E=MJsquared

life according to my iphone

2012-01-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

Max loves to stick out his tongue

Night out at Joe's Farm Grill - Love the reverse option on the camera on

my phone - provides tons of entertainment

The infamous "o" face

Family bike ride in Tempe on New Year's Day

Pancake breakfast courtesy of Merrill

Dinner at Senor Taco (delicious!) Max enjoys feeding us

Hanging out in Max's "big boy" room playing with play dough (currently under construction)

Max watched me put these shelves together and kept "helping me" in the process. Once they were done he liked to use the screw driver (just the handle) and kept working on it

Night out - got some frozen yogurt

Like I said - we love playing with the camera

Love seeing Max read books - makes me happy

We love this little guy - this age is so fun

Max also loves hats - so I got him two new ones

Helping me get the mail - he insisted on carrying this package for me - what a sweet heart

Have I mentioned we love being Max's parents? It can be a lot of work sometimes - but it's worth it

Max Update

2012-01-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

As of January Max is 19 months old. He is so much fun and does the silliest things.

He loves flying airplane on our feet and we are working on learning some primary songs

He loves to repeat what we say and is learning so quickly.

Merrill makes a Banana Oatmeal drink and Max loves it - here he is sporting his mustache

And here is one version of his "O" face. It makes me laugh, smile, and giggle inside all at the same time

The second version of Max's "O" face

Our happy and lovely little boy - Life is so much more fun with him around

What did we do before Max came into our lives?

Who would have thought

2012-01-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

I would make a brochure about my family. I kind of laugh to myself every time I mention it to people. What a strange thing to do... right? What more screams desperate people then a brochure!? But that isn't the case - we don't feel desperate maybe the word could be faithful? hopeful? motivated? This is just another way to get our information out into the world of people who come into contact with pregnant women. It's more than a pass along card and less than our website. It's like a sneak peak into our lives. This brochure has taken me hours to complete and has been changed and revised several times. But it's been proofed, corrected, printed, and how we are waiting to receive. In the mean time I'm collecting names and numbers of people to call to see if we can send some of our information there way. I think this will be my last attempt at putting ourselves "out there". So far we've had our profile up on LDS Social Services, Sent out 200 + Christmas cards sharing our hope to adopt again along with 750 + pass along cards, been featured on blogs, started a facebook page, we are now on parent profiles, and last but not least will be these brochures with some updated pass along cards.

I'm a big believer that God helps those who help themselves. Well I like to think I've done all that I can in my power - I really don't know what I can do more of - other than attending the Birthmother's group that meets at our agency - any maybe I will if I can go with our birthmother. I am pretty proud of what I came up with for the brochure although it was inspired by a friend of mine who suggested I think out of the box rather then a bunch of text. So I came up with this timeline. Going through some highlights from our past reminded me of how much fun we have as a family. We've been on so many trips and have created so many memories together. My favorite part was when I got to add all of Max's dates and I had to really limit myself on what I put down otherwise I wouldn't have had enough room.

So hopefully I will get these in a couple of days and by the end of the month they will be all gone and into the right hands.

_____

All of this is for you sweet baby!! You are worth all the work, energy, time, tears, letters, phone calls, costs, late nights, and awkwardness of putting our family "out there". We've done all we feel we can to bring you into our home and we trust that God will do the rest. We are looking forward to the day that your life and dates will be added to our timeline. We love you and our hearts are ready to shower you with our love.

Love,

Mom and Dad

PS Max already knows what "gentle" means and we promise he'll pet your head and give you lots of wet kisses.

Christmas Part 2 and 3

2012-01-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Part 2 : Christmas morning after we opened presents we headed over to my parents house for breakfast and opening presents.

Patrick and Celeste looking so festive

Part 3 : After that we went on for some more Christmas cheer at Merrill's parent's house. This year we did a talent show - Merrill played the guitar and claranet and I played the flute. Bella our neice stole the show with her poem and Ryan and baby Alex's trick was a close second. Maybe next year we'll do awards - maybe ; )

Merrill with his grandma

Over all it was a wonderful Christmas. It was sad to put the tree away but we are looking forward to expanding our advent calendar activites next year and thinking of ways we can give to those around us.

It's the most wonderful time of the year : Christmas Part 1

2012-01-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Finally getting to these - what a slaker... I don't know about you but Christmas is soooo much better with children - Having Max makes everything so much more exciting because you are excited for them to get excited about all the holiday festivities. We've been enjoying family bike rides with this glorious weather right now. As per our previous post. We got Max a plasma car but right now I'm pretty sure I enjoy it more then he does - but he will - I know it - He made the best surprised face when he got downstairs

I think his was another surprised face - but not quite

We tried to keep the gifts to a minimum. So he got some small items

that he can play with

Glorious!

2012-01-02T21:27:00.000-08:00

We've been riding our bikes every day this week! The weather has been glorious! This weather is making up for all the unbearable hot days this summer! We all love our bike rides as a family and we are sad to see Daddy going back to work tomorrow : ( But that won't stop Max and I from going out during the day.... and now we have the weekends to look forward to -

We are now starting to venture to new locations to go riding

Having kids is the best - it makes the average things like bike riding, Christmas, being at the park, etc way more exciting - We are so lucky to have this little boy in our lives -

It's amazing how much this one little person brings so much joy into our lives

This is Max's new thing - In stead of a pacifer he uses his whole hand and sometimes

he will even put both in his mouth -

Coming soon Christmas pictures -

More Iphone Goodness and more

2011-12-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

(Not sure about you - but life is busy over here. We are loving having Merrill home all week!!! Needless to say we are getting lots of home improvements done and taking lost of bike rides and enjoying our time together - It certainly is one of the most wonderful times of the year - being with those you love)

So here is a short recap of life according to my iphone - I'm so glad I have this phone on me at all times so I can document our adventures

Merrill and I tired out a gym class to get a feel for it all. It took awhile for Max to warm up but after a bit he started to get into it. I think this would be a great thing to sign him up for - but it comes with a hefty price tag - anyone have any recommendations for Mom/Tot gym classes?

We had a Ward Christmas Breakfast and were invited to dress the kids up as someone from the manager story. We thought Max would make a great Shepard and so I found some left over fabric scraps and put them to use.... however Max was not happy with the outcome

But after awhile he warmed up to it all - I think he liked his staff the best

And I just love this picture below - so cute

I got Max some sun glasses and at first he would constantly pull them off - but after Daddy praised him on such cool glasses all he wants to do is wear them! And he does all the time - What a little stud muffin

The weather has been glorious around here! It's a little too cold in the morning but it warms up in the afternoons and it's quite nice. We've been taking full advantage of this weather and riding our bikes all over! Max loves the outdoors - I can't wait to take him camping - I can already picture his reaction to it all - laughing at every little thing and making his wow face

So my 101 list has seemed to take a back seat a bit - but I'm sure if I look the time to look through it I would find I have accomplished more then I expected - The great thing about the list is somewhere in my brain I know I want to accomplish these things and when opportunities arise I'm more likely to act on them then I would have it I hadn't written it down. Our stake had a flute choir (there were 11 people total) and we performed for the Stake Christmas Music Night - I'm so grateful to have music in my life and for my parents who where so supportive with lessons and getting me my very own flute - which I still have and allows me to keep bring music to my life and family) Music is a wonderful thing to be apart of

So here's a check check for this one

100. Practice my flute/Look into a flute quartet

Life According to my iphone

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

10.

11.

1. Playing at the Park - One of Maxwell's favorite pass times 2. Max loves going down the slide this particular way 3. Going down the slide at the mall 4. One of our first advent calendar activities - build a ginger bread house 5. Nothing like milk straight from the bowl 6. Another advent activity - make cookies - we had Merrill's family over to help 7. The finished ginger bread house 8. To cute not to share 9. Visiting Merrill's grandma on her 94th birthday 10. Max wearing his Max shirt (the dog from the Grinch) 11. I got my first pair of glass but I only need them for reading

I can't get over

2011-12-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

How stinkin' adorable this boy is!! Seriously! I love him to peices and I love being his mother

How many ways?

2011-12-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

I'm officially calling January my Adoption Campaign month as it will be the first month that I am going to put some quality time into our search to grow our family. I'm a firm believer that God helps those who help themselves and I want to make sure I do everything that I can do because I know that is when God will take care of the rest. So to start off this momentous occasion I had a thought go through my head to start a FB page for our adoption search. I was nervous about it at first wondering if anyone would even like it but I am so humbled by the response so far. It hasn't even been a full 24 hours and we have 51 likes. Wow! We feel so loved by everyone and their quick response to help us grow our family. I'm hoping that the number will keep growing and growing and that our information can spread across the cyber world and hopefully end up in the right hands.

Thank you to all those who sent me your addresses too - I have over 150 New Year Cards addressed, stamped, and patiently waiting for Dec 30th to roll around to be put in the mail. I thought it better to send our cards after all the Holiday Cards so they stand out a bit more. Next on the list is to make some little hand outs to pass out to OB/GYN and Counselors. The thought of that is pretty overwhelming when you think about having to contact the people and then take the information to them, but hopefully it will pay off somehow. If anyone has any other ideas or would like some hand outs to give to your Docs I would be happy to send some to you. So thank you all again for your love and help and if you haven't done so yet and would like to help us in our search please go to our FB page and "like" it.

What's interesting is the more I get involved in the search process the more anxious I get about the whole thing. Our LDS profile has been up for 6 months now and to be honest I haven't thought about it a ton. But after starting this FB page I have found myself getting really worried and anxious and am being reminded that all of this is in God's hands. Today I came across two people who are pregnant with more children and I found myself annoyed... which is weird because that hasn't ever bothered me the way it did today. Why I was so annoyed I asked myself? It was because both of these ladies just had kids - and here they are pregnant again and it just seemed to be so easy for them. But for me - it's not. I have to wait... and wait.... and wait. I have to wait to be chosen, wait for the baby to be born, wait for papers to be signed, wait for it to be legalized, and then wait to be sealed in the Temple. And I was sad that I have no idea how long I'm going to have to wait for this next baby. Part of me secretly wishes we get a call in the middle of the night with our case worker saying we have a baby for you (but rarely happens these days). I see other babies and I long for one and yet I seem to have no control over it all. The only thing I can do - is spread the word and pray that it's in God's plan that we are blessed with another baby within a reasonable time ie 2012 and not 2/3 years from now (which is often the norm).

As I was crying and praying to Heavenly Father for comfort I got a call from my friend Kim who said she just felt like she needed to call me and I immediately thanked my Heavenly Father for bringing me a friend. I told her I was just having a moment and realized that there are many blessing I get to enjoy that others won't ever experience and I was just trying to remind myself of that. After she hung up I was reflecting up how quickly my prayer was answered and I had a small impression that Heavenly Father knows me. He knew what I needed and He responded and I just got this feeling of peace that He knows how everything will come to be with this next adoption. He knows when our next baby will arrive and He knows the desires of our hearts. All my anxiety went away because I know that He knows what is best all around and that He will perform His work in His due time. I realized that instead of worrying about when our next baby will arrive I want to focus on what I can do to prepare myself, family, and home to welcome our next child. I am learning to make His will my own... but it's not easy... but it seems to be a lot more peaceful

18 Months!

2011-12-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

My little boy is 18 months today! He is the pride and joy in our lives... I can't even begin to image a life without him and his smile and his little idiosyncrasies. Like the way he totally fake laughs after he hears others laughing (he wants to make sure he is heard). I love the way he will turn with his mouth in an "O" shape when he is surprised -- it's darling. And now he seems to be talking all in vowels and will occasionally surprise me with a two or three syllable word at random. I love how much he understands and I'm always amazed when he understands more then I thought he did. I still can't get over how stinkin' cute he is and I am loving being his mother and seeing his personality come out here and there day after day. We are so lucky he is our son! We love you forever and ever Maxwell.

