin! We had to snowmobile in, because there was too much snow to drive in. The guys drove in first to start a fire so little Brent wouldn't get cold, then they brought me in and left Brent with Laura. Then they brought those two. MacKay drove Brent in, we had a front baby carrier that we placed him in, and an oversized coat that zipped up around Brent. At first, Brent hated being put in the carrier, crying and kicking. And then MacKay started the snowmobile and he stopped crying, halfway through the ride, MacKay pulled over to see how he was doing and he was sleeping!! I guess he liked it! hahaha. MacKay says he spoke his first words that day, "Faster Daddy, Faster!" (;
We only got a few pictures, but we had a wonderful time! Unfortunately the pictures are on the Taylor's camera. ):

 Since we were gone for Easter, MacKay and I did our Easter a week late. We mostly did it for pictures! haha. I got a basket ready for him and got him dressed all cute, we took some pictures, I made strawberry short cake, and it was so yummy! MacKay had him try the whipped cream.... and Brent liked it! Don't worry, it was only a dab! haha.

The following weekend my bestie, Tiff and I got to go to a Boyce Avenue concert at our old stomping grounds! It was so much fun to be back at Snow College! I love it there, I saw lots of familiar faces, and we people watched more than watched the concert. Haha, since we are old and married, we felt pretty weird being in the 'mosh pit' so we found our seats in the stands. Not gonna lie, I was pretty jealous of the people in the pit! ha! Our other best friend, Shawnee introduced us to Boyce Avenue, and she couldn't come because she lives in Logan. ): We missed her a ton! Snow just isn't the same without Shawnee, Molly and Jenna!  Allred started out, and he was really good! A lot better than the last time I saw him, haha. He is a great singer! Then out came the 3 brothers of Boyce Avenue! They were really good!! Lots of fun to listen too, and we had a great time. MacKay was babysitting in our house there, since it is sitting empty. I had to leave early to feed little Brent, he was screaming. So I missed the last half hour, but Tiff got to stay! We drove to McDonalds and got a McFlurry and headed home. Lots of fun(:

Allred!

My Volleyball girls! I miss them! Sara and Syd!

Boyce Avenue!!!

My Volleyball girl/best friends sister/friend! Mandee

 Then my Mom and Dad came down to visit. My Mom and I went to the Women's Expo at UVU, with Brent in Tow! It was so much fun. We missed Lindsay a lot! Then we met as a family, MacKay, Brent and I, Mom and Dad and my Grandma Henderson. We ate at the Pizza Pie Cafe. OH MY GOODNESS! It was delicious!! GO THERE! haha. It was so yummy. The dessert pizza's were my favorite! It is a buffet, so all you can eat. That's a bad thing! (;

 My birthday gift(not till August) from my Mom! An expo special (: Cute right?!

At the Pizza Pie Cafe!

Then my sister and I started a workout program! It has been so much fun!!! It's called the Bikini Series from Tone It Up. If you're  interested go to toneitup.com. You can still sign up, they just need your email. It's free! They give you daily workouts and goals. It has been a lot of fun! I have a workout buddy here in Spanish fork, Marissa and MacKay and I workout everyday(except Sunday) and I can tell I am losing inches, as well  some pounds! Not to mention we are seriously having so much fun!! Linds and I check in everyday! It has been really good.

 Our Evening Workouts!

My 40 Minute Morning Run!

Morning Run again, with a snake as a companion! (;

MacKay and I have decided that we need to do more dates. We haven't really done them a lot since Brent was born. (yes we just take him with us!) But we are kind of having a competition as to see who can plan the most creative without much money! So we have been on a few adventures, they are just small ones, but it has been so fun. We went up Spanish Fork Canyon and had a picnic and talked and took some pictures. So great to just get away and go outside! Then we have been trying to go on Sunday walks. On our TIU workout plan, Sunday is 'runday' but Linds and I choose a different day to do the runday challenge and try to do a walk instead. We had so much fun and discovered an amazing trail around Spanish Fork! After that, Brent and I go running or walking on the path every day! We have a blast! I can't wait for my sister to move here so we  can go together!! (:

 Sunday Cuddles, and Church!

 The picture above is on our Sunday Walk!

Below is our adventure at the Spanish Fork River Park, with our picnic. (:

And that was about it for our Month of April!! More to come on May, and my Grandma's funeral.

XOXO- Shanna