A close friend of mine came over a few days after Wyatt was born for his very first photo shoot. I was so excited to have her come because she is a great photographer and so fun to be around! I was really anxious to get some quality pictures of Wyatt with someone else's camera besides my measly one. I have to admit, and Jen can probably attest, Wyatt wasn't on his best behavior. But who can blame him when we kept unwrapping him from his warm blankie, putting him on cold surfaces, stealing his pacifier out of his mouth, and making him lay around naked? In the end, we got some really great shots and I am so thankful Jen came over to photograph this little guy!!

Austin's Mini Me

I am the youngest so I never had a little brother or sister that would copy every thing I did. There was never that younger brother or sister to annoy you or want to be into everything you were, or even that flattering shadow that just looked up to you all the time. You're probably thinking, well, you have a twin, but we honestly thought we were one person. We didn't really get the concept that there were actually TWO of us. We really thought we were the same, one person and that our name was Jamie-Bryn...yes, we though it was all one name and that it was our name. We were kinda weird kids, but that's another post.

Well, with Dax being the oldest, and being a boy, of course the person he is going to look up to the most is Austin. Dax has always had a preference for Austin. When he was a newborn Austin was able to stay home with him in the mornings until I got back from work, and then would leave for work and school for the rest of the day and night. They definitely had quality bonding time, and even though it hurts my feelings, even now a little bit, that Dax still prefers Austin over me, I know that there really isn't one person more important in a little guys life than his dad. And, I am so happy he has Austin to look up to.

I couldn't help but think about that all weekend long as I watched Dax follow Austin around and be his little shadow. Austin still has that crazy work/school schedule so there are days when Dax only has a little bit of time with his dad. We are so thankful for weekends around here!!! They do all the things boys and dads should do. They work in the yard, go through my "honey-do list", cook, play sports, you name it! This weekend especially I noticed how much Dax was connected to Austin's hip, and I took the opportunity to snap a few pictures because it really makes me so happy to see these two as best friends. Dax adores his dad, and I think he has every right to!

On the other hand, is Wyatt a Dax Mini-Me or what? Look at these two pictures of them during their first baths home from the hospital. Can you even tell who is who?? The only difference is about 2 lbs. and a head of dark hair!

After School

Many of you know I come from a family of all girls. When I found out I was pregnant with a boy I was absolutely terrified. They operate in such completely different ways than girls. I have quickly come to realize that boys are full throttle, high speed, on the go, ALL the time. I grew up in a house where there was no jumping, throwing, paying ball, or running. I thought that is how my house would be too. Thought! If we didn't climb, jump, throw, I have no idea what we would do all day. It's just how these boys are programmed....ALL BOY!

When we were in grade school my mom would always make us change out of our school clothes before we could play outside. We were forced to put on grungy clothes that were either hand me downs or from last season and didn't really fit anymore...so attractive. I didn't really get it because we were girls. We basically rode our bikes and that was the extent of our adventures.

Today I realized the reasoning behind my moms demands. Dax was running around outside playing soccer with Austin. They were outside for less than 10 minutes and Dax comes in with a hole in a brand new pair of jeans? How did a two year old manage to get a hole in his jeans so fast?? Austin had him demonstrate his "striker" kick which resulted in a sprinting Dax straight to the soccer ball, a high jumpers jump, a great kick, and Dax landing in a figure four position on the grass. Yes, I could see how it didn't take long for a hole to appear with that move! Austin was so proud, and I immediately made an vow that I would always make my kids change out of their school clothes before playing outside. Then I realized......what do I do when they are actually at school??? And they say girls are more expensive?? We'll see about that!

Happy January

You are all probably wondering why I am wishing you a Happy January when the month is almost over. Well, that's because two very important events hadn't happened yet at the beginning of the month: Wyatt's birth and Austin's birthday. I had this idea long before Wyatt came to make Austin a picture calendar for his desk at work for his birthday from the boys, but of course we needed Wyatt to arrive in order to do that. By the time I felt up to staging 12 pictures for the calendar representing each month, I had two days to execute the plan. What I thought would be a fun, easy task, ended up being a little bit of a headache. I wanted to have both boys in each picture for each month, but my little lovely Dax was very much opposed to many of the "props" I had planned. It ended up that Wyatt was in the pictures with the most props because he was so cooperative (i.e a sleepy head) and Dax was in the pictures with the "cooler" props (i.e the ones he could destroy afterwards...you'll see what I mean). In the end I was very happy with the way the calendar turned out. I printed all the pictures in black and white, but you get the colored version. Austin loved it and it proudly sits on his desk. Anyway, I decided that I would start each month with the picture we took for Austin's calendar and send my birthday and anniversary wishes to our family for that month as well. Remember, we have a BIG family, so try not to get bored....it's more for my benefit! And, it might just help out some forgetful family members as well! Happy January!