Fairwell Playdate

2011-12-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

It was a year and a half ago that we little group of three adoptive moms started our adoption book club. All of our kids were born so close together (Kase was only a couple days after Max was born). We would get together once a month and discuss the books we were reading and would let the kids play. I still remember when we would just lay the kids side by side and here they are now all running around and interacting with each other... Now Kristi has moved : ( But we will move forward with our little book group and hope to add new friends this year. On a side note - doesn't Max look adorable?! I think so

We went to Kristi's parent's house and that place was like an amusement park! There was soooo may cool things to do and the kids loved it - swing, jump on the tramp, go on a train ride, and feed some animals.

Attempting to take a picture of the three kids together but they didn't want to have any

thing to do with it. At one point Max went to hug Gracie but just kind of hung on her instead

she was not a fan - And here is Grace giving some Gracie kisses to Kase

So these are barrels that Kristi's dad made into little train carts they hook up to the golf cart -

the kids loved it for about 3 minuets

We got to feed a llama and some horses - The horses were a little to big for Max's liking

And here we all be - So much has changed from our first get together... Kristi is pregnant and Angie just adopted her 2nd little baby (a boy) and I'm still patiently waiting for our next little bundle - let's hope next year we will become a family of 4 or 5

Look how big Max and Kase are next to little Grace - it makes me laugh how big these boys are - future line backers for sure... Girls I think we should at least do a one year reunion or something!!!

All I want for Max ... I mean... all Max wan'ts for Christmas

2011-11-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

Merrill bought me a beach bike for Christmas - he did the right thing by having me pick the bike out and

the only thing missing now is an iBert T safe seat! I found one on craigslist but it was already sold and I tried my hand on ebay but was out bid : ( But then I thought - hey - this would make a great Christmas gift

I just stopped myself from spending about $80 on books or Max - I ended up getting him a quiet book but would LOVE to have these for him

My First Book of Mormon Stories

More of my Favorite Book of Mormon Stories

My First book of Old Testament Stories

My First book of New Testament Stories

My First book about the First Christmas

I can't even remember where I saw this - but isn't it cool!?

I think this looks fun - but I'm not 100% sure Max would? I thought he might though

Oh how I wish for Max to have his own Wooden Kitchen - not those plastic kinds. He loves playing

with his kitchen ware and pots and I think as he gets older he will enjoy one more and more Pottery Barn has the cutest ones hands down but Target has some decent ones for a decent price

Montessori Stuff - last but not least I would like to get Max some mini size items for himself

(fruit and vegetable flash cards - 2 of each for matching)

http://michaelolaf.com/store/product655.html

I like most of the items here http://www.montessoriservices.com/

I like to ride my trycicle.... I like to ride my trike

2011-11-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Bless the man who thought of craigslist. This is our go to place for anything we want but don't want to pay retail for. I was at my friend Chel's house and her son had this sweet radio flyer (my favorite brand!!) and I started coveting it right away. So when I got home I started my criaglist search and found this practically new trike with all the bells and whistles for $35 - retails 60+. At first I was thinking it would be a Christmas present but I couldn't wait for him to try it out

He loves his trike and we go on walks ALL the time! I showed him how to put his feet up since his feet don't touch the pedals and I love it when he rings the bell - it's so stinkin cute

Fun at the Zoo

2011-11-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to go on more play dates to get Max and myself out of the house. Thus one of my motivations for getting a zoo pass. My good friend Leah and I headed to the zoo with our kiddos and walked around, had lunch, and got to pet some animals. This place is perfect for taking the kids and I can't wait till we check out zoo lights. Here are some pictures from our little outing. And if I could write one memorable moment on this trip was when Max was helping me push the stroller while I was talking with Leah. I looked down to check on him only to find he wasn't there!! My heart skipped a beat - I turned around and there he was 10 feet behind me playing in the rocks and watching people walk by.... totally oblivious that I was walking away... So now I'm on my toes when ever he is pushing his stroller

10 things I'm Thankful for

2011-11-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

1. I am a child of God and I know that God loves me

2. My family - that we are sealed for time and all eternity

3. The way Merrill laughs

4. The different stages Max goes through and I get to see them all

5. Holiday vacation time

6. Good Health

7. Good Friends, good books, good food

8. This beautiful Arizona weather right now

9. Being able to stay home

10. Our home and the comforts we enjoy

I know I should be grateful.... but

2011-11-22T22:07:00.000-08:00

So it's that time of year when people are extra grateful and here I am trying with all my might to be happy for the things I have in life.... but really I'm just sorta blah

And I'm just going to say it .... I am so sick of photography right now. I keep asking myself why in the world am I doing this? It has taken over my life this month with the holiday family pictures and I just want to cry - crawl in bed - sleep for a long time - get up and not have to think about it ever again. But I can't right now.... and really it has really only taken up my evenings because when Max is awake that is our time together and I'm grateful for that

Merrill's advice - suck it up - this is really the first and ONLY time I've ever been this busy and once this month is over and the first two weeks of December go by I will have nothing to do photography wise

So I'm thankful for that. In the meantime I just have to get through this month and learn from it....

Which means that I won't be doing this much next year....period

And I'm grateful for that too.

Happy National Adoption Day!

2011-11-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

This time last year we were celebrating!

Can't believe it's been a whole year since our first adoption was finalized!

I'm hoping we will be finalizing another adoption this time in 2012!

Fingers Crossed!

We would so appreciate it if you would all help us in our search

Here are some ideas:

Facebook or tweet our adoption address:

http://www.merrillandmary.com/

Pass on our adoption website to church leaders, school counselors, hair dressers, nurses, etc

Email me and I'll send you several of our pass along cards!

Thank you for all your help and support!

Adoption 102 : Words

2011-11-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

Since it is National Adoption Month I've been meaning to blog something about adoption awareness - I did a whole slew of posts last year and started with this post HERE. I've thought of several items I could discuss but I thought I would arrow it down and focus on two words that could really use some awareness.... Real Mother...

Let's talk about what a "Real" mother is in the first place

I think we can all agree that a mother gives life to a child.... in addition to that a mother loves her child and cares for and nurtures a child's needs. Gets up 3 times a night with the child - changes lots of diapers - handles many a melt downs - gives kisses and hugs galore - gives comfort when there is an ouchy - and the list can go on and on for every age/stage the child goes through.

Now going with the description listed above I  wonder why people would even think that I wasn't his real mother - the only thing I haven't done is grow a baby and physically give birth - but let me tell you Max grew in my heart and I had my own kind of emotional labor when Max was being born. Talk about feeling 3 emotions all at once.

So I just want to say - I am very much Max's real mother!  I love him in a way I never knew was possible. And to my son - I am his real mother. Yes my child has a biological mother - a women who we hold dear in our hearts and honor for her choice to place. A wonderful women who also loves our son.

So in a very real sense Maxwell has two mothers - one who gave him life and one who gives him a life.

This is Max's reality and I know that Max having a birth mother doesn't make me less of his mother.

I thought I would just end with this story I heard at adoption conference....

There was a football player who was adopted. One day he had several of his close team mates came over to his house to hang out. While they were talking the conversation turn towards adoption and his friends asked him where his real mother was. To which he replied.... why she's up stairs. His friends said - no we mean your real mother. Here he sat up and said - Guy's you've known me and my family for years - I'm offended that you wouldn't see my mother as my real mother - she is the one who cares for me and loves me and does all the things a mother does. Please when you are in my house refer to my mother as my real mother.

So with that - the most appropriate way to refer to any women who decides to place her child is as such
POSITIVE:                                NEGATIVE:

birth mother                                real mother
biological mother                         natural mother

Well I hope I cleared things up a bit? I'm not very eloquent with words - but at least I tried.

life according to my iphone

2011-11-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

Eating some ice cream - We've taken up some habits recently - eating out -

sometimes it is just so much easier

2. One night in October Max had this hacking cough - his crest was striding and I knew -

It's croup

Seriously one of the scariest moments in our lives as we helplessly watched him struggle for breath

We hopped in the car and drove to the Emergency Room down the road - 5 hours later (they had to monitor him to make sure the meds were working ) we were back home and the next morning

this boy was good as new

3. Birthday Dinner with my brother Patrick and the family at Kobe's stake house - It's one of those places they cook food in front of you - And I won't mention that my dad forgot this dinner was a dual birthday dinner for Patrick and me.... ahem.

- just kidding daddy - you know i love you - and we know i'm your daughter since i pretty much forget

everyone's birthday - like yours from time to time ; )

4. Our car Greg - got hit and the other guy ran while we were inside our frieds house

: ( Now he has some scars

5. Eating some animal cookies

6. Got a memebership to the Phoenix Zoo!

This place is awesome for little kids and play dates with friends

7. The weather has been A-Maz-Ing! I remind myself this is why I love Arizona...
We spend all our time outside these days and I'm

in love with this picture below - what a big boy Max is getting to be

8. Going on one of our family walks together

9. We like going to Bahama Bucks occasionally - this night Max was flirting like crazy

with that table full of girls - it was scandalous to say the least - They were all falling for his little boy charms

- and Max was laughing in this picture - promise - he loves kisses from Daddy - they're best buds

Unit Available for Rent come Feb 2012

2011-11-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

See the full posting HERE

NEW Adoption Button - Get yours while they're HOT

2011-11-13T19:43:00.001-08:00

To grab our button for your blog, copy the code in the box below and apply it to your sidebar under the HTML/JAVA gadget.

It's November - Do you know what that means? It's National Adoption Month!! It was this time last year that we had Maxwell's adoption finalized

And here we are a year later - Hoping to adopt again!

So if you have a button on your blog a BIG THANK YOU to you!!! It means so much to have your support. If you don't have one yet.... we would be so grateful if you added one. And come on - don't we just look so pretty in this picture? It would make any blog side bar shine ; )

And just a heads up - I'm calling January my official Adoption Campaign month - so expect

lots of emails and posts about getting the word out for us and for those of you who have emailed me your addresses - you will be getting a pretty little holiday card in the mail!

Lot's of Love MJ^3

P.S. We've updated some stuff on our adoption website too - http://www.merrillandmary.com/

So feel free to go in and check it out and if you see any major typos - let me know : )

Happy 8!

2011-11-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Merrill and I have been married for 8 years! Holy Moly Batman - where did all the time go? It's been a wonderful 8 years with this man and we're still going strong! Here to another 8 and many more to come.

A little Holiday Re-cap

2011-11-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

Okay - not our best pictures of this holiday... seeing how we forgot our camera on Halloween night and we totally slacked taking pictures at our ward Fall Festival. But here are some we got - Max really loved playing the bean bag game they had. He really didn't love our attempt to paint a smiley face on his hand - as per the picture below.

