My Little Man Turns 2

What can I say about this little guy?! He is just the most wonderful, perfect gift in the whole world and I love him to pieces! Sometimes I marvel at what an amazing little blessing he is and how he has filled our whole lives with joy. Don't get me wrong, we have our off days and our tantrums but I wouldn't trade anything in the world for this little part of Cody and me! This morning we decided to give him the presents from us and his grand-parents so that we could save the big surprise for his birthday party. Once Morgan opened the Cars cars it was pretty much over and I could not get him to look at the camera for anything! He also enjoyed his new little computer, which was really a delayed Christmas present but who's counting?!
Here's a little video of Morgan opening his gifts. I don't think it truly captures his excitement over these cars as it is a little early in the morning. Morgan's limited vocabulary does include "Lighting", "Doc" and a few other character names. He actually doesn't watch the movie all that often but it has cars and trucks in it so really who wouldn't be obsessed?!




Morgan's birthday dinner was pretty non-eventful but he greatly enjoyed his dessert of pomegranite seeds and cake (leftover pieces from guitar cake...see below). And was finally in the mood to pose for the camera.

Oh I could just kiss those cheeks all day long!

That is Morgan's winning smile and I was finally glad my slow camera captured the right moment!
After dinner and a few phone calls from grand-parents, we gave Morgan the rest of his birthday presents that arrived today. Thanks to Aunties Mesha and Chamaine both Morgan and Pepper will be decked out this spring! Thanks for the cute clothes guys!

Morgan also got a Murray Wiggle guitar book that he enjoyed playing with until we had to pry it out of his hands to give him a bath and put him to bed. Here's a video of him opening that:

I just want to take this moment to gloat about my wonderful child. Morgan is most definitely a two year old in every sense of the word but sometimes he can surprise me with how helpful and cooperative he can be. I have noticed that if I organize his toys and books into bins and areas he is so helpful at putting them away, especially right before bed when you would think they would fight you. Morgan has never really put up a struggle during bedtime and is a world champion sleeper (let's pray that lasts) but I'm also grateful for his desire to help clean up before bed. He actually seems to enjoy making sure all his cars are in the right drawer and his books are on the shelf. He also has no trouble letting go of his toys or a movie before bed or nap time. We just tell him it is time to go to bed and that whatever the toy or movie is has to go to bed too. He waves goodnight and is ready to go. What a super kid!

In preparation for Morgan's music themed birthday party on Saturday, I decided to practice making a guitar shaped cake this past weekend and take it to the "linger longer" dinner after church on Sunday. It was a bit more work and time consuming than I would like but I was pleased that it actually looked somewhat like a cake in the end. I didn't get a picture when it was completely done with all the piped lines on it that helped outline the guitar but you get the idea. I've decided to do a cupcake cake instead for the party but I'm glad I tried this anyway!

Winter Slowdown

Since it is the middle of winter and there is not a whole lot to do around here, (I should clarify for a pregnant mom with no money and no car) not much has been going on. We spend most days trying to figure out how to entertain ourselves in our little apartment. However, last Wednesday we had the fun opportunity to visit some friends in Brooklyn. Brian is one of Cody's great friends, old mission companions and roommate in college. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Linsey and their cute little baby girl Ivy.

Morgan sporting some festive headgear.

It was not Ivy's favorite night but Brian seems to be enjoying himself.

Linsey and Ivy. Sorry it's out of focus but you get the idea of how cute they are. We had a great time eating yummy food and catching up. Thanks for making us trek all the way to Brooklyn guys!

This past Saturday we decided we had had enough of staying inside and ventured down to the Upper East Side and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's not quite as kid friendly as the Natural History Museum but it's big and open with lots of hallways, stairs and things to look at and it's pay what you want so bonus for people with no money!

This was how Morgan enjoyed the museum, eating fishy crackers in the lobby!Luckily, we discovered they have an exhibit right now on musical instruments. It was perfect. Morgan spent a good hour checking out all of the guitars, pianos, horns and drums. Of course he wanted to play everything but he was content to just look as well. The next big bonus came in the museum's gift shop children's section. They had instruments on display that the kids could play with. Well, Morgan set himself up with a nice little one-man-band situation and entertained everyone for a good half hour!
And this is why the theme for his 2nd birthday party will be music!

Let's just hope I can pull off the guitar cake so it resembles something like a guitar!

Cold, snowy days equal a lot of movie watching in our home. The flavor of the day is "Woody" or Toy Story 2, which we have watched repeatedly. Got to love free rentals from the library! Morgan has discovered how to watch movies in style and comfort. Only one shoe necessary! (Don't worry Gramma Goodier he doesn't always sit this close!)

