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Updates!!!

Well hello all! Man it's been a while. Things from October -January tend to get completely mushed into one big mess for us. So I apologize it's been forever. I will recap on how we finished out 2011.

October 30th was Dallen's 4th birthday. We celebrated by going to Cornbellies at Thanksgiving Point. Man it was a blast! I made his costume, he had a Batman cake and was overwhelmed with all of the activities they had. We laughed an enjoyed ourselves. It's hard to realize but he is as far from toddler and baby as it gets! He is all boy though and through "Dude"!

Mid-November I was able to visit with Amy, McKinley and Gabriella. I had a blast hanging out with her and the kids, going shopping, going to the movies and having good ole' girl time. 

It was so hard to leave early but by the end of the week, I flew with Marshall to LA for the Western Regional Oireachtas. Last year regionals were in Sacramento CA, I found out the morning we left that I was pregnant with Rorey! Well, in support of Marshall competing solos this year, I was able to go to Anaheim and help out the school where I could. It was amazing being there watching him compete. I also loved the fact that I was attending without the stress of having to compete myself. This left the gate open for new learning and time to be able to see anything I wanted to. I appreciate Aubree and Lisa helping me out with that accommodation. Marshall took 4th place and qualified for Nationals and Worlds. I was so proud of him, and bawled like a baby when he received his award on stage. We were able to fit in a trip to Disneyland! It was my first time going so I had to experience it to it's fullest potential. ;)

Chicago! 

It was a flippin' blast! It was so great being out with Mike and Fran. We were out there for our cousin Kelly's wedding reception. Hanging with Preston was just like old times, and it was fun getting to know Jacob. We were appreciative for the hospitality from Mike and Fran, and her family for the Thanksgiving weekend. Congrats to Kelly and Jacob!

My baby sister Sophia moved in with us the first part of December. It was a feat getting her here, but thanks to some unexpected supporters she made it. It's been great having some extra helping hands of late, and we have been motivating each other like mad. 

We had an amazing holiday season making cookies, going to do fun activities and of course watching Dallen's excitement around Santa! It was the first year he clued into Santa and got all excited. Some of the best moments as a parent!

We welcomed the new year with open arms. 2011 was a fantastic year for the Smiths, and we look forward to 2012 being just as great.

Rorey has curly hair we have discovered! He really is the best baby I have ever seen. He is just mellow and adorable.

Dallen is doing well with his swimming, he can swim in the pool all on his own (with a life jacket of course). He is interested in what time it is, and the American Flag. He also just started his first official Irish Step Dance class.

David and I are doing well. We had our 6th anniversary the week before Christmas. We are finding our groove again with now having two kids, two jobs, dance, scouts, church, basketball, soccer and family. We have made new goals and are finding our way to them together. We found out this last week that I am not in the highest regards with my health. I am extremely low on B12, and will be receiving injections for the next 4 months. I find that odd considering I have been taking supplements since November, and they have a good source of B12. I also found that I have Hyperthyroidism. Though I have to wait til March to see an endocrinologist (since there is only one in Utah valley...lame), I don't know much on how bad off I really am. I just have the blood test results from my doctor, which are pretty bad. I feel like crap all the time though! Not gonna lie.....the past few weeks have been a nightmare. I have come to a realization that if I want to sleep for more than an hour at a time, it will have to be through medication. I have also started losing weight. I know with my new health goals from November, that should be a great thing. But losing weight fast while doing nothing, just makes you feel tired, shaky and wasted. It's hard to stay positive, but I am grateful for my husband who is my arm to lean on right now. I am sure with time, all of this will calm down and seem normal. I just look forward for the chance to grow stronger from all of this too.

Rorey (Wheezer)



This boy is an absolute joy to have around! He is all smiles, and plays baby to the book. We don't have throw up incidents, he sleeps 8-9 hours through the night, and takes well to a bottle. What more could I ask for? The past couple months have been a fantastic ride of change. Here are some pics of the little nugget.