Max was obsessed with the Snow Cone - that was all he wanted to do after he had one bite - forget about all the festivities - give me a sip of that cup! And props to Merrill for wearing his hat - he gets more into then I do - I didn't want to wear them but he insisted

Max didn't quite get the whole "trick or treat" thing either - after a treat was put in his bucket he would shake it until it fell out - Maybe next year... Here you can see his shirt a little bit better

Let's hope next year he will still be okay with a family themed outfit.... we'll see. Overall I was pretty proud of my shirt making skills - I might have to do this for some other occasions.

Have a Happy Halloween on Monday

2011-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

From your favorite condiments

Merrill - Ketchup

Mary - Mustrad

Max - Mayo aka Miracle Whip

I made the shirts and got the hat idea from my friend Leah and improvised

from my friends hat tutorial from here - and just in case you can't figure out
why we have these on our heads the first place - it's suppose to be the squirt top
of the old fashion condiment bottles - Merrill's has Ketchup coming out
of it but you can't see it in this picture

And seriously - I have the best husband ever - because he actually wore his hat -

Max on the other hand was not a fan

We got lots of compliments at the Ward Party - which I thought was funny seeing how this was

not a very origional idea -

More pictures to come on our Halloween festivities later this week

The Christmas Itch

2011-10-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Why are all these stores pushing Christmas already?! Well - I guess it's working as I already bought some suger cookie cookie dough, two holiday cd's, a nativity set, and I'm seriously contemplating making my own advent calendar. Just looking at the picture from last year - is getting me all excited to put up my after holiday finds I purchased a year ago

Tonight I was thinking about when we will put up the Christmas tree and debating if I want to make PJ pants for Christmas Eve? What a change from this post in 2007. I guess having kids has taken the grinch out of me.

All this and Halloween isn't even over yet

At least Merrill, Max and I had a dance off tonight with our halloween cd

Just a couple of our family pictures for your viewing pleasure

2011-10-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

so this is the 20x24 that is going up in the living room

I really love this picture of Max - it makes me laugh

Kisses from Max are a messy business

family pictures 2011 - bloopers

2011-10-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

this might even be frame worthy

Anne of Green Gables

2011-10-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

I am almost done reading this book to Max and this is the third time I've cried while reading and I wanted to share one reason why....

From Matthew Cuthbert...

"She's been a blessing to us, and there never was a luckier mistake then what Mrs. Spencer made - if it was luck. I don't believe it was any such thing. It was Providence, because the Almighty saw we needed her, I reckon."

Sometimes people will make comments that an unexpected/unwed pregnancy was a mistake - and while sometimes the situations may not be ideal I know that there is a God in Heaven who knows all - and he knows what we all need - and that what may seem to be a mistake can be quite the opposite... an answer. I just couldn't hold back the tears as I thought of how much I love Max and what a blessing he is. And I know that he was always meant to be our son - he just had to come through our wonderful birthmother. I feel so lucky to be his mother and to have him in my life.

(I hate when I can't fall asleep - I hope I'm not dragging too much tomorrow)

catching up...

2011-10-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

busy - I have a love hate relationship with that word.

I finally feel like I'm getting caught up with life - that I can actually do something productive in a day.

It seems like my only way to get some sense of relief from being busy is shopping - gasp!

I know - I don't like to go out and shop - but it was necessary as we are getting our family pictures next week!!! I'm so so so so excited and I had to get the outfits just so and with the help with the uber talented
Bekah - she helped me piece together two outfits.

I'm happy to say I only have one wedding to edit - phew and will be happily mailing a recent session in the mail tomorrow which means the next two nights I can focus on getting this wedding edited and done! And I will be all caught up hopefully by Saturday.

I'm slowly working on our Halloween costumes and I have to admit I was super unhappy about the 90 degree weather today - it's suppose to be FALL people - please come soon lovely 70 degree weather so I can at least put a cardigan on

In Maxwell news - he is growing so quickly - he is transitioning to a one nap schedule and is trying all kinds of new words

He loves to point all over the place and have you name items as he points to them

And he is in love with his Pooh Bear and Blanket

memories.... all alone in the moonlight... (you know the rest so start singing)

2011-10-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

I got home late tonight and am busy getting things wrapped up before I head to bed.

I was at the hospital all day today - seriously I was - like for 13 hours!

I was hired to photography the birth of a child. Unfortunately she was flipped the wrong way and stuck for about
6 hours until the docs were able to get some things in place to get things moving along.

And once everything got settled things started moving fast and I am so glad I got to see another baby born.

What an amazing process it all is! And while I was snapping away I was caught off guard by the sudden tears that filled my eyes...

Why you ask?

Well I was remembering when Maxwell was born and just the whole experience came back to me - the first time I saw his head and how scrunched up his face was. I remember when I got to hold and feed him and kiss his sweet soft face. What a sacred and special time that was to me. I am so grateful I got to be there for this birth and that Merrill could do skin to skin with him. It warms my heart to see Merrill holding him the way he did when Max was first born.

There is something magical about new babies fresh out of the womb. The whole atmosphere changes and the love is palpable.

And now I'm so excited... excited that the next time I get to see another birth that it will be for our next child. Whenever that is....

Hopefully soon - but thankfully all in God's timing

And what I'm mostly trying to say is - I love being a mother

So today is your birthday....

2011-10-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well today wasn't my birthday - it was a couple of days ago.... and to celebrate we took advantage of the free birthday meals. I hit up 3 places all in one day and it was delish...

First I went to Joe's BBQ with my friend Leah and in the evening Merrill and I went to Joe's Farm Grill for dinner and then Liberty Market for dessert.

Can't believe I'm 28 - however I am constantly mistaken for 23-24 and sometimes younger. So that's a plus

I love birthday kisses - all nice and slobbery

It's been a wonderful year and I expect another one is just around the corner

Pretty Proud - 27. Make Max's adoption book

2011-10-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

So I'm pretty proud of myself right now --- I am on the verge of being done with Maxwell's adoption story book!! After I created the cover I went back through each picture and added some stuff for fun to the pictures with thought bubbles etc. It probably wasn't necessary but I thought it would be so cute. Here is the front and back of the book - and I'm just going to go ahead and mark this one off the 101 list.

PS Is anyone else in the habit of starting something and then not stopping until it is done?

PSS Know what it kind of reminds me of? Napolean Dynamite - when he doodles on his pictures - but cuter

tragical

2011-09-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

I was going ot write a little post about how wonderful today was.... I just loved being with Max today. It was just one of those days where I just loved watching and observing him and had to thank Heavenly Father for giving us this most precious gift. I just felt so utterly content and blissfully happy inside and had to keep thanking God over and over again for life, for Max, getting to be a mommy, and just all the joy that life has to offer.

--------

fast forward to 10:56 PM. I have been trying to organize/declutter our back up hard drive and desk top while at the same time finding pictures to go with Maxwell's adoption story I'm also working on - and it has come to my attention I am missing an extremely large chunk of pictures!?! I hadn't noticed it before - but as I'm looking for specific images (ie family picture from when Max was 3 month old, our Temple pictures, and other random Max pictures) they are no where to be found. The only conclusion I've come to is that our computer crashed (which it seems to do quite often - but I can't seem to remember when the last time it had happend) and that is why I am missing so many as I hadn't backed them up?! Oh I want to cry - mostly over the fact that my most precious Temple pictures from Maxwell's sealing day are all gone. The only reason I haven't shed a tear yet is that I do have my 11x14 canvas which I plan on giving to Max already printed and displayed in our house and when I made the family blog book I included more pictures of the sealing day then I had on the blog so there is yet some remenance of the event for Max to see. So while my heart aches I'm just so greatful I do have them somewhere in our records. I do have two of those books and one is comfortably safe in our safe at the moment - so that is a relief. Oh - isn't it tragical to lose one's pictures (I've been reading Ann of Green Gables to Max and that word just seemed so perfect in this situation) - thus a harsh reminder of my need to 1. keep my desk top neat and orderly in the first place and 2. to back up my images asap (I do this for my clients - so why wouldn't I do it for myself!?!)

--------

Over all it was still a very wonderful day and I'm happy to say I'm almost done with Maxwell's adoption book - it is going to be very simple - neat - and clean - I'll share one of the pages (I'm copying the format from Tell me Again about the Night I was born by Jamie Lee Curtis) - why re-invent the wheel? Then the hard part - writing the more detailed things out to share with him as he gets older.

Life According to my Iphone

2011-09-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

So I take an exorbitant amount of pictures on my iphone of Maxwell - most of which are blurry because he moves around so much - but here are a couple I captured as of late -

The ones below are from a couple months ago - but I wanted to document them

And I LOVE these pictures! I can't believe I'm just now sharing these since this was back from this post HERE

Oh I love that video - I think I need to do more videos!

Another outing

2011-09-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

So I admit that I love an excuse to get Max and I out of the house and since it seems like we've been in cooped up all Summer with this blasted heat - seriously I've lived here all my life and it has been the first time I have been ready to pack up and move somewhere cooler - preferable Oregon - which won't happen anyways - sorry I digress - I called up my good friend Christine and we packed our lunches and ventured to the splash part. Just wanted to share some pictures of my sweet little boy who kept lying down on the ground - I think he was listening to the water - and in one of them I think he actually had his eyes closed - what a cutie!

A sweet surprise!

2011-09-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

I got this sweet email from our lovely BM after my blog post the other day - I asked her if it would be okay to share it becuase one of the questions I often get is if it is hard for our BM to see Max after placement ie makes her regret her decision - so I just wanted to share this and document it for Max - so he can read her words one day and know how much she loves him and what a special little boy he is!

Dear Mary,

I just have to say I LOVE YOU! I read your blog and it totally made me smile. I love how even though we
live seperate lives, we are connected by a bond stronger than anything. We are bound together by a wonderful little spirit that came into our lives for a purpose. He is such an amazing gift! Maxwell brightens your day - every day! He gives you purpose. He gave you hope. He loves you Mary...so much! I love that I am a part of this
wonderful experience. I love that you are ready to share with him all the great things about him - and what he has to look forward to. I love how you tell people that YOU are his real mother - because you are! I love love love ALL of this!! I am excited for the day, when Max is old enough, when he will come to me...and thank me for what I have done. For giving him such amazing parents. For giving him the life he may not have had with me. For giving HIM a purpose! Thank you Mary

I've read this over and over and each time I get misty eyed - isn't she amazing?! What a beautiful woman - I can't imagine life without her - and withouth Max - Adoption is such a wonderful gift and blessing. This makes me all the more excited for baby #2 that will come into our lives someday and another wonderful woman.

two posts in one day - adoption on the brain

2011-09-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post more then once a week these days as I can't seem to figure out where time goes but over these last couple of days adoption has been running through my mind lately.

I was able to document some baby pictures for a couple who recently adopted and just reading her blog and seeing her with her baby brought back a flood of memories to me of the day we brought Max home. I remember that overwhelming sense of love and joy and utter happiness of being able to finally be a mother. It's almost like a relief and I hate to say it this way but it was really how I felt - I just so longed to be a mother and in a way felt so desperate... When our little boy finally came it was the most satisfactory feeling in the world - just sheer fulfillment and relief.

With a new adoption comes a lot of congratulations and all kinds of comments.... which brings me to my next reflections. I blogged about adoption language here but again in lieu of recent events I've been reminded of how much misunderstanding there is in adoption.