Staying warm through the WINTER!

* 7th: Happy Birthday Wyatt

* 16th: Happy Birthday Ryan & Austin

*18th: Happy Birthday Todd

* 25th: Happy Anniversary Scott & Lani

* 29th: Happy Birthday Hannah

Showered with Love

I can't even begin to express to our sweet friends, and especially our families, how well we've been taken care of these past few weeks since Wyatt has arrived!! So many people have dropped by to see this cutie and have been bearing such sweet little gifts...way more than we deserve. We have been seriously overwhelmed with all the love and can't even begin to tell them all how appreciated it is. Well, the fun didn't stop last night. I'm a total plan ruiner and the week I had Wyatt my mom and sisters had planned a fun little night out with just the girls to go to dinner and have some girl time before Wyatt arrived. With his sudden arrival the date was cancelled and I was VERY bummed. I love spending time with my mom and sister and although we live so close to each other, it's only on rare occasions that we all 5 get together. So, when my mom offered to re-plan the date to last night and bring dinner to me, I was so excited! Austin had class late and all my sisters recruited their husbands to be home so they could come over and visit us. I know that alone was a huge sacrifice to get the husbands all home on the same night! We had a scrumptious dinner, great visit, and then, to be spoiled even more, presents! You'd think between cute outfits, frames, stuffed animals, and diapers they had done way too much, but the kicker, and my favorite part, was when I opened the combo gift initiated by my favorite twin (who obviously was dearly missed from the night) and pulled out a new sling! I'd seen these around and always thought the moms sporting them were way cool, but when I put it on and tried it out, I instantly knew why they are such a big hit. It is the most comfortable thing ever and Wyatt fit in it perfectly and slept so sound! I feel in love! I have already been planning out my adventures to where I can wear it---the zoo, the supermarket, to the park with Dax, sightseeing in Seattle?? Then I realized, WAIT! I can wear it to vacuum, do dishes and work! Brilliant! I've been intimidated to go out with the two boys, but this little sling is going to be my life-saver! Every new mom should have one! Thank you girls for spoiling us and making us look super hip all at the same time! I love you all!

Birthday Boy!

Today is Austin's birthday and Dax, Wyatt and I wanted to give him some birthday wishes from the three people that love him most! He turns 29 so the three of us came up with the top 29 things we love most about having Austin as our friend, husband and dad!

What we love most....

1. Bryn: How selfless you are

2. Dax: Getting to ride next to you on my scooter while you skateboard

3. Wyatt: Rocking me to sleep

4. Bryn: Your dedication to work, school, church and your family

5. Dax: Playing soccer with you in the backyard

6. Wyatt: Giving the best baths

7. Bryn: The way you always make me laugh...something I look forward to for years down the road

8. Dax: Your yummy pancakes on Sunday morning

9: Wyatt: Changing my stinky pants in the middle of the night

10: Bryn: How thoughtful you are to other people

11. Dax: Watching movies with you

12. Wyatt: Singing to me

13. Bryn: For taking the responsibility to always clean the toilets

14. Dax: Riding on your back to go to bed

15. Wyatt: Letting me pee and poop on you

16. Bryn: Putting up with my purse fetish

17. Dax: Teaching me how to hit off a tee

18. Wyatt: Watching Sports Center with you late at night while mom sleeps

19. Bryn: Secretly loving, or pretending to love, to watch Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, What Not to Wear and other girly shows with me (sorry to out you!)

20. Dax: Hanging out in the garage with you while you work on projects

21. Wyatt: For laughing at the silly faces I make

22. Bryn: Being such a huge support as a husband and encouraging me by always having a compliment

23. Dax: Blowing the biggest bubbles in the bath

24. Wyatt: Listening to my "stories"

25. Bryn: Always letting me buy the gossip magazines when we go on road trips and letting me read them to you, and pretending you are interested

26. Dax: Hiding from you when you get home from work behind the pillows

27. Wyatt: Washing my hair

28. Bryn: Being my best friend

29. All: For loving us with all your heart!!

We love you! Happy Birthday!!

Brotherly Love

It was a little after 6 this morning when Dax climbed into bed with me. Austin had left for work about 20 minutes earlier and I was feeding Wyatt. Dax didn't even make it all the way across my lap before he was back asleep, his legs still lingering across my lap. I successfully finished feeding Wyatt and rotated Dax to his own side of the bed and drifted off to sleep. Next thing I knew Dax was hugging me and it was a little after 8. We were hugging and cuddling when Wyatt made a small grunt.

Dax: "Whoa! Whas that? Whas that?"

Me: "It's Wyatt"

Dax: Leaning over me to look inside the cradle at the edge of the bed laughing with a huge smile on his face. "Ohhhh!! Baby Why-de!"

