Our Child, The Linguist

One of Taft's words is "again" except he says "GIN! GIN! GIN!" Pretty much he repeats himself a million times with every word whether it's "Mo! Mo! Mo!" (more) or "Doos! Doos! Doos!" (shoes).


Taft's current vocabulary:


More: Mo
Shoes: Doos
Keys: Kes
Outside: Outhad
Dog: Daaaaah
Bye Bye: Buh-Ba (with a wave)
Car: Ca
Again: Gin
Lion: Raaa
Elephant: Makes a sound kind of like an elephant
Book: Buh
Ball: Bah
Horse: Hus
Duck: Aack

I had to take some pictures of Taft this night. My mom sent him these new pajamas and I was loving how cuddly he was and how yummy he smelled. I love holding Taft right before bed, freshly bathed, in a clean pair of cozy jammies.

I had to post this picture because even though I think he was just blinking, it looks like he's saying, "Mom. Really? We're doing this?"

Sandpoint

Last weekend we drove to Sandpoint, ID which is about 1 1/2 hours away. We'd heard it was really pretty and a must-see while living in the Northwest. The town is quaint and the lake is huge and beautiful! Seth and Taft went on a bike ride while I read a book at the beach. The OB put me on a no-exercise restriction at least until my next ultrasound. Normally this would be fantastic news and I would have thanked my doctor for giving me a reason to be lazy but I've actually like going to the gym the last year or so. Anyway, we also hung out at the beach, got lunch, and walked around the town. We didn't have the prettiest day, the sun was in and out of the clouds and we got rained on for just a sec.

Best picture of the day

Dear Friends,

I miss you. I want to go to lunch and drink Diet Coke and get dessert. I don't care how Utah this sounds or how it's totally something you would read on Seriously So Blessed. It's just how I feel.

I haven't been 'homesick' until this week. I think I already mentioned that Seth is on night float and we only see him for a short couple hours in the afternoon each day and I think this is contributing to my homesickness. I'm not even really homesick, because I actually feel at home here. I guess I'm just friends and family sick.

I was talking to my mom earlier and was telling her how tired I was because T.T. got up waaaaay early today. She said she wished she could come over and watch him so I could take a nap. I wish you could have come over too Mom.

Did you know that since I've lived in Utah nearly my entire life I haven't had to make brand new friends since first grade. I mean, I've moved for college and stuff and have made new friends along the way, but I still was at least in lunching (I'm lame) distance with my old friends.

People are super nice here and I know people now and all, but I still miss my friend-friends. You know?

Good news is Seth's parents are coming to visit next weekend. We even bought an air-mattress just for the occassion. :)




For the record I really like it here. I just wish that all you could live here too.

Seth and Heidi Sitting in a Tree

I'm blogging from a dinosaur of a computer tonight because our power cord to our newer laptop is toast thanks to a little man named, Taft Taylor Herway. A new cord should arrive in 7-10 business days. I tried to watch one of my shows online (we have no tv) and this computer is too old to support the science behind video streaming. I was getting annoyed, then I realized the important significance of this ancient computer. If it weren't for this computer, Seth and I might have not had the B.S.E. (best summer ever) also known as the summer we decided we wanted to date eachother forever.

It was summer 2006 in Provo. I was living in Blue Condo West and Seth was living in a house with a buncha dudes a block away. It was one afternoon when we decided to watch The Notebook on this very laptop. By the way, Seth really loves this movie. When the movie was over, Seth pulled out a calendar and started planning our summer full of exciting trips and adventures. We started the summer off right by going to Seattle for Seth's BFFs wedding over Memorial Day. We did the Wasatch Back Relay together. We went to St. George for the Utah Summer Games and Seth did a triathalon there.We went to San Diego with Seth's family. We went to San Francisco for Seth's Ironman race (where we first discussed the wonderful idea of getting married). We had a lot of fun dates in between the trips too. Seth and I both agree that taking those vacations together were pivotal in our relationship. Around the time of the Seattle trip I was unfortunately still in communication with an old flame. During one conversation he asked, "How come you do so many fun things with this guy?" And I'm pretty sure I said something like, "Duh. Because he's awesome and he plans fun things." Seth still is awesome and still plans fun things. I think our life would be really boring if I were in charge of the fun department. Fortunately for me, Seth comes from a long line of do-ers and see-ers, so we also do and see stuff. In about a month we're heading to Seattle and Vancouver for a week. I'm really excited.

Anyway, sorry for the trip down memory lane. This computer, old and slow as it is, obviously has some sentimental and nostalgic value so I guess I won't throw it out the window.