Before we decided to adopt I know I didn't know a thing about it and I'm sure at some point in my life I've said or asked some of the questions that get adoptive couples and birth mother's feathers ruffled.... if you know what I mean. It wasn't until we began our adoption journey that we really started to learn and be educated on this unique and most precious process. I still remember the first time I spoke to an adoptive couple and they were explaining their open adoption to me - I was utterly shocked and amazed that a couple would still keep contact after placement. Now I couldn't image not having some form of contact with our birthmother. I don't know if any one can ever really understand it unless they have personally gone through it and/or have worked with a couple and/or birth mother in the most emotional moments of the process to understand what an amazing thing it is.

I love our birth mother - From the depths of my heart I will forever be grateful to her for making us family - for making Merrill a father and me a mother. She did something for me that I couldn't even do for myself and we have a special bond and respect for one another. I want her to be part of Maxwell's life and I want Maxwell to know about her and her love for him. So I get it when I get the question.... "where is Maxwell's 'real' mother" from some one ignorant to the process - I've just learned to say - "I'm right here - where else would I be" because come on people I am his real mother. Actually Max has two mothers in his life - me his mother and his birth mother - that is Maxwell's reality and me trying to ignore that fact or down play it in any way isn't going to help Max or me or our birthmother - I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father would think I am capable to raise a child through the process of adoption - it is such an honor to be Maxwell's mother and I feel so blessed to know our birth mother.

I could go on and on but I'm afraid I'm not making sense anymore - I think it's time for me to start working on Maxwell's adoption story book - What an adventure - I'm really excited to start it and hopefully can start teaching Max about his tummy mommy and how wonderful she is for placing him with us to be his daddy and mommy for time and all eternity!

15 months and other random updates

2011-09-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

For real? I can't believe it has been that long

Here are some quick stats and random pictures from the last month or so

Height: 33.5 or 34 in (I can't find his stats sheet and I can't remember off the top of my head)
Weight: 25 lbs
Head Circum: 19 ins

Max is growing so quickly, apparently he is as tall as a 22 month old would be as he is way above the 90th percetile. I can't seem to keep up with this little whirlwind sometimes. Some days seem to fly by and others seem to go so slow. He is picking up on more and more signs all the time - his vocabulary is pretty much the same although he will occasionally say a new word at random. He loves to eat and is almost running. He wears 18-24 month clothes and he is seriously the most adorable child ever. The doc said his stranger anxiety will persist until he reaches the age of 2 so don't be offended if he is extra clingy to me or bashful when you say hi to him. He will laugh this happy laugh if the words "binkie" or "pooh bear" are ever mentioned - and he loves to try to do whatever it is I'm doing

Now that I'm in nursery I am hoping to implement some of that Sunday school routine into our weekly schedule - I'm thinking if I can start twice a week I'll be doing well there so wish me luck

I think I've come to terms that my house will never really ever be clean - unless we are hosting a party or something - and I'm okay with that - I'm not superwomen and there is only so much time in a day

I've been shopping around for some outfits for our family pictures in October - I'm thinking light blue, light pick, grey combo for the family - something nice and airy like as these will be our new profile pictures for the adoption website and our profile. I got Max's out fit all done and I'm working on mine and then onto Merrill.

Staying busy with Photographery - I have several weddings coming up where I get to work with some great local photographers like Melissa Jill, Rebecca Bouck, Kim Bee, Erica Velasco, and hopefully more in the future.

And just another plug - Feel free to share our adoptoin information with any one - I'm really hoping we have a new sweetie in our arms around Maxwell's 2nd birthday - a girl can dream ;)

Poor Baby!

2011-09-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Okay - this is going to be long..... be prepared

It all started off about a month ago - little Max got a yeast infection : ( I took him into the doc and they gave me some medicine. I decided to put Max in disposables because I wasn't sure if it was his cloth diapers that were the culprit. But then he had a reaction to the diapers and after some panicked calls to the doc I got some organic disposables and 55 + dollars of skin care essentials and after much diligence on my behalf he was all healed/cleared up in about two weeks. Hurray! I used a stripper on my diapers and now they are good as new.

So a week or two goes by and Max wakes up very warm. I take his temp 99... so I give him some medicine - I could tell right away he wasn't his usual active self. Several hours later his temp jumps - it got all the way up to 102 - another trip to the doc and turns out he has a bi-lateral ear infection - She gave me a prescription but I went home and got to work with some essential oils - with my grapefruit and basil in hand - I alternated between the two each hour and by the next day - no fever and I had my happy little boy back! Hurray.

Now it has been two days and he has this strange rash all over his head and body - I have no idea what it is - he doesn't seemed bother by it - not sure if it is from food or a reaction after his fever as they happened very close together - I've been trying some oils but no luck - I am going to set up his 15 month check up for this week so maybe I can get some answers then

That is Maxwell's poor baby section - now here is mine

I need advice. You see I've started some bad habits with Max and now they are started to really show. The first - the binkie! I have a love hate relationship with that thing. Before it was only used for sleeping and church - but somehow (after our vacation in CA) it has become a regular item in the mouth and I hate it. Why? I don't know - it just seems like an addiction to me. But this habit is also intermingled with another bad habit - whining!! And I'm the one at fault because I'm the one who caves in. I've tried to put a stop to it before... her was my plan of action

Whining begins - place Max in his room to "calm down" as the whining turns into a tantrum of sorts - but he won't stop crying in his room unless he has his.... binkie! So here is what I'm thinking

Should I start cutting his binkie down until it is so long far well? And replace his "soothing" device to a blanket or stuffed animal? But then I feel like I'm just creating the same issue as before - he needs something to help him calm down. Once the binkie is out of the picture commence operation - but baby in room to calm down and go get him once he stops crying thus enforcing I pick you up when you aren't crying. But the one time I did this - ie no binkie he cried for 20 mins! And I fear it will be more -

The bottom line - I don't want to train Max to whin/cry/throw a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants - which I know will happen - but I just know there is a better way of handling it then I am - which right now is caving in - I just need a system and I need to stick to it - no matter how much easier it is to give in or how tired of I am - it's for both our benefit

Suggestions welcomed

I couldn't help myself

2011-08-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

I just bought a pair of these for Max!

Let's hope they fit! Finger's crossed... I've been looking for shoes non stop for this little guy. I wanted something light and easy to put on and off seeing how we are in Arizona. I say all the shoes seem too bulky or too hot and flip flops makes Max's toes red so I am giving these a try. It's a big price for such little shoes but with a $5 coupon and all the gas I figure I'll save by not having to drive around maybe I might save some money? I really do hope these fit - he has such cute chubby feet - I got a size 7 - right now it seems his feet are between a 5 and 6 so let's hope that these work.

PS For the second time I was told that I have a classic style - what a compliment! I really do want a classic style - things change too much for me and I would rather have things that I can wear 5 years from now and still look "in style" if you know what I mean. So thank you for the sweet complement - And I have to admit I haven't been "shopping" for clothes in over a year - I pick up one or two things a garage sales but that is about it.

PSS We may have a condo open up in October so if you know someone who knows someone... pass my email on marry.jordan@yahoo.com

PSSS We are still hoping to adopt so if you know someone who knows someone send them here www.merrillandmary.com

I'm a Mormon

2011-08-29T01:47:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Mormon.org? It's pretty amazing and I love what our church is doing to help teach others about what we believe and who we are. It's funny to think that a majority of people who aren't mormon think of mormons as a cult, weird, pushy, and a whole bunch of other things that a majority of the mormons I know are not.

As most of you all know - I joined the church when I was 13 and all I can say is, thank you Heavenly Father! I know where I would be if I hadn't joined the church and it's a scary thought. My life has been rich beyond measure and I am so grateful to know that there is a God and that He has a plan for all of His children. It was the simple truths thought to me, such as, my life has a purpose, that God has standards for us to live by that bring us happiness, that I have a brother Jesus Christ who made it possible for me to repent and return back to God's presense, that I am of value, and so much more that helped me become the person I am today and helps me see the better person I can become in the future.

So here is my profile - Go check it out http://mormon.org/me/5FX8/

And feel free to inform me if there are any major typos or if anything doesn't quite make sense - a bad habit of mine I'm afraid

Keep an eye out for the commericals that will be airing in October on all the major networks - and if you have any questions I'm more then happy to answer them.

And yes - It is now 1:42 AM and I can't sleep! ANNOYING!!! Especially since I am getting up at 5 AM to swim. I have been lying in bed since 10 PM and I couldn't take it any more - so here I am - making lists, reading, planning, and blogging.

It's Baby Signing Time

2011-08-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

That one little phrase brings giggles from this little boy! This is one of his favorite things to do in a day - watch some baby signing time. I forgot to ask him to sign Please and Thank you : ( He is good at those. In the very begining he is signing car -

Sorry the video is all orange - I did't set my setting right and I was attempting to get something videoed - not to mention I'm not very good at videoing on my own - it's so much easier with another adult

signing time 001 from mary jordan on Vimeo.

In other news - My house is a disaster!!! I seriously can't get it clean for the life of me - I'm having issues with my cloth diapers so I'm using disposables right now - it's bitter sweet really - and I'm treating Max with some On Guard oil for his runny nose - that stuff is a miracle worker. I have lots of blisters all over my hands as I'm trying to make room for a garden in our back yard and I've been slacking on the potty training - Sorry for all the negative nelly - it's just been one of those weeks I say. And between you and me I'm sooooo done with this heat!! Seriously - I'm ready to move. But the little ray of sun shine this week was when the best husband ever came home from work early so I could "have a break" - He totally surprised me and brought me an ice cream cone to boot! What would I do without that man??!!

Splash Park - Who Knew

2011-08-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

I had no idea there was a splash park just a couple of miles from our house until my friend Leah called to see if Max and I wanted to go check it out. This place is the place to be if you are a kid and a mom - there is water and a play ground not to mention all the stores calling to the children for them to beg their parents for toys, food, etc. Max was a little timid at first but he got into ater some time - what a little chunck of love!

I thought it would be fun to take some pictures of this little event

Below are Leah's sweet kids - They were so cute with Max - the both held his hand to help

him out to the water

We will have to put this one back on the to do list for fun outtings

More California!!

2011-08-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

I know, I know.... So much for getting these pictures up soon... oh well. But low and behold here they be.

We got back from your first vacation for the year and while it was wonderful to get away - it was nice to get home - Max braved the car seat fairly well - There were a few crying fits and he has taken up the habit of screetching (which makes me jump when I'm not expecting it) and this happened more then enough in the car.
We loved visiting with Merrill's brother Jason and his adorable wife Katie. We explored New Port Beach and Balboa Beach and enjoyed romping in the waves. Max discovered how sand tasted and seemed to have a love hate relationship with the waves (crying for some and laughing for others)
I am amazed at the amount of sand we brought home with us - that stuff gets everywhere! We ate at Ruby's on the Peir and we even saw Dolphins in the ocean (really close too!!) it was a beautiful sight.
We ate what we wanted and stayed up till late in the night - we want to thank Jason and Katie for letting us come take over their little apartement for the weekend!

Our lovely hosts

Dinner at Ruby's - Max kept closing his eyes

Look at Maxwell's little belly - don't you just want to kiss it?

New Port Temple

Brothers - Awww

California 2011

2011-08-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Just got home on Monday from California! It was so fun and I'm still trying to get caught up around here - so when I get to it I'll post more pictures!