I knew it was going to be a good day!!! Dax is totally in the stage where he adds a "y" to every word. So even though he knows how to say Wyatt, he constantly calls him Why-dy and it sounds just like Whitey. Either way, we're glad he's saying it with a smile on his face!

Today was a true test of what was to come for me. Austin went back to work and no one was coming over until later in the afternoon. I was anxious to see how these two brothers were going to interact, and what that meant for me, being out numbered. Luckily, the morning went along great and I was so relieved at the way Dax treated Wyatt. There sure is a brotherly love there that I am so excited to see grow and grow!

All within the morning hours, we had a small little photo shoot, but more importantly, the boys "played" together. First Dax wanted to share his waffles. I had to explain that right now Wyatt only drinks milk. That was a little nerve-wrecking considering we're trying to cut down on Dax's massive milk intake...but there was no melt down there so hooray!!! Dax tickled Wyatt's belly as I changed his diaper. He placed a mini Lightening McQueen on Wyatt's blanket with no probing from me. That is a major accomplishment in and of itself...sharing his most prized "vroomie". Dax played "Where'd Dax go, Why-de" for a few minutes and didn't seem to mind that Wyatt wasn't even really paying attention let alone opening his eyes. Then the fun really began when Wyatt got the hiccups as Dax was giving him a hug. Dax thought this was the funniest thing ever. Dax leaned in for a hug, Wyatt would hiccup, then Dax would fall backwards to the floor like he'd been shot...cracking up the entire time. That was a good solid 5-7 minutes of entertainment right there!

I was so happy to see Dax "playing" with Wyatt. I know the bond my sisters and I share, so I can't wait to see what these two make of their relationship and closeness. I hope Dax takes his role as a big brother seriously and will always look after and protect Wyatt and be a good example to him. It's so unreal to imagine these two in their teenage years, but I really hope they are the best of friends and always stay close. I love my two boys!!

We've GROWN by 1!!!

Wyatt David MacGillivray January 7, 2008 7lbs. 4 oz.

He came---our long anticipated little Wyatt arrived on Monday! He surprised us all wanting to come a few weeks early, but I am so glad he was so anxious to meet us because we were just as anxious to meet him. I had been feeling for weeks extremely ready to have this baby, but my last Dr.'s appointment didn't give me much hope when my Dr. told me that I was measuring 2.5 cm under and he sent an order for me to get an ultra-sound to better determine what my actual due date was. We had been thinking Jan. 20th which would have put me at 38 weeks, but I was only measuring 35 1/2 weeks. This was not great news to me as you can imagine. I'm glad Wyatt thought the same thing. Before we could even make it to my ultra sound appointment Monday morning, my water broke Sunday night after a fun night at dinner with some neighbor friends.

We came home and put Dax to bed and lo and behold, just a few hours later we were off to the hospital. I definitely knew my water had broke, kinda a humiliating experience if you ask me. I was so thankfully to be at home when mother nature decided to take over! :) We were so shocked it was happening we still had a lot of little things to take care of. We hurried and cleaned the house, I packed my bags, we called our parents to tell them the news and we kissed Dax goodbye for the last time as an only child. I couldn't help but think about him the most as we headed to the hospital to await his new brother and try and fathom what an adventure this baby would be not only for us, but for him.

We admitted right away and had a really great night's sleep. The morning came fast and with my mom (my dad was sick) and Austin's parents in the room helping us pass the time, I knew this baby was going to come a lot faster than Dax had. My Dr. made rounds in the morning and promised the baby wouldn't be as big as Dax (thank goodness...no 8lbs. 15 oz. babies for me anymore!), and guessed maybe 7lbs. 4 oz. We still didn't really know how early or on-time I was considering I never made it to my ultra sound appointment. The nurse called the Dr. at 12:45 pm and he said he would be there in 10 minutes. He actually didn't arrive until about 20 minutes later and my mom witnessed him run through the waiting room (He later admitted he didn't think I would go so fast). He got into the room at about 1:10 and Wyatt was born at 1:16pm. I pushed a total of 1 contraction! He cried right away and they laid him on my chest as they cleaned him off and Austin cut the umbilical cord. It was such a thrill to hear him cry and count his finger and toes and see a perfect little baby that I had been trusted to love and give a home. It is hard to put into words everything you feel at that moment when you see a little innocent baby that you have carried around for 9 months, but even a greater feeling knowing that Wyatt came to our family specifically and that he was sent to us for a reason and that our family would be together forever.