On MLK's birthday we had another snowstorm so we spent most of the day indoors. After Morgan's nap we decided a walk was in order. Since it has been awhile since we visited our favorite Harlem Meer we ventured west.
Morgan has been strongly declaring his independence and opinions lately. So don't judge us too harshly by the fact that our child has no raincover, hat or gloves on in freezing weather. Hey at least he's got a coat! Luckily, after this picture he started eating fishy crackers and let us slip the raincover down. I swear I'm not ready for these terrible twos...when are they old enough to be reasoned with?!

This duck made me feel like a wimp for staying inside so much!

Our corner. Cody took these two pictures from our bedroom window.

When we got home from our walk we tried to get Morgan to play in the snow.

The only way we could lure him was with a broom. This kid loves his janitorial equipment!

Well, that is a little snapshot into what we've been up to lately. Since hanging out inside watching movies, playing with toy cars and coloring aren't the most photogenic activities that's all we have to offer. I hope everyone is enjoying these cold winter days and staying warm.

Oh and happy Obama Inaugaration Day.
We're celebrating by not watching any news programs and pretty much ignoring the whole thing, yep we are exciting people I know!

Three Kings Parade and Belated Christmas

On Sunday we finally finished our Christmas extravaganza that has been going on for the past few weeks. We had purposefully left some presents here so we would not have to lug them back and forth to Utah. Also, some presents from my side of the family didn't arrive until we got back. Morgan didn't seem to mind the fact that he got to open more presents.

Here's a little video of grumpy, church-is-in-the-afternoon-and-makes-me-miss-my-nap Morgan opening his belated Christmas presents.

The grumpiness soon went away once he saw the Wiggles Big Red Car and Little People bus and truck. This kid has a few things he says over and over, two being the Wiggles or "Wee-ull" and "Uck" or truck. He was in toddler heaven!

He also thought the camera from Auntie Kim was pretty darn cool. I have no idea why he's sitting the way he is but it makes me laugh!

Morgan spent the rest of night carting the Wiggles around. He ate with them, brushed his teeth with them, got ready for bed with them and when we finally told him they had to go to bed so he could read stories and go to bed, he continued to talk about them to his Daddy the whole time. And yep, you guessed it, they were the first thing on his mind the next morning. Oh, did I mention it plays extremely loud music and makes all sorts of annoying...I mean delightful noises when you barely touch it! Thank you Gramma Goodier for all the noisy...I mean fun presents! Just kidding, we are very grateful for all the wonderful presents Morgan got from both sides of the family. Without your love and support it would not have been the wonderful Holiday season that is was!

Cody all tuckered out from another Christmas celebration wearing his new t-shirt from the Terry's. It has an organge dressed like a pirate and says "Say No to Scurvy." We laughed so hard when we saw it. Thanks Jill and Kevin for the smiles!

Yesterday, Janurary 6th, was Three Kings Day for those of you not living in an hispanic community and is apparently a pretty big deal. Cody informed me that in Spain this day was the major holiday for present giving. The Three Wise Men were the inspiration behind their exchange of presents not Santa, who was not apart of the festivities at all.

Like with anything worth celebrating in NYC there was a parade! Since we live along the main drag in Spanish Harlem our street was on the parade route. As they were passing we decided to run outside and join them. It was pretty cold and a pretty small parade (only one float) but well worth it just to get out of the house and be apart of the neighborhood!

Park Ave was closed for the parade from 112th to 116th. Under the train tracks there is a little market area where the school kids could gather to receive presents and listen to music.

Some of the local neighborhood politicians were dressed like the Three Kings and were giving interviews in front of these camels.

There were also some sheep on hand to give it that authentic touch. (Really I have no idea why there were sheep but it was cool to see them in the city).

Morgan's enthralled as you can tell. Actually, he had a lot of fun running around and being cute for all the people.

The one float by El Museo del Barrio.

No idea who these guys are but they had pretty snazzy headdresses.

So Happy Belated Three Kings Day to you all!

Happy New Year and here go the pictures...

Okay, so here goes nothing. We are trying to get back into the swing of things after a wonderfully long and enjoyable Christmas break with Cody's family in Virgin, UT. All of his family was there, in one house (that's 18 people in total), and yes we all survived. Actually, it was surprisingly easy and unchoatic much to the hosting skills of Cody's parents and their big beautiful home. Since I have a ton of catch up blogging to do, I've picked highlighted pictures from different events over the past few weeks and will put a slide show of all the pictures, for those who care, at the end. Get comfy and enjoy!

A few days before we left for Utah our great friend Kiasa opened her house for the stay-at-home mom's to get together and have a waffle eating play date before we all split for the holidays. It was fabulous, yummy and such a great idea. Thanks so much for being you Kiasa!