Happy 14 months Max!! Can you believe it??? Where does the time go?

Adventures in Home Education

2011-07-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

So Max is almost 14 months old. He has two more teeth coming in and is drooling all the time! He is starting to get more confidence in his walking and is starting to venture out more and more for longer and longer walks. I'm so proud of my boy. Some of my favorite moments are getting him out of his crib in the morning and he snuggles into my shoulder - precious! He loves to babble and is slowly adding to his vocabulary.

I've pretty much have taken Montessori to heart - I believe in it and I know it works. But I admit that after I read a book I get a little discouraged and cry a tear or two but resolve to get this thing right! How much preparation it requires. I'm slowing getting there and in the process have to wrong some of my previous purchases I had made prior to my new found knowledge. So I'm selling what I have to save for what I want and hope in the end I will feel like I'm doing this thing "right". I hate the feeling of having to spend so much money especially when times are tight all around and have resolved to be less "dive in head first" and more "take your time and find a bargin" which does take much time -

I was very proud of my ingenuity the other night.... I realized Max is growing out of his 12 month clothes - the shirts will ride up and get stuck on top of his round tummy - hehehe - it really is precious to see. I went to go see what I had in way of 18 month summer tops and the result was bleak. I did find 5 onesies that I purchased before Max was born at a garage sale at 25 cents a piece and thought I could make those work but soon remembered how much I don't like onesies for Max at this age. But something clicked and I took out my sewing machine and cut off the bottoms and made those onesies into shirts! And I love them and they work great and I have a draw full of shirts - I tell you that sewing class was one of the best investments of my time and money.

I realize Max is my first pancake and I'm bound to make mistakes - poor fellow - but by the grace of God I'm sure Max will turn out all right. I just want to do all I can to help that little brain of his grow and learn.

So this week I'm going to focus on observing him - I will get my note book and paper and really study what he is interested in and see if I can foster that more the next day. I'm going to move Max out of his crib this week - gasp! But I have a plan laid out and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will be happy to report his success... all safety precautions have been made and he will be safe and sound in his little boy room.

Tomorrow I should be getting my coveted Montessori materials and I'm eager to read and start implementing some of their lessons and concepts. Hopefully it will lay to rest my anxiety of not knowing what to do.

I'm defiantly being tried in my patience with myself - and I'm remembering my need to turn to God in even these little simple requests in my life. I'm reminded more and more how much I need my Heavenly Father in my life and hope to be better at seeking Him out regularly so I can have His help in this journey of parenthood.

In other news to myself - I just finished reading The Secret Garden and Little Women. Splendid books full of healthy doses of virtue and the happiness of living them in ones life. Today at the library I found James and the Giant Peach (I though of you N) and Heidi all for a bargain!! $1.50 - Hurray for books. Now I'm on a quest to start collecting Hans Anderson's fairy tales and classic boy books - Loved little britches. I'm hoping to foster a love of country life into Max and he will one day proudly wear a coon skin cap and pretend he is from the wild country - even though we live in the city

Can't Get Enough

2011-07-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well I bit the bullet and purchased several Montessori Albums for Maxwell! What is a montessori album you ask -well it's basically a teacher's manual with ideas for lessons/lesson plans to teach your children. So I just purchased the infant/toddler manuals and while it was a pretty penny - I'm so excited to give them a try. I read a lot of mom forums before moving forward with this investment. I'm so looking forward to getting them and doing some reading and hopefully start implementing them into our day.

No swimming this week for me - Starting to feel it on my tummy too!! So I'll be hitting the lanes on Monday and I'm starting to wonder if I need to sigh up for a mini triathlon to keep me motivated - any one interested in doing one in Dec?

This week my goal is to organize/burn all my Maxwell/Family pictures!! It's on my 101 list and it just has to be done! This was blatantly made aware to me as I was organizing my office/office desktop - So for memories sake I threw in a couple of iphone pictures of my little guy - my how he changes. I think I need to post more of my iphone pictures for documentation purposes.

Next month I want to attempt the no movies for a whole month on my list - and get more reading done - as I have a large pile of books I want to read

knick knacks, trinkets, junk, etc

2011-07-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

Max is at a stage where he LOVES to open and close things and put things into and out of bags/boxes. I have to admit that at some point in my life I have had several of these items in my possession. Unfortunately for me- I've gotten rid of many of these do-dads as they always just seemed to be space wasters. I've been good willing for these items with no luck! go figure - so I thought I might just ask - where can I find things random items for under $1?? Or if you find you have these items in your "to donate" box I have a little boy who would be a happy recipient.

little tins would be great similar to these boxes too

Picture LOVE

2011-07-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

It's pretty ridiculous how many pictures I can post of my little sweet heart - but can you blame me?

13 months baby!!

See more of this baby face HERE

Today I kid you not that Max said "Thank You" and "PooPoo" right after I said the words - only once though. He also went poop and pee in the potty today!! So far the only time he actually goes in the potty is when Merrill is helping him?? What gives - hump - I'm the one doing all the work and here comes Merrill and Max just starts to show off. I've got to get around to tracking things - okay sorry - TMI - and let me clarify - Max is not potty trained and probably won't be for a long time - I'm hoping by the time he is 2 he will be fairly capable of doing it on his own - See book "Diaper Free before 3" - Genius

I've also included a picture of Max at his little table drinking his milk and some animal crackers for a job well done after our photo shot - what a trooper he was. I am busy reading and shopping for montessori ideas and practices - First things first - get things "in order" Everything has it's place - there is a place for everything - right?? Well that is what I"m trying to do and I'm notorious for not putting things away - so thanks to Max it's something I'm working on.

I love watching Max be so engrossed in little "projects". Today he was intent on transferring a set of items from one container to another - it makes me mad to think he doesn't spend this kind of time with some of the most amazing toys he has and it's the most random items that keeps him engaged... I'm all over Goodwill this weekend - little boxes, things that open and close, and baskets here I come!!

I just got Maxwell's little silverware in the mail - I love!! Next on the list of items - music items and kitchen ware

I'm working on making Maxwell's room more kid friendly - so I'll post pictures once I'm done - Still lots to do and I'm attempting to make these clothing things for Max and I'm starting to wonder why - oh right - They cost 10 bucks each!!

Well - that's all for now - Wish me luck in my never ending search of montessori items - It's like seriously furnishing a whole house - only kid size -

Happy 4th

2011-07-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

laughing 001 from mary jordan on Vimeo.

We had a happy 4th! Isn't his laugh the sweetest thing? - ahh - it makes my heart smile

Catch Up - 101 List

2011-07-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

I was just reading through my 101 list and realized there is a lot on there that I've completed - some I've blogged about already but haven't marked off and others I haven't. I have enjoyed having this list - without it I wouldn't have completed as much as I have thus far.

2. Read Baby Sign Language Book - I've mentioned this already - and although I didn't finish the book - Max is constantly signing. He loves the "Baby Signing Time" Video we've been watching. His newest word he learned is "Please" I had been working on it with him for about a week but I wasn't sure if he was getting it. We were out to ice cream and out of no where he signs please.... we just laughed that it was the call of ice cream that brought out his manners ; ) We are working on potty right now and thank you.

7. Take Swim Lessons with Max - see post here

8. Join a Master's Swim Team - see post here

23. Have dinner made every day for 2 weeks - That is right people - yours truly has been cooking 6 days a week for 3 weeks now. I don't know what came over.... actually I do. I bought this cook book - "Our Best Bites" with a gift card I got for mother's day and ever since I've been inspired. I've made bread sticks, rolls, pastas, soups, mashed potatoes, quiche! I know right?? Pretty impressed myself. I really want to make dinner a family time in our house - and to do that it means I need to cook. Plus it's nice for Merrill to take left overs for lunch the next day.

30. Learn about Montessori ways - I've blogged about this a bit - It's a work in process. I've looked into getting Montessori Certified but the school hasn't gotten back to me - blah - I love the concepts in it and I'm slowly incorporating them into our every day lives.

56. Take dinner to a family in need once a week for three weeks - There were a ton of baby births in our ward and I know I passed this one off -

92. Get Lightroom 3 - I'm going to mark this off too - I don't have lightroom 3, but I do have lightroom now and I'm so looking forward to taking Jared Platt's Lightroom class

101. Attend the ward choir - I was pretty consistent with this at the end of last year - I was asked to play the flute and it kept me going - but then the song I was to play got cut and I admit it was a relief - I am really rusty!

Well there you have it - I have several more in the works right now - over all I'm really happy with my list and how far I've come and I'm looking forward to completing more

baby steps baby!

2011-06-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's happening - Max has taken his first baby steps and is continuing to advance ever so slowly... just today he took 4 steps all on his own! He is a force to be reckoned with with his beautiful radio flyer red wagon courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa W (thank you!!) We have enjoyed a couple of nature walks together, but alsa, even the morning hours are so hot we can only be out for a short time before we find refuge inside. Before we know it we will be running after this cutie pie. I even put up a little video for your viewing pleasure.

forgive our "tone of voices" in the beginning of the video - It seems I remember to pull out the camera

right after the excitement of the moment and Max starts to forget how much fun he was having... and I make Merrill work the camera and I'm constantly giving him instructions - thanks for putting up with me Merrill

max walking 027 from mary jordan on Vimeo.

In other Maxwell news - he is getting 4 new teeth! Two molars on the top and his fang teeth - Notice how is two front teeth look shorter then the rest - Is that from his pacifier??? I didn't think they could do that - I thought that was only thumb sucking....

Memories

2011-06-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

I went to go visit my mom a couple of weeks ago and I came across one of my favorite photo albums from when I was a kid - I took out just a couple of my favorites -

This black and white has always been one of my favorites - I don't remember this moment - but I remember that back yard and eating dirt (and I admit - it did tast good) ... I can just imagine being my mom and seeing us this way - just totally in the moment loving this swing

I don't remember this moment but I'm so glad my mom got this picture - I guess I got into her makeup drawer - I do love seeing this picture - it makes me smile - I mean look at me - I'm adorable

Now this is an epic moment in my child-hood.... the hair cut by my brother Jon - He really went at it while I was watching Charlie Brown - I do remember this moment by moment - mostly because my parents were horrified especially when I came running out announcing my new do infront of their guest that were over. Plus I was crying after I got my hair cut because I look just like a boy - I mean seriously - I do... don't I - I think I almost look like Max? Merrill says I don't but I like to think I do - Look at my cheeks... come on that has some Max cuteness to them...