A few minutes after he was born, my Dr. asked for a weight. The nurse turned the scale on, and what did it say? 7 lbs. 4 oz. As she read that I looked at the Dr. and said "Didn't someone say that?" He had the biggest smile on his face and you could tell he was so proud of himself. He said he hasn't been dead on like that in a long time and that we had made his day. I told him he made ours too so we were even! He said I had made delivery look pretty easily and I told him it was easy. The nurse joked that I should teach classes at the hospital on how to give birth. I don't know how it happened, but delivering Wyatt was probably the easiest thing I had to do these past few weeks! I'm sure Austin could attest to my constant complaining about getting in and out of the car, having to pull laundry out of the dryer or unload the dishwasher or pull something out of the over. Or what a chore it had become to put on my boots for Church on Sunday or lotion on my legs. The list goes on. And delivering Wyatt was definitely easier than all those things!

I couldn't wait for Dax to come see us. I was hoping he would love Wyatt as much as we did. We had been doing our best to explain to him about the baby and include the baby as much as possible without him even being here as we could to a 2 year old. Not an easy thing to do, but we kinda felt like Dax did grasp the concept a little bit. He had been helping us wash his clothes, put the cradle together and we'd been hanging out in the nursery a lot too. Dax looked adorable as he came running through the hospital door. He was so proudly wearing a shirt that said I'm the big brother and brought the cutest little onesie for Wyatt proudly stating that he was the little brother. I promise to take pictures of those guys when they wear them the same day. He instantly wanted to hold him and kiss him and you could easily tell he loved Wyatt as much as we did.

Now, we're home and doing great. Wyatt is such a precious little baby and is doing so well. We couldn't be more happy to open our homes to another little guy. I feel so beyond blessed to be his mother. He has the sweetest countenance and the most precious little face. He looks like a blonder, smaller version of Dax. Not as much hair, and definitely not as dark as Dax's was, but their faces are a smitten images of each other. He does feel a lot smaller than Dax did as a baby, but all of a sudden Dax looks a lot bigger than a 2 year old. I am so blessed! I love having one small bum to change and one big bum. I love having one soft, red cheek to kiss and one puckered fish-y lips to kiss. I love having one small soft, blond hair to comb and one brown, coarse hair to comb. I love hearing the small breathes of one and the deep breathes of another. I love seeing Dax stroke Wyatt's cheek with his hand that all of a sudden looks so big. I love when Dax announces that Wyatt is awake for the half a second his eyes stay open. I love that Dax describes his brother as a mouse when he squeaks and squawks and even laughs about it when a indescribable smells comes from Wyatt's diaper. I know this list is just going to get bigger and bigger! So far, things couldn't be much better!!
Thank you for all your love and prayers! We came home to a spotless house thanks to my sister-in-law and her two girls, messages from neighbors, family and friends to bring dinner and have Dax over for play dates, and countless calls to congratulate us. We truly are so blessed. I promise more pictures are coming!!

Flashback Friday!

A few of the blogs I visit have this fun day called "Flashback Friday" where they reminisce over old days and fun times...so I am stealing the idea! I'm not promising every Friday will be a Flashback Friday, but I will try!! Hopefully I'll figure out my scanner so I can run some really old pictures, those are the best to look at, but in the meantime, I couldn't help but flashback just a few short months ago, before I was in the blogging world, of when we announced to everyone that we were pregnant and that Dax was going to be a big brother! It was such a fun day to run around to all our family's houses, instead of calling over the phone, to say we were expecting baby number TWO, and for Dax to be the bearer of great news! I can't believe how young he looks in these pictures! He sure has grown in anticipation of this baby! He did a great job breaking the happy news! The message was stuck on with little stickers, and by the last house, the message was a little altered, but everyone got the idea! Now we're just hoping the original message rings true when the baby arrives!!!

Okay, it's January 2008---where are you Wyatt???

Happy 2008

Happy New Year! Guess who even stayed awake to welcome in the New Year in about three years...me!! Of course Austin would make it to midnight, that's no problem, but our little Dax had no problem staying awake either. We went to a friends house with another family and played ping pong, Wii, board games, ate and rang in the New Year! Dax was enthralled with some tortoises that the family had gotten for Christmas and played Barbies with their little three year old. Whatever makes him happy right?? How could we leave to put him to bed when he was being so nice and having so much fun? The boys slept until 11:30 the next day, but this pregnant mama was up at 8:30 and out the door to JoAnn's to get some supplies for a few projects I am working on for the babies room. If they turn out good I'll post them here for you to see...but no guarantees! The rest of the day was filled with watching football, eating, more games and again we were so lucky to spend the day with both of our families.
I couldn't help but look at some of our pictures the past year and reflect on how blessed I really was in 2007. What a crazy year with Austin moving to AZ in January and leaving me and Dax to sell the house in Utah and pack up our things. We made it to our new home in March and finally could be a family again! Then the news that a new guy was on the way was such the highlight! How thankful I am for the "men" in my life. I am so glad to be outnumbered by these guys and I'm so excited to be adding another one to our family. Of course it will be a great way to start the new year with another little boy. How could it not when the year was filled with "boy" moments like this! Thank Heaven for Little Boys and Happy New Year!!!