Boys

The other night some people invited us over for dinner. One girl who was there is expecting a baby boy next month. She already has a girl who is 2 1/2. After Taft ran past her with Frankenstein arms and screaming "Raaaaa" she said, "It's funny how from the get-go some kids are all boy or girl." She went on to say how she thinks she's in for a big surprise having a boy. She said how her daughter is always quiet, rarely makes messes, doesn't hit, and is just really dainty and girly. I don't know if Taft is really a manly-man yet, but he sure isn't very dainty and certainly likes to make messes. In fact, I think the thing he is best at is making messes. Ten minutes before we were supposed to leave for church today he found the flour and next thing you know, it looks like a snowy Christmas morning in our kitchen. Taft thinks it's super funny to throw his food when he is done eating and thinks it's even funnier when we tell him no and he keeps on doing it. Seth and I have discussed the need for disciplining, but neither of us can do it very well with those big darling brown eyes and goofy laugh that he has. Taft used to have a favorite game called "1,732 card pick up". Until I wised up after the 85th time of playing this game and moved the cards, Taft used to take every single deck of playing cards, Uno cards, Phase 10 cards, and Skip Bo cards out of the drawer and spread them around the apartment. Throughout the day, his sweaty little feet would end up picking a few up as he walked over them.

This wasn't his fault, but the other day I was getting Taft ready for a bath. I had him stripped down while the bath was filling up. Once it was filled up, I picked him up to put him in and THERE WAS POOP on the floor! I am not kidding, my first reaction was "How did a dog get in here?!" Then I realized it wasn't from a dog, but from my child. So gross. Then I was even more grossed out when I remembered that I was the mom and it was my job to clean it up. (Seth was gone otherwise I probably would have talked  him into cleaning it up.)

Up until recently we've mostly given Taft finger-foods. I've decided it's time he start learning to eat like a civilized human being by using a fork or spoon, but he does not seem interested in the slightest.

And lastly, Taft has learned to fart on demand. He once tooted while I was changing his diaper and I accidentally laughed. He now tries very hard to let one rip each and every time we change his diaper.

Even though I think boys are naturally messier and crazier and a little more disgusting kids than girls, I am so happy to be adding another little boy to our family. I better start getting interested in boy things too. Like sports and bugs and guts and stuff.

For you, Sailor Pete

Trip to Utah

First Hires Big H Rootbeer

Playing "This is what my sister would look like"

Swimming at Lanx's apartment pool

Days of '47 Parade

Train at the Heber Bluth's

The Zoo

The Zoo with Cousin Nate

Abunski Bunny Bunchunski and I had a fun time in Utah. We did lots of fun stuff and got to see lots of friends and family, but still not everyone we wanted to see. Time flew even though we were there two weeks. We missed Seth lots though and are happy to be home. Thanks to my mom and dad who treated me to many meals and movies and to also to my sisters to helped out with Buhski lots. 

Definitely Outnumbered

Another person to watch football with Seth so I don't have to...We're having another boy! The ultrasound was able to show us a 3D picture of his cute little face and man alive, he is so adorable. I was completely shocked to hear "it's a boy" but we got a clear picture of the evidence. I really thought I was having a girl! We are so excited for Taft to have a little buddy. My due date is later than we thought, so instead of a Christmas baby we will be having a New Year's baby. So far, baby looks healthy and growing well!

What's Been Up

Taft and I have been in Utah for a couple of weeks. I know, I just moved like a month ago but listen to me for a sec. Taft is the first and only grandchild on my side and he's kind of a big deal. That's exactly what I told two ladies on the plane who asked if I lived in Salt Lake or Spokane. The whole time we've been here my mom has mentioned to people, "...well my grandson is in town..." or "...I can't make it because I'm spending time with my grandson". Um, what about your grandson's mother?! You know, your oldest and favorite daughter? She's here too. Just kidding Mom. But seriously, he is a really big deal around these parts.

We head home in a couple of days and both of us are really excited to see Seth. He's been working long, long hours while we've been gone. He'll still have to work long, long hours these next few weeks, but at least we'll get to see  him a couple hours a day.

Poor Taft has had an ear infection since yesterday and the poor little boy feels like he is on fire half the time. Just the other day I told Seth, "I can't believe Taft hasn't had an ear infection yet." Then I said, "Knock on wood" and I knocked on some wood. It didn't work.

We also find out if this peanut in my belly is a boy or a girl on Thursday. Everybody on my side of the family thinks girl except for Taylor. Who, by the way, was just offered a full-ride scholarship to play soccer at the junior college in Arizona. Woot, woot!

I know people (i.e. grandparents and other family members) primarily check this blog to see pictures of the Taftman so sorry to disappoint. Once I'm back home I'll have pictures to share.

Peace out.

Dozens of Dollars

Seth forwarded this to my dad. Pretty funny. My fave is "dozens of dollars". My dad and Seth NEVER have cash on hand. Are all dads like this?