LAME

2011-06-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

That is how I feel lately - And this is a warning - this is a whining post - I know whining - I"ve been doing it all week?!! Why you ask? What for? Isn't life wonderful? The sky is blue and despite all the natural disasters you are sitting at home all comfortable... Well I'll tell you why - It's that dang period. There I said it ... now all the world knows. But it's true - When that time of month comes it messes with me - I get all grouchy and sad at the same time - and it's getting annoying! How does one combat ones hormones when they are taking over? Is it come down to great self control???? I'm not sure but my prayers have been full of "I'm sorry's" mostly for snapping at poor trying to be helpful and understanding Merrill. But alas - there is light at the end of the tunnel - One week to go of this and I should be good as new - happy... smiling... and able to sleep instead of obsessing over silly un-necessary things like finding a little kids table and montessorizing (not a realy word obviously) my house and speaking of montessori - I have a lot of work ahead of me - and lots of patience to practice with my little love bug Max-O. And by the way - please don't call Max... Maxie - yuck - it reminds me of a maxie pad - even when it's not that time of the month. But going back on track - montessori - I love it - and hate it at the same time - I love the ideas and concepts presented but living them myself is another story - of examplo - When dressing a child and teaching them to dress themselves etc one must follow routines (got it... I can do that) but within the routine it recommends that children put dirty clothes in a hamper as to not encourage leaving clothes on the floor - ummmm - I do it alllllll that time! I'm terrible at putting clothes in a hamper- and a barrage of other things it recommends that I don't do which requires more cleanliness on my part - which is a good thing in the end - just hard habits to establish in the beginning - but with FLYLADY by my side I can do it..... right?! Well I did make it my 10 hour project for my YW Personal Progress for Choice and Accountability to establish cleaning routines - and there you have it -- lame - but give me a couple of days or weeks and I should be whistling a whole new tune -

It's Party Time

2011-06-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Maxwell's birthday party was a whirlwind! I can't believe how many people came and how many kids there were.... it was the first time we ever fit that many people in our house.... just when we thought our house was big we realized it has its limits.

After the party I told Merrill that it was a lot of work and kind of stressful... lesson learned! We'll have to figure out a better system or something.

Max made out like a bandit and I can't thank everyone enough for all their kindness and generosity.

His first cake experience (Thank you for the beautiful cake John!) was a little anti climatic especially since we were kind of all over the place and Merrill walked up with a fork and fed him some. After we got him strapped in his high chair we gave him a peice and he was a bit hesitant at first but was then eating it by the fistful

Over all it was wonderful! We love you so much Max!

Go figure - I write all the thank you cards and now I can't find my address book - give it a month or two and I'll find it ; )

LOVE

2011-06-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a couple of books on Montessori practices and I must say I'm sooo impressed with IKEA's toys for kids! Seriously - it's a Montessori mom's dream - everything kid sized and most of the toys are wood...

If you don't know about Montessori it focuses a lot on natural textures and basically helping the child become independent by helping/allowing them to do what you do - ie clean, cook, feed themselves, etc There are things in each phase they are in - Max is starting to transition from crawler to walker - once he can walk it is really all about having him do all kinds of things - the concept is brilliant and I wish I had known more about it sooner.

I'm pretty much in love with their whole cooking set up (see it here)

I'm kind of becoming obsessed with children's toys and such - On my list of things I want for Max includes a little table and chair (wood) from Ikea of course - a wood train set - this duck walker (it looks fun), and I have a little kids drinking glass set coming in the mail tomorrow. I'm going to sew Max is own apron soon and one for Merrill and I so he can help us in the kitchen as he wants to be where we are - I'm trying to let him dump things into bowls and what not while I make dinner but it can be more of a mess. So much to learn - so much to buy - so much to make - but all worth it for our little guy

7. Take Swim Lessons with Max

2011-06-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

I signed Max and I up for the Mom and tot class through the city. It was a two week course and met for 25 mins a day - Of the 7 days I was able to make it to 4.... oh well.

Max loves the water! Seriously he just laughs and laughs. He was definatly the youngest of the group and didn't quite know what was going on but in the end he can somewhat kick and somewhat climb out of the pool. Time to sign him up for some more!

P.S. I don't know if I marked this off yet 8. Join a Master's Swim Team but I have and I'm LOVIN' it! It is seriously the only thing I am actually motivated enought to get up for at 5:15/5:30 AM.

1 year stats

2011-06-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

I took Max to have his 1 yr check up with our doctor. So here are his current stats and one of his pictures from his 1 year photo session with yours truly (see more here)

Weight: 21.9 lbs
Length: 31''

And here is Maxwell's exclusive interview

Can you believe I'm veering toward toddler-hood? Do you feel nostalgic looking back on my first year? I can hardly believe that a year has gone by and I'm constantly trying to learn and keep up to date on information with your constant growing. I catch myself from time to time thinking about the day your were born and when we brought you home. I feel so blessed to be able to raise you and am so looking forward to years to come. Often I will look at older children and think, "So that is what a two, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, etc year old looks like - I wonder how Max will look when he is that age"

How have things gotten easier since I was first born? While there is so much I don't know I don't feel so overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge like I did before. I have a handful of women I know I can go to with my questions and get some ideas.

What do you find the most challenging? I would have to say your lack of communication skills at this point. I can see when you get frustrated because I can't understand what you are saying. The other thing is constantly trying to think of ways to entertain you, but just today I decided I'm going to just try to incorporate you into my day - so you helped me make dinner and it was defiantly an adventure. Looking forward to more of those together!

Do you think you'll want to have another baby based on your experience with me?
Are you kidding? Absolutely!!! I just hope the next is as laid back and happy as you are.

What's the most surprising thing you've learned about yourself as a parent? How much I thought I knew, but realizing I really don't know as much as I thought I did.... I'm also seeing how easy it is to let you do things that I thought I would never let a child do - I can't think of an example now but I know I have

How would you describe in 1,000 words or less? (Kidding. A sentence or two will do)
Attached - right now you are very attached to Daddy and I. You like to hold on to my pant legs and walk around with me and when someone comes near you hold on tight. You make the most darling mouth noises and you love to pucker you lips - I love it. When you eat you make "bite" sounds (you learned it from Dad). You are such a Daddy's boy - when Dad comes home your face lights up!! You are a pro when it comes to going up and down stairs. You haven't walked on your own yet but that doesn't stop you from get anywhere you want. You still sleep wonderfully and you cry when you get your diaper changed. You LOVE to eat... you are constantly signing for us to feed you more and more and more! When you sign milk you touch each of your fingers with your thumb. Totally random thoughts here, but these are just a few of the many things you do!

words fail me

2011-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today.... what a wonderful day... it was a year ago today that our sweet little boy was born. It was a year ago today our lives changed forever. I wish I could express all the happy feelings I have and the deep sense of gratitude I have for our couragous and loving birthmother. Thank you N! Thank you! And thank you Heavenly Father for knowing all of us and our needs.... life got so much better when Max entered it! Happy 1 year our darling little boy... We love you more then words can tell

Happy Birthday Merrill

2011-06-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

phases

2011-06-01T23:53:00.000-07:00

So Max is going through a screaming stage?! Part of me wonders how much of it is me and how much of it is a phase.... he will be talking and go all high pitched - super high - ear piercing high - and vacillate between that and regular babble through out the day

Now it has escalated to fits - I mean he doesn't get his way he gets so mad he scrunches up his face and makes his hands into fists and screeches - where did this come from? Or if he doesn't get what he wants or I don't get him something fast enough he will cry and scream and we're talking alligator tears -

I've tried several things and while it works sometimes not all the time? I'm hoping he grows out of it - like dropping his food on the floor - he just stopped doing it - now if he does I get him to pick it up - but he only does it when he is done with his food and is board

He signs more all the time - and most the time I have no idea what he wants more of - like after I change his diaper which he cries through he will sign more - huh? more diaper changing or is he just cheering?

We are going to swim now and he LOVES the water - he is seriously a fish - just like his mama! He was even kicking on his own today and he is attempting to blow bubbles but he mostly swallows water

In other Maxwell news he is crawling like a champ - can walk if he is holding on to a walker of some sort or holding my hands - it's adorable

He puckers his lips when he talks - I love it

On another note I got my book I ordered today - Montessori From the Start 0-3 - so excited to get this and I can't wait to start implementing some of the ideas and concepts in it

So Lucky

2011-05-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

I told you I've been reflective lately - well I still am... Today I just wanted to watch Max. Usually I'm reading to him while he plays or cleaning/cooking something while he occupied but today I just wanted to stop and watch him. I love the way he just opens his mouth and makes this noise, "ahhh, ahhh, ahhh" while shaking his head. I love how he will purse his lips when he get frustrated. He has the most silly laugh - a literal ha, ha, ha type laugh. I love when he first wakes up and how calm he is. I love the way his face scrunches up when he gets upset. He has the most lovely profile - lips sticking out because he has too much cheek - his darling button nose, the shape of his head - I call him Mega Mind to myself. I can't help but giggle as I watch him drink out of his new dino water bottle - the slurping sounds he makes - and the way he chugs his milk from the bottle

As I was watching him I was thinking about how much I love this little child. I really can't image life without Max? I feel so so so lucky to be his mother. I feel so blessed to be sealed to him for time and all eternity.

I love our little routines - today I came home from swimming and walked into the kitchen where Max was happily munching on cheerios while Merrill was making lunch. When I walked in Merrill will say -Mommy's home and Max will respond with some sort of babbling or sound of acknowledgment. I love it - I love it when Max just puts his head on my shoulder and will let me carry him around - I love how his little arms reach out for us when we go to pick him up. I love how he comes to me to be comforted.... i love, i love, i love being a mother.

Thank you Heavenly Father for adoption!

reflecting

2011-05-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've been a little reflective lately. With our adoption profile going live and all next month for our agency - it's got me thinking a bit.

To be honest - I'm more excited then nervous like I was the first time. God's hand was so strikingly present in Maxwell's adoption I have no doubt that it will be the same again. I feel so much more at peace this time round. Despite all the scary stories I've been hearing and reading lately (birth mother's changing minds at the 72 hour mark, adoption papers not being signed by birth parents, getting contacted by birth parents and then never hearing from them again, etc) I just know that God has a plan for our family. Somehow saying this out loud makes me feel like I'm going to jink my faith?!

But I'm brought back to my reflective mode when I start getting fearful - I am reminded of God's power and His knowledge of things from beginning to end. He knows! He really does and if I just keep Him at the center of all I do I can find peace in the midst of uncertainty... that is what I'm reminded... to seek Him and He will help us through whatever adoption journey we go on. I have to keep Him at the for-front of my life, because when I do life is so much better!!

I've seen what happens when I completely 100% put my trust in the Lord - miracle happen! It took me some time to learn that in our first adoption process - but now I'm starting our second adoption with this in mind and I'm excited to see how all things pan out.

Now that doesn't stop me from doing all I can in my power to get our information out there - I want Heavenly Father to know that I am going to do ALL I can to help move this adoption process forward and in so doing I know He will help with the rest!

And I'm not going to lie - I really hope we have a new little baby brother or sister for Max by Christmas!

Please help us in our search by passing our information along! It would mean so much to us

MJ Favs: Camelbak Water Bottle

2011-05-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Water - It's an essential part of life here in the blazing Arizona sun! To be honest - I haven't been a very good water drinker in my life. It's one of those things you know you need to be better at but just keep forgetting about. That is until I was introduced to the cambelbak water bottle by my adorable sister in law and I feel in love. I don't know why but this bottle just follows me aroud and is so fun to drink out of. I love that I can put lots of ice in it without any hassle. I love that I don't have to unscrew the top to get a drink - it just flips up and you drink. I guess my son has noticed how much I love my water bottle because he is constantly wanting to drink out of mine instead of his sippy cup (another favorite I'll add to my baby favorites list someday) and by george he figured out how to drink out of it- so like any good mother - I got him his very own!! dinosaurs and all....happy hydrating!

p.s. it's BPA free!