Brother Time

Can you tell which is which?



Absolutely in love with these two!

**Dallen**


Dallen is about to turn 4 here in a couple weeks, and I was thinking of some funny moments of late that we have had the privilege of experiencing. I wanted to write them down before I forget them, and then lost forever.

Conversation of Mr. D :

Dad getting ready for work - Dad "I'll stay at home, Dallen you go to work." Dallen "I can't drive your car to work, I'm too busy!"

Camping - Mom "Dallen you need to go to the bathroom before we go hiking." Dallen "Uhg Mom I just went last year!!"

Cousin Azure's Baptism - Primary Teacher was discussing "Princesses" entering into their Father's Kingdom. After cousin Addie shouts out "I'm a Princess!" followed by other girls shouting the same tag line, Dallen shouts out "I'm Optimus Prime!"

General Discussion - Everything ends with Tonight!
"Mom can we go to Arielle and Sophie's house tonight?"
"Mom can we color tonight?"
"Mom can we go golfing tonight?"

Answer to EVERYTHING - "I don't know Mom!"

With Preschool, Chores, Dance, Playtime, Church and being a Big Brother, Dallen is quite busy these days.

Ending A Large Chapter

I am so bad at updating everyone this year! There goes last year's resolution out the window. I have had a ton of things happen over the past few months which, if you don't read my FB then you are getting the short version. If you have questions or comments feel free to write me. My pregnancy brain is pretty bad this time, and I have a hard time remembering who I have updated or not.

Things I have been focusing on the past few months, other than being pregnant include:

Designing the interior of our house. Yes, every room has color and purpose instead of white storage clutter. I love my house now, and am at ease with the thought that I have the time to keep up on it.

I planted my front garden with a lot of flowers and new plants. I felt self accomplished, and it brought peace of mind for a few hours at least.

Dallen cut his hair twice in one week! The result was a full shave to level 1, the month before my dad's wedding. I was not a happy camper on that one.

Dallen was able to work on his sports skills in a preschool class close to our house. He learned more about each individual sport and how to be even more aggressive. ;)

David has been getting more into sports himself. He plays soccer 2-3 times a week at work, as well as time to time on the ward team. He also is trying to keep up with a more rigorous basketball team at work. With the minor injuries he comes home with, I hope he is having fun too! Sad note, a month ago was having to replace over $150 worth of sports clothes and shoes after his gym bag was stolen. I guess people who work at a health office, really dig sweaty used clothes and overly large shoes.

My Dad got remarried and we hosted his open house. It was great seeing old friends, family and having my sisters in from Oregon. It was a very cool day, but it was great being able to help on their big day.

Dallen and I were able to spend about two weeks up in Canada, visiting family and just having fun. We really enjoyed our time up there, and Dallen will hopefully have some more memories of the Smith acreage.

Our first big yard project....fixing the sprinkler system! Had to dig a 2 ft hole in our front yard to fix the valve between the city pipe and our yard pipe. The sucker had a hole the size of a grape in the side! Took us three weeks and by us I mean David, I just kept bugging him to do it. :)

We spent a week in Park City on vacation with Steve, Sarah and the Bonus Family. It was a complete blast and it was nice to escape our "on the go" life with fun, family and serenity. Park City is beautiful and it's been years since I have been up there. So grateful for that opportunity.

Dallen took swimming lessons over the last two weeks. He did a great job and definitely is less of a hazard at the pool. J/K! Now he has no FEAR at all! Mothering backfire 101: More experience at the pool means more guts at the pool. I will have my arms full with a baby and my legs tired from chasing after Dallen that's for sure.

We were able to host Amy and Val from Canada for a week. It was so much fun having them here, getting to visit more and interact with their two little munchkins. Dallen and McKinley are practically blood brothers now!

Dallen Irish Danced in the Tir Na nOg at the Utah Feis last week! He did awesome, and was so proud of his medal.