The Prettiest Place on Earth and The Case of the Stomach Bug

We went camping in Glacier National Park this weekend. Seth had Thursday and Friday off so we loaded up the car and headed four hours to Glacier. In my opinion, Glacier is the prettiest place I have ever seen.  We took a hike Friday up to a place called Hidden Lake. We had to hike on snow to get there, but it was really fun and really pretty.

waiting for hot dog dinner

really enjoying cream cheese and bagel

being goofy

the way up to Hidden Lake

the view at Hidden Lake

throwing rocks into Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald

We stayed in a cute little cabin (think tent with wooden walls and a door) , because it wasn't much more than paying for a camping spot and we'd actually have mattresses and a door to keep us safe from bears The campground had flushing toilets and hot showers. I decided this is my way to camp.

We had a lovely time the first day, that is until things took a turn for the worse and the family came down with a bad case of the throw ups.


Here's a run-down of the trip:

Hours 1-24: Perfect.

Hour 25: Bumski throws up in an ice cream shop. On the counter. Seth books it out of the shop with Bumski to clean him up and probably because he's embarrassed. I stay and clean up my child's vomit while people look totally disgusted.

Hours 26-28: Bumski throws up a few more times. Poor kid. We put him to bed.

Hours 28-32: Bumski tosses and turns. We're all just trying to sleep.

Hour 33: I throw up.

Hours 33-36: Bumski tosses and turns more. Seth can't sleep.

Hour 37: We decide it's time to pack up. I throw up two more times before getting in the car.

Hours 38-42: We drive home. Stopping about every 30 minutes for me to throw up.

Hours 43-48: We're home. I'm in bed. Bumski feels better, Seth is exhausted, but they go to the park.


p.s. Sorry that I feel it's necessary to blog about throwing up. I guess I'm just trying to keep it real.

For Tates

Taft has been rockin his Converse kicks lately. Aunt Tates bought them for him for his birthday and they fit great right now. However, I have to be really motivated to put them on because they are lace up and high tops. Taft and I have a wrestling match whenever he wears them. I can tell he knows he looks super stylin' in them though.

Sorry Tates, these are the best pictures I could get today.

                  

p.s. Taft is currently obsessed with keys. All day long he says "Kes, Kes, Kes?"

My Brother, The Sailor

My brother must have missed picture day in boot camp or something (which isn't that surprising) because he does not have the standard military head shot. My mom had my good friend Staci take some pictures when he was in Utah for the 4th. You put a handsome guy like Pete together with a fab photographer like Stace and you get these. Aren't they great?

How the Fourth Was Spent

Our actual Fourth was a bit of a bummer, but overall we had a great Fourth of July weekend. Friday night we were invited to a BBQ and enjoyed all the standard Fourth of July fixins...hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon,  and corn on the cob. Sunday evening we had plans to go to a nearby park for a big fireworks show (put on by the Larry H. Miller company actually). Instead, my morning or evening sickness hit full force around 4:00 p.m. and I was in bed for the night at 5:00. Seth and Taft went to the park by themselves. I was really sad that I missed it. I could hear the fireworks though and they sounded spectacular.

An attempt at a shot of our patriotic Sunday outfits. Not happening. 

Monday was a much much better day. Seth had the day off so we went to Coeur d'Alene to ride bikes and have lunch. We got off to a great, early start and had slightly chilly, but beautiful weather. We rode our bikes along Centennial Trail while Taft rode in the brand new bike trailer that was an early birthday present to Seth from my parents. Taft LOVED it. After our ride we got really yummy sandwiches (like so yummy I thought about the sandwich the rest of the day) and had a picnic at the "beach". That's what people call the sand area at Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Speaking of morning sickness, this pregnancy has been kinder than the last in the way that I don't have throwing up stories to share. This time, they've al been the standard made-it-to-the-bathroom-in-time kind and none have involved me driving. However, every night around dinner time, or around the time Seth gets home, I completely crash. I'm exhausted, nauseous, and exhausted. I am totally useless after 6:00 p.m. Seth often has to make dinner, clean up dinner, and put Taft to bed, all while I'm laying down moaning on the couch. I was sick until 20 weeks with Taft, so if that's the same with this babe, then only 5 more weeks to go. Yipee. Also, I FINALLY see a doctor next Monday. I can't wait to hear the heartbeat! Maybe if I'm lucky I'll even get an ultrasound.

Last week Seth got off early to we took a little drive to Mount Spokane. It had a pretty incredible view from the top. We didn't stay long because it was way too cold.

Free Yoga in the Park (in Utah)

I have a doll of a friend named Melanee. She was the "head teacher" when I taught English in Russia. She's the same age as me, but she was like our mom while we were there. She had taught English there the semester before so she knew the ropes and guided us through our semester abroad. She and I single handedly kept Twix and Snickers in business in Russia. I don't believe a day went by that one of us didn't buy a candy bar. She's one of my favorite people in the entire world and you should get to know her too. She's started a blog called "Mirror Health" which will be her journey to accepting, liking, even loving the image she sees in the mirror. She's a certified yoga instructor and is offering FREE, yes FREE yoga classes in the Orem/Lindon area. I highly recommend you go to her class if you're in the area. Click here for more details.