Diaper Bags

2011-05-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've always been a big bag kind of girl! I love big bags because I can put so much in one spot. I love my Amy Michelle Bag - it can fit sooooo much. But let's get real - a girl can never have too many bags! Right?! With that said - I've been eyeing this petunia pickle bottom bag - why? Because it can convert into a back pack - do you know what that means??? Arms free my friends! Little did I realize what a luxury that is until after I starting using my first diaper bag. So I figure when baby #2 comes along I should invest in this diaper bag - I mean I will need it with two - ie Max in one hand, baby in the other - diaper bag on the back - perfect

Birthday Invite

2011-05-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I finished making Maxwell's birthday invite some how I accidently deleted the origional psd and jpeg after I uploaded the image to costco photo? so this is a screen shot of it which doesn't do the origional justice. The orange was much more vibrant and less like a dirty diaper - now I'm wondering what the prints will look like? oh well - at least I got it uploaded to the cart to order - I copied the verbage for his card from a cute invite we got from our friends -

Melt. My. Heart.

2011-05-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

This lip thing is Maxwell's new thing! Isn't it adorable?? Oh I love this little boy to peices.

I forgot to mention that Maxwell is now signing food, more, all done, and milk - I'm trying to get him to sign more to reduce his whinning - it is helping a bit

Now if I could just figure out a way to help him to not drop his food from his high chair - he only does it when he doesn't like what he is eating or when he is done - it's a work in progress

11 Months

2011-05-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Max officially become 11 months - how did I miss that on the updates post? And you know what the month mark means - pictures! So here is my sweet heart in all his 11 month glory hanging out in his brand new play area courtesy of yours truly. I think it is safe to say we both are loving this little space - we play - make messes - read - play... you get the picture

Updates

2011-05-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

1st - Happy Belated Mother's Day everyone! It was a splendid first for me... the best part were all the naps I got to take while Merill watched Max - it was heavenly

2nd - Been working on updating our adoption profile which is going live next month!!! Eek

3rd - Merrill's birthday is coming up - the two main gifts I wanted to get him he kind of has to pick out on his own so maybe I can get an accessory for them - he is getting a bike and a GPS - hummmm what will go with that??

4th - Maxwell's birthday is coming up and I think I'm going to make his birthday invites with his picture and everything - I'm thinking colors - blue and orange? green and yellow?

5th - Just signed Max and I up for some summer swim classes!

Happy Birthmother's Day!!

2011-05-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Today is Birthmother's Day!!! Yesterday Max and I went to go visit N and bring her some lunch and drop off her gift. It was fun to catch up and laugh at Max and all his adorableness. I mean look at this face - you can't help but laugh. This was Max putting his face against the glass window and blowing into it - I ran outside and this is what I got!! Silly little boy... I'm sure this image may become one of those pictures he tries to hide later in life ; )

We love our birthmother! She is the best and we are so grateful for her sacrifice and her courage to place Max into our arms. It is so wonderful to be able to visit with her and to catch up on things. We LOVE Birthmother's day!

MJ Favs: Tom's of Maine

2011-05-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have a secret - I sweat - a lot! Even in the winter time... There it's out! Granted I live in Arizona!! But still - I do my best to avoid tops that give my sweating problem away ie big wet circles under my arms. It got to the point where I even tried botox from my doctor - I put it under my arms and I didn't sweat - I mean at all!! This made me a bit nervous and so I stopped using it as it didn't seem natural. So needless to say I'm constantly trying different deodorants. I specifically look for the kind that doesn't have anti-perspirant as it is said to cause alzheimer's - and so far for me Tom's of Maine is the best at letting me sweat without the stink! So here's to TOM!

Can you believe on Monday Max will be 11 months!! Holy Moly Batman!

How could I forget??

2011-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

To mark these off my 101 list??

20. Update Adoption Website (http://www.merrillandmary.com/)

58. Make Family Video

I am seriously in love with our family video - It is defiantly going to become a yearly tradition! And while we do love taking walks to the park and playing all kinds of games with Max we usually aren't all dressed up and I don't use a picnic basket or at least not that one ; ) I would love one with the two flaps on the sides - do you know what I mean? Now that is picnic worthy

It's really nice to have our adoption website up - I just updated our little note section as this website isn't just to be on display but hopefully help a perspective parent learn more about us and want to meet us. I can't thank you all enough for every ones support with our next adoption - these little goals from the 101 list are just the first steps in our process - we are so excited for another baby

New Button!

2011-05-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I finally updated our button - it's been long over due! Please take one and add it to your blog -

You never know how our information will meet our next birthmother! Thank you! Thank you!

Maxwell's 2nd haircut, but should have been his 1st

2011-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Maxwell's hair just looks so unkempt that we just went a head and shaved it all off! Now it's nice and even all over and will now hopefully grown in even and thick. He did great during his hair cut - we just put on baby sign and he didn't scare at the buzzer. It probably helped that Daddy cut his hair - he loves his daddy....

BEFORE

AFTER

What a funny little boy - he makes me laugh

MJ Favs

2011-04-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this post? Well shortly there after a friend of mind recommended doTerra essential oils: Serenity. Here is a brief explanation from their website

Serenity is a blend of essential oils with known calming properties which create a sense of well-

being and relaxation. Lavender, sweet marjoram, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood
and vanilla bean create a subtle aroma ideal for aromatic diffusion or topical application.
Applied to the bottom of the feet at bedtime, doTERRA’s Serenity is an excellent way to
support restful sleep. Added to a warm bath Serenity creates the perfect escape with its
peaceful, renewing fragrance.

I'm happy to report I sleep like a champ! I keep this on my night stand and each night I just put some on my wrists which I place near my face and it just knocks me out! Although there was one time I just couldn't shut my brain off, but other then that I'm out like a light. I bring this with me where ever I go to sleep. Maybe it's just a placebo effect? But I don't mind, I'm sleeping more regularly then I had before. Hurray for sleep!

1st Hair Cut

2011-04-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

So Maxwell's hair was getting a little shaggy looking - especially in the back. I don't know what came over me, but I decided it needed a trim and went to work a couple of mornings ago.

It's much better - not so ragamuffin looking - But Maxwell's hair has a tendency to not stay in place. It looks nice when it is swept to the side but it will quickly all fall forward and it will look something like the picture below

Which for some reason reminds me of the hair cut on the left?

I think we might just end up shaving it down to one length because it's still a bit unruly

8. Join a Master's Swim Team

2011-04-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.evoswimschool.com/

Joining a Master's Swim Group has been an 7+ year goal of mine - It was something I was constantly looking for but it seemed everything was just too far away or never coordinated with my schedule. And then out of the blue I get the most random email that a group will be starting just down the street from me. I was like a kid opening presents at Christmas time - All giddy and excited. Swimming seems to be the only thing that I'm willing to get up at 5 am for, well except for Max of course! I had my first day today and it was - oh do you say - magical! It really was! There is something so wonderful of the smell of chlorine early in the morning and your first stroke through the water - it's just one of my most favorite things in the whole wide world and I'm so happy I get to experience it each morning. Not to mention that in about a week/month I should have some arms that don't jiggle any more and one less roll on my tummy

What a Busy Day!!

2011-04-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

My oh my what a busy day I had the other day

1. I had my guest blog posted on adoption.com!! How cool is that?? Really cool! Read the post HERE if you haven't done so yet - And keep an eye out because I will be doing some more too!
2. Our adoption website is up and running and has now been sponsored on the Rockstar Diaries as I mentioned yesterday
3. I did a spotlight for a wonderful couple hoping to adopt and I also got to take their pictures!!! Double fun - see their pictures HERE
4. I have a wedding with Kim Jarman today and tomorrow!

And let's see - there is still so much more on the to do list! So looking forward to Sunday! It's Easter you know - IF only I had some good family traditions I could start - any suggestions? I want ones that really focus on Christ! I've seen the whole Easter egg one, but it always feels like we are doing it just to do it? Or maybe it's just me?!

But my favorite part of each day is getting up and seeing this cutie patootie!! Oh how I love giving him kisses and seeing him with his happy little smiles all the time! He clapped for the first time today in his high chair during breakfast - although I wasn't sure if he was trying to sign more but ended up clapping instead??

This was a practice run I was doing in my bedroom for a guest blog post for Delia Creates at the end of the month - Now tell me in all honesty - does it look like a white sheet I'm using for the back ground?? I kind of think it does - and are the shadows too - how do you say - unprofessional looking? I kind of think so - but part of me thinks it would be the same effect if you were using one studio light - thoughts? Or would you be happy if you could get a picture of your kid like this on your own? That is what I'm hoping to teach others on my guest post.

PS Isn't that little beanie just screaming baby adorableness!?! I do say - Max sure knows how to rock it

PSS Some how we've convinced Max that hats are fun because he used to always pull them off until we cheered when he put it on and now he puts them on all the time and laughing all the while - I think I need to get him some more hats

PSSS Sorry if this is kind of all over the place as it's 1:30 AM - good thing I will be starting swimming soon and will have to get up at 5 am thus encouraging me to go to bed earlier - but tonight I went to a photo group with some friends and ice cream after and now I'm just rambling.... good night - I mean good morning - have a happy Friday and wonderful Easter Sunday!

Am I dreaming?

2011-04-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

I've been an avid follower of this blog for who knows how long - 3 yrs?

Anyways - I'm beyond thrilled that our adoption website is being sponsored on her blog!

It seems unreal -

See our little banner? Third one up from the bottom!

http://www.merrillandmary.com/

Check it Out! We updated our Adoption Website

2011-04-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

You've got to see the video on our home page - I'm pretty much in love with it

Check out our updated profiles pages

We have a new picture slide show!!!

And some updated movie clips on the about page

http://www.merrillandmary.com/

Adult Masters Swim Team through EVO

2011-04-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone~

EVO is going to start a Masters Swim Team at Gilbert Jr High as long as there are have enough people pre-register before Friday, we'll start Monday, April 25.
Invite your friends - we have to keep at least 20 registered to get this amazing price.

Here's how it will work:

1. Go to the EVO Website: http://www.evoswimschool.com/ click on the pre-registration button in the upper right hand corner.

2. They'll take your payment info but not charge you

3. Put "Gilbert Junior High Masters" in the comment box when registering

4. When we begin, payment will process

5. If we start the last week of the month, you'll be pro-rated for April and charged for May (so it will be $47.50)

6. You'll get another email from EVO stating the actual start date

I'm REALLY hoping that everyone will register soon so that we can get rolling. So excited to see all your pretty faces in the early mornings :)

Beginner- this will be a lot of people and that's so fabulous!