User Error: Sprinkler system that was fixed last month is now completely busted! Probably because the new valve we installed is allowing too much pressure to the system. No idea what happened but after returning home from Park City our 6 zones are doing their own thing. Some will shut on but only manually, some have water pressure but still wont turn on. The whole thing is messed up so we are awaiting professional services to arrive at the end of the month. (Thanks in advance Mom and Marc hahaha!) Yard stuff is hard!

Well I think other than small to do's that's the bulk of anything and everything that's been going on at the Smith's. I know everyone is wanting info on the baby so now upon request here we go.

I have 3 weeks left! Saw the Dr. today and all is fine and dandy. Baby is head down and with a lot of movement and Braxton Hicks, we are looking at delivering a healthy baby boy very soon. Everything is as ready as can be for the arrival of this new baby. We are very excited and with each passing day, feel anxious with the anticipation of the changes he will bring. I am glad but sad that I only have 3 more weeks. It is hard for me at times to think that it wont just be me and my little peanut Dallen anymore. It's been two pea's in a pod for some time now and the thought of how much will change makes me sad. I am excited that he will be experiencing new things as an older brother, and I know that I will be just as in love with #2 as I am with Dallen. But, it's really eye opening to hit the reality of it all. I can't wait to physically see how much Dallen has grown once I have #2 in my arms. I think David is "tickled pink" with the fact he will now have two sons.

With that I think I will finally reveal the name for #2...

Rorey Patrick Smith

A Baby asked God, “They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”
“Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.”

The child further inquired, “But tell me, here in heaven I don’t have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.”
God said, “Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel’s love and be very happy.”

Again the child asked, “And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don’t know the language?”
God said, “Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.”

“And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?”
God said, “Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.”

“Who will protect me?”
God said, “Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it’s life.”

“But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.”
God said, “Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.”

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, “God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel’s name.”

“You will simply call her, ‘Mother.’”

Author Unknown

It has been way too long since I have posted our updates! I am sorry there will be no new pics, as my camera is missing the sd card since our Cali Vaca in November. (Brother of mine who has it….I want it back!!)

I found out I was pregnant the morning we left for California’s big long awaited trip. Wow it was a shocker to say the least! I had an hour to leave and just wanted to spend time with Dave celebrating our new excitement. But I had to spend the next 3 days without him, trying to focus on what I had been planning and preparing for all year. Well the vacation as you read previously was a blast, and it all went way too fast. The first part of December was a bust! At about 6 weeks along, complications arose that led Dave and I to believe the baby was not going to make it in this pregnancy. After the longest weekend of our lives and way too many tests, they found that the baby was fine and didn’t really know the cause of my symptoms other than a possible flu. Throughout the rest of my first trimester I was weak, sick, lethargic, irritable and in extreme discomfort. I find it interesting what some women go through and what others don’t. All of these weeks have been extremely different than the first time around. But I hear and read of women who make babies like a batch of cookies. You add the right ingredients and after the right baking time, you get a warm sweet and delicious result. Why is it so easy for them? Why can’t I get the easy recipe?! I like to think that I am just over reacting with my own perspective and it seems so much worse from a first person angle. But then I hear a perfect stranger rattle off how they don’t know they are pregnant accept for a fat belly, and literally feel no pain in birth just “a little pressure”. I guess it’s kind of a joke God plays on women since we are always comparing and sharing. Well when all my hope of ever being myself again was slowing dissipating, a miracle happens called the second trimester! A place of all you can eat buffets and cravings galore that you get the privilege of feeding without gaining an ounce! Energy is slowly restoring itself and irritability transforms into nothing. You get to wear baggy comfortable clothes without people looking at you thinking you are a hippee wannabe, and unbuttoning your pants for room comes with a whole new meaning. There are a lot of things different this time than last. I have to see official Dr’s now instead of the midwives that I loved so much last time. Because I was cesarean and wanting to do vbac my choices are limited. It hasn’t been that bad thus far but it is not my ideal prenatal care option. Both times I have already been in for normal visits, they have been unable to find the heart beat with the microphone and have to bring in the ultrasound to confirm I have someone in there. A tipped uterus is to thank, but last time was kinda nice. The Dr brought in a second stool for Dallen to climb on and see the baby. He showed him the heart and the head and legs. Dallen was sure amazed and pointed to my belly and said “there’s the baby”. With Dallen I had an early ultrasound to confirm I wasn’t having a multiples birth and then the 20 wk one to check the health and sex. I have already had 4 ultrasounds and am not even 20 weeks yet! Because of the “effectiveness” of the ultrasound nowadays, the baby is measuring ahead of my original due date of July 31^st and is now looking like July 26^th.