The kids, moms and goodies.

Eliot's smile just melts your heart!

Tedrah's curls could do the same!

The beautiful hostesses, Kiasa and Bella.

In the week before we left for Utah, Cody's old mission companion, roommate and friend, Mike Smallwood came to visit for a few days. Unfortunately I managed to get no pictures of Mike but I got some cute ones of Morgan:) Here's Morgan chowing down on some cantalope...this kid loves his fruit!

We took Mike down to Times Square and of course had to stop at the Hershey store so I could restock on some necessities...yes dark chocolate cocoa powder, syrup and hot chocolate are necessities! Here's Morgan turning the wheel to get some chocolate!

Christmas came a little early at our house because we wanted to see what clothes we got in case we wanted to take them on vacation. Morgan has definitely gotten the hang of this opening presents thing!

Crazy hair, Halloween pajamas but great smile!

Here's a little video of our early Christmas...

We luckily got to hang out with Cody's parents by ourselves for the first few and last few days of our vacation. Morgan loved running around Grandma's big house, playing with her cute (and very understanding) dog Kuzi, and driving Papa's truck. However, Grandma's big tub was a little intimidating!

Luckily, he had great cousins to join him the rest of the time!

Self portrait at 22 weeks.

Cody's maternal grandma, Grandma Jean, has made endless amounts of matching Christmas stockings for her entire extended family and then some. Here are all eighteen of our matching stockings. What a beautiful sight to behold!

Family pics on Christmas Eve!

23 weeks

We had a surprisingly white Christmas for southern Utah!

Morgan and his cousin Lyssa had unplanned matching Christmas pajamas. (my camera was accidentally on the night setting) Beautifully choatic Christmas morning.

A quick video of our festivities...

Morgan woke everyday with the same mantra, "car, car, truck, truck?!" All said while waving his hands around like he's driving an invisible steering wheel. He became an escape artist trying to get to the garage at every possible moment and spent endless hours happily sitting behind the wheel of any vehicle someone would allow him to sit in. Needless to say he misses the truck almost as much as he misses Grandma and Papa!

Eventually, Cody would take him for little trips around the neighborhood and started letting Morgan practise his future driving skills.

This is the face of pure joy!

And here's the video to prove our perfect parenting decisions...

Friday morning we had a special treat and all the adults were able to leave the kids at home and go to the St. George temple together to do sealings. It was a wonderfully spiritual high for all of us and one that we will never forget. Thank you again for the idea Mom and Dad!

Joanna, Khan, Mom, Dad, Katie, Bruce, Me and Cody

All of the grandkids...thus far!

Back row: Theron, Alan, Kegan, Karissa

Middle row: Tiffany, William, Mandie, Morgan

Front row: Suzie and Lyssa

The youngest Adams family

The Croxalls

The older Adams family

(yes that is Cody's older brother Khan for those of you who cannot see the family resemblence)

The whole crazy gang

On Sunday night, after putting Morgan to bed, Cody and I jetted up to Happy Valley to say hello to some other family members (well, close enough to family anyway). We spent Monday playing with our favorite people Kurt, Chamaine, Baby Ansley, Mesha and Kelley. Here's a great pic of Chamaine, Ansley and I. Thanks for letting us come and visit and for being some of the greatest people we know!

On New Year's Eve, thanks to the support of my wonderful mother-in-law, I finally bit the bullett and took Morgan for his first haircut. It was very hard to say good-bye to the those beautiful crazy curls but it had to be done.

Morgan was super chill from the beginning and even more so when they gave him a sucker. I on the otherhand was less calm! (This is a totally candid shot, I had no idea I was making that face, she really did a great job but I guess a mother is always nervous for their kids!)

Thank you Grandma for making our baby look like a Big Boy!

Later that day we took a late afternoon walk in Zion's National Park.

Three generations of Adams men strolling along.

Happy New Year's Day to everyone!

Morgan strutting about the house with his new do!

Man those ears stick out a lot more without all that hair!

Also, on New Year's Day Cody and his dad took me shotgun shooting. I was suppossed to go to throw the skeet but too bad they brought a weakling with them, I did a horrible job and was soon replaced by a more experience frontiersman.

Cody showing off his skills.

The shotgun was a little heavy for me but I actually did pretty good with the lever action 22 (yep, I had to ask Cody just now what I was shooting).

Us in all our shooting glory. It was very muddy, hence the rolled up pants. What a way to ring in the new year...I don't think southern Utah got the memo on tightening gun control Obama, there were a lot of us out that day!

In case you still care, here are the rest of our holiday pics. Enjoy! We hope you all had magical and safe holidays yourself and we can't wait to read all about them.

Much love from the Adams for this great New Year!