Intermediate- not a beginner, not ready to swim 2000m
Advanced- be prepared to swim at least 2000m in an hour- we'll work up to 3000 :)
INFO:
Gilbert Junior High School
Mon-Fri
5:15-6:15am
$38/month

remember all the exciting news i mentioned previously

2011-04-18T23:02:00.000-07:00

well - it's still all very exciting, but we are having road block after road block (pulling out hair and furrowed brows)

1. We are getting ready to launch our new adoption website (so exciting!!) I wanted to do it this week, but we are having some tech issues over here with the videos : (
2. Our adoption website is going to be sponsored by several blogs!! Which is a super big deal to me, but with out the website working properly those spotlights will have to wait : (
3. I am going to be a guest blogger for several blogs as well - also very exciting and I'll post that and more details once they are up and running

Hopefully that wet your whistle a little bit ; )

some exciting things going on around here

2011-04-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

oh there is so much going on right now! it's all so exciting... I started jumping up and down all over the place today!

the next couple of weeks should be eventful in blog world

I ♥ Adoption

2011-04-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

I really do! I love it, I love it, I love it! It's kind of like a little club in a way - it's like you don't really get it until you go through it kind of thing - I know I didn't "get" a lot of it until I experienced it myself and it was like being brought into a whole new world. I have a special place for adoption in my heart - I mean how can I not - without it we wouldn't have our sweet little boy Max or any children for that matter. I am so excited this time round of our adoption process. Previously I was so nervous, anxious, worried, scared - but now... now I'm excited. Excited to meet our next birth mother - excited to have baby #2. Excited to see God's hand work it's wonder like he does in every adoption. While I would love to have Max and baby #2 close together - I think I'm better prepared for the reality that it could take 2-3 years. I guess now I just have a better trust in God's ability and in His plan - more then before. Because I know that if our baby comes in a couple of months or a couple of years that was all part of the plan anyways. Ya know... and I'm so wiggling in my seat to reveal our adoption website to you all... So in the mean time another picture

And before I forget - If you would like some of our adoption cards I would be more then happy to mail you some. Please email me at marry.jordan@yahoo.com with your address and I will put some in the mail for you! Thank you all... here's looking forward to a great 2011 and for our next little miracle.

PS I will be doing a photography special in a couple of months for adoptive couples/families who need pictures - I really believe in having quality images when it comes to couple profiles. I know I mentioned this before but I ran into this caseworker who told me I looked really familiar - she then said she knew why she recognized me - She had several couples looking at our profile and she said she thought it was our pictures that really made us stand out - I want to give that to other couples and families looking to adopt!

Social Media - Will it ever end?

2011-04-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

So believe it or not I really try to avoid facebook - I'm just not that into it and haven't ever really wanted to be - but now I feel like it's kind of those must have things in this day and age (especially for photography) so I caved in and made a Fan Page?! I always laugh when I listen to talk radio and they have all these facebook stats - how people get all depressed if people don't "like" their comments or how it lowers their self esteem when people don't show an interest in whatever it is they are doing - so silly

I still haven't gotten into twitter - that is one I am determined to not get into - I don't really have time for it anyways - I barely have time or blogging except during nap times and to be honest I blog a whole bunch and then schedule them for later (it's just easier that way) ; )

So if you want to or feel like it you can like my fan page HERE

PS I really hope you guys still love me after all this adoption and photography stuff I have out there all the time - but it's just part of who I am and what I love - so hopefully you all see it that way too and don't think I'm ever trying to push things on you - well I might for adoption - It's my baby we're talking about : ) And oh you all are going to love our new website!! I can't wait to show it all to you.

10 months on the 10th

2011-04-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

My little baby isn't a little baby anymore -he's a big baby now! He's 10 months old as of yesterday! Only 2 more months till 1! HOLY MOLY BATMAN!

He is as adorable as ever - He is army crawling everywhere. He is climbing stairs and we are working on teaching him how to go down them correctly. He feeds himself all the time and he now has 8 pearly whites! He is lean and tall and has the most kissable cheeks ever! We love him to peices. He is definatly a Daddy's boy... it's just oh so cute. We love everything about him.

frusturating

2011-04-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you're suppose to blog about things like this - ie business - but it just puts me at my witts ends sometimes. I don't want to be the person who is in your face - pick me! pick me!

Why can't it just be as simple as - You have great photos - your price looks good - you're hired

What is most frustrating is that I have so many images I could create a big beautiful portfolio but the thing is I can't access them at all - but that's just how it works sometimes as a 2nd shooter - so I feel like a newly green photographer with no images on my blog of weddings to display to give a bride the confidence she needs in me. sigh!

You realize I have about 25 followers on my photography blog - I should be grateful - but really it makes me wonder about my pictures/style/personableness? How does someone even get past that number without saying post my information everywhere! So a big thank you to my trusty 25 which are probably family and friends ; )
Unfortunately the reality of it is this - If you want a photography business you better like business because 80-90% is business and 10-20% is photography (according to Melissa Jill who is a $6000 wedding photographer so you know she knows business)

I really want to volunteer my services more especially for adoptive couples but how do I do it without coming off as I want your business - when I just really want to help and then again is it bad if it did help my business? Oh the questions that keep me up at night.

Maybe this is my desperate plea to you all to love me - to follow me on my photo blog if you haven't already - how's that for trying to not be in your face? LOL

I just have to remind myself it's a marathon not a sprint over and over and over again!

There it is - just what's been on my mind - thanks for letting me get that out and if you have any ideas I can seriously use all the help I can get

And hopefully I don't regret posting this later -

2 in 1

2011-04-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

16. Spray paint cork board in office
85. Create an Inspiration Board with pictures and quotes

Done!

82. Send letter to Ben Chrisman

2011-04-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Eeeeeeek! I did it - what a nerd I am! So I sent this email to Ben Chrisman and now there will be a nice blue line on number 82 of my 101 list. I wrote him literally a 2 page hand written letter about a year ago, but I lost it (probably for the best - it may have been a bit over the top) I narrowed my thoughts/feelings down to 4 short paragraphs. I've had this letter sitting in my email box forever trying to get up the nerve to send it. I really wanted to do a hand written card or something like that but I thought how in the world would I find his address - so I just looked for his email with no luck so resolved to send it via his contact page? Oh well - at least I did it. I'm just glad I could tell an artist how much they inspire me - hopefully they don't think of me as some crazy stalker - although, I do blog stock him - so maybe I am?

If you were to put a thought bubble over his head, what would it say?

2011-04-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

10 months old and cute as ever!

Be and Do

2011-04-03T17:20:00.001-07:00

This was the talk that was meant for me this conference. March has been a difficult month for me... I don't know exactly why - but I think it was just the accumulation of things that just kind of knocked me down in spirit. But while listening to this talk I defiantly saw where I can improve. I feel like I'm a "be'r" but I struggle with the "do". I've been really trying to improve this part of my life by using my planner/following daily and weekly routines. I'm still working on the habit part of all this - but it's not easy. But most of all I feel like I need to "do" more on the spiritual side rather then the temporal side - although that could use some help as well. I'm so grateful for conference and the inspired words that are shared with us. I am so glad each day I can start over and try a little bit harder to be a little bit better - which in most instances require some form of action.

it's one of "those" days

2011-04-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

a day where I probably get nothing that needs to be done done
i'm going to rent a movie and watch it despite that i have a messy house
i am going to let max play with just about anything because he is so cranky from teething and
being semi sick it's all i can do to keep him appeased
and i probably won't shower
and i am going to eat fast food even though i went grocery shopping the other day

so there.

Maxwell Update

2011-03-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Max is growing up so fast - I know this is cliche to say, but I wish I could just freeze time! In a nut shell - he is crawling all over the place. I have to be extra vigilant where ever he is as he is getting pretty curious too! He is eating tons of finger foods and we are still "working" on signing... I have to admit, I forget a lot! He is on a two nap schedule and is wearing 18 mth close. He has 3 teeth on top and one coming in with two on bottom and one starting to show itself as well. He says "dada" all the time! When he is board with his food he will make raspberries and spit food out and I have to stop myself from laughing. When he knows he is about to eat he kicks his legs in excitement. When he toots he laughs - and so do we (what a boy!) He likes to play with anything that isn't a toy! Those are all the random tidbits I can think of at the moment.

Things are settling down over here! Next on the list - conquer our adoption website. I'm itching to show everyone our video... I'm in love. I think I will have to do that with each kid. Here is a freeze frame from on of the videos. Oh I love those cheeks! I hope they don't go away and I'm sure when they do I will shed a tear.

finally!!

2011-03-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well it's about time this thing was done! I must say - it took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Okay, maybe not blood - but defiantly sweat and tears! It's a little bare at the moment - as most of my energy has been going into the slide show I have for clients to view - but hopefully I should be filling it up weekly. I am going to not just share my photos but insights into second shooting and photography in general. Can you believe I've been doing this for over 2 years now!! Crazy - how time flies. I have been so blessed in this endeavor and I just want to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with so many unique opportunities and support family and friends. Well go check it out - enjoy - leave a comment - follow along - etc, etc, etc.

www.marryjordan.com/blog

Here's a quick update

2011-03-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been non-exhistant over here in blog land. I've been so busy with life and photography I don't even have time to think. While I am still working tons and will continue working with Kimberly Jarman photography as a second shooter for her weddings I am in the process of getting all my photo stuff updated so I can start advertising and booking my own weddings. I've had many long nights as I've been re-designing my blog www.marryjordan.com/blog as well as getting slideshows together and pictures edited. Needless to say this has been the reason for all my late nights and I'm not even close to getting to where I want to be. Luckily I will be outsourcing a ton of my work which will allow me to be with Max and focus on him, but right now the start up time is getting annoying. I can't wait till it is done and then I can let other people work their magic.

In addition to that we are slowly plugging away on our adoption website - it will be amazing if I do say so myself.

Well that is all - thanks for all your love and support

Time Flies...

2011-03-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

What - today it's Thursday?? Where did the week go? I am seriously so busy doing who knows what that I don't even get to bed till 1 am! Thank goodness for Maxwell's long afternoon naps - 2 hours baby

And here is just a little lookie loo at a picture from our video session from today for our adoption website! Yipee

Fresh Start and a New Week

2011-03-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

That's right people - time to get started with the right foot forward! It's time to get out of my post sickness rut and back in the saddle. This week is going to be great or at least better than last - I just know it

Weddings, weddings, weddings

2011-03-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Get ready for lots of wedding posts... I seriously have a wedding every weekend and come April I will have back to back weddings. Lots of work, but oh so much fun!

I am really starting to love detail shots. I took the one on the left - but I am in love with Kim's on the right. I am really trying to push myself to be more creative with these shots or at lesat make them look artistic... sometimes it pays off... other times, well... at least I'm trying something new

As a second shooter my job is to focus on the guys. Needless to say this has lead to some very funny, interesting, and sometimes ackward moments. What is funny about the picture below on the right is that they (the guys) were totally joking about how you have to pose/fake laugh in pictures to make them look good - which lead to the very staged picture below, but they definatly made a point...

it made a better/memorable shot

One of the things I love about second shooting - Less Stress! And I get to take a kinds of shots outside of the Bride - like wedding party - the people - details - food - dancing. Although taking pictures of the

bride and groom is one of my favorite parts.

See full posts at Kimberly Jarman's Blog Here and Here

9 month apt

2011-03-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

Took this darling to the Doc the other day... He is growing like a champ

Weight: 19 lbs 13 oz

Length: 30 in

Head 18.5 in

He is progressing as any 9 month old should. He is eating 3 times a day. Moving around and around with his army crawl and is scared of the most random people. He love when Daddy comes home and promptly puts his arms up ready to be played with, talked to, and tossed around. Not that he doesn't get that with me... I guess Daddy's are just more fun?

Ever since his tooth started coming in he has something going on... a stuffy nose, a runny nose, a congested cough, then an ear infection. I took Max to the Doc last week to make sure he didn't have RSV, which he didn't. But they did see he had an ear infection? What really? I would never have known since he showed no signs what so ever of such a thing. After 7 days of antibiotics and a Doc visit his ear has gotten worse. On Thursday he started a strong antibiotic and just now started showing some signs of discomfort. He will place his hand over his hear or tug on it a bit... poor thing. I just hope this new medicine kicks in soon and does the job!