My Pregnancy Milestones:

Biggest craving: Canteloupe, and salad… bring on the veggies!

Foods to not eat unless I want the toilet seat: Red meat – sorry steak you’ll have to wait

Maternity Clothes Again: 12 weeks

Fetal Movement: 9 weeks

Sleeping on Sides Only: 13 weeks

Morning Sickness Gone: 14 weeks

Total weight loss: As of today 9lbs less than starting weight.

Moms Intuition: Right now I feel it’s a girl but we will see in a few weeks.

The Dallenator!!! Oh man he is a busy boy. Redecorating my walls in permanent marker and adding knife wholes to expensive barstool seats are a few of his crafts lately. He is so smart he has figured out all the perfect times to use his amazing skills, and then not take credit for it until it’s found. He is modest enough to let us just come across these new found treasures on our own. Oh how blessed we are to have such a son! He is the perfect age where he is too big to be picked up and carried everywhere so you have to play the game of all errands are fun even though none of them are for 3 year olds. He is capable of getting into anything he wants and reaching anything he wants if he has the right tools.

Short Story: David left a flat head screw driver out and somehow Dallen found it. One night Dave and I went to do stories and bed time and found that all of the electrical plates had been removed and stacked nicely behind the door. The screw driver and other unmentionables were hidden under his bed. How do you find enough entertaining things for a 3 year old to do during the day and have time for anything else? I am still working on that one. I think a couple play dates a week, a daily schedule of activities and to do’s but still there are seconds in the day where the “boyness” monster surfaces and I find myself needing a mom moment….or 20.

To help out with the destruction and mess of the house, I came up with a plan. A masterful plan indeed! I turned our massive loft from the dance room (shed some tears), into a family room! All of Dallen’s toys, a new couch and the entertainment center from my Dad’s have made a new playzone for the boy. He has his room for sleeping, quiet time and time outs. He has his bathroom for cleaning up and going potty (still working on avidly!) Then he has his playroom! This week has gone by amazingly with no messes around the house and no destruction. He comes downstairs for food, outside time and family time in the evenings. We shall see how long this lasts. But for learning play and craft time, it is a dream. I don’t know why we didn’t come up with it sooner. It will be perfect for when #2 comes too! Enough room for a swing and bouncer and plenty of floor room for the two of them to play and get to know one another.

With the idea of the playroom, I have been working on a plan to revamp rooms in the house that still have yet to be completed from when we moved in a year and a half ago. The whole house has been painted and decorated, just none of the rooms or bathrooms upstairs. We also have been short on furniture, not that Dallen minds but his room consists of clothes that are mainly folded and placed in stacks on the floor, and a twin mattress on the floor. Not ideal but it’s been what he has had since he outgrew the changing table and crib. So we have paint and furniture plans galore for the next six months before the baby comes. I am calling it my Early Nesting plan. Last weekend we were able to find an amazing deal on a 3 piece couch set. A Chocolate brown leather and microfiber, reclining couch, chair and chaise. I am already in love with them! They have made perfect additions to the rooms upstairs and came with an added feature of “foot in the wall”. K not really a feature but another whole in the wall for David to fix. :)

Well there is a ton more I could write about from the last two months. But all in all the Holidays were great, visiting with family here in Utah and then spending time in Canada catching up with the Smith brood as well. I am excited for this new year and all of the many things that will happen.