Logan

Hey friends.

Sorry for the lack of blogging this last week. I had plans and ideas- a few saved drafts- but each time I logged into blogger or started to write, I just couldn't bring myself to finish.

You see, last week my sister was 15 1/2 weeks pregnant. 

And now she's not.

She lost her sweet little baby boy.

They named him Logan.

Ever since then all of my posts have seemed so mundane and trivial. Unimportant mush. How can I write a post about how cold it is in Kansas already, or what cool shoes I'm currently coveting, or, perhaps worst, how my own little boy is seemingly progressing into toddler-hood much too early?

Why can't the whole world stop for a little while to let people grieve, instead of just running along as if something completely earth-shattering and devastating hasn't just happened?

I'm sad for my sister. I'm sad for my brother in law. I'm sad for their daughters, who won't get to pick on and spoil their little brother. I'm sad that I don't get to meet my nephew. I'm sad that he doesn't get to be Tommy's little buddy. I'm sad that all the things my sister and I dreamed about for our boys won't happen.

But at the same time I'm grateful that families are eternal. I don't know when exactly during pregnancy a spirit enters a body, but I believe that Logan's little spirit is up in heaven, keeping an eye on his family. And I believe that someday they will all be reunited, and Cait and Chase will get to raise their son.

And I hope that someday Cait will get to have another little boy- a healthy, happy child who will bring her family much joy in this life. She is a wonderful mother, and her children are so lucky to have her.

When I first found out, I cried and hugged my little Tommy tighter than he probably liked. I am so blessed to have him. And all week, when he has been fussy or awake in the middle of the night, or refusing to eat solid food and basically making me frustrated, I have had a completely new perspective.  I have tried to be more patient. It's ok if he is frustrating sometimes, because that means I have him.

Caity, I hope I'm not writing this too soon for you. My heart aches for you all. And please know that even though I will continue posting about things that don't "really" matter, my world and my perspective on life have been changed.

I love you.

Just Keep Swimming...

Picture Post!

Tommy's first time "swimming."

 Two cool dudes.

 Sup?

 Gotta test the water first...

 Feet!

 Tommy is easily distracted.

Mostly I just like my hair in this one.

 Kisses!

 Hangin' with Daddy.

Sharky!

Tommy wasn't too sure about the gigantic, cold bathtub at first (especially when Daddy slipped getting in with him! oops!) but he relaxed after a few minutes and had a great time. Especially loved kicking his feet to splash, and playing peek-a-boo with Mommy coming up from underwater.

A note to my cancer-cautious family:

It was overcast and shady and we were only outside for a short time.

Tommy did not get sunburned. Neither did I.

We Meet Again

Well hello there, blog friends!

I don’t know how all you “Mommy Bloggers” do it. I only have one child, and I can hardly make time to sit down and type out a blog post. It’s been 9 weeks since he was born and I’ve only written once! Perhaps its because I only have one child- I haven’t quite figured it all out just yet. Also, he gives me a little trouble with naptime during the day, so that’s a big part of it. Luckily he’s napping now, and I am cramming in some cereal and a quick post hopefully before he wakes back up.

And he’s awake.

I was just about to pour milk on my cereal. Glad I heard him before doing that, or I’d have some soggy cheerios.

...

Ok, I think we’re safe. Keeping my fingers crossed though! You know babies have a super power where they know the exact most inconvenient time to wake up and cry, like right after you put milk on your cheerios, or right when you finish making your sandwich for lunch. Or when you really have to pee. Luckily they can usually wait a couple minutes.

The other day Tommy kept refusing to nap, so I tied him to myself in a sling, hoping to get something done. After struggling with the stupid 5 yards of fabric for 5 minutes, as soon as I got him all tied down- he pooped. I’m telling you, they know.

Anyway! Life has been good and crazy. Since the last post, we’ve moved to Manhattan, Kansas and Nate has started his graduate research in Agronomy at Kansas State University. It’s going pretty well so far- he has already started writing his thesis. The best part for me is that he’s home in the mornings when Tommy’s up, so he takes him after I feed him to let me shower, and then he’s back early in the afternoon so we get to have him in the evenings too. It’s SO helpful and so nice to have his company! We always used to work at such different times that we almost only saw each other in passing, it seemed.

It was bittersweet to leave Virginia. Being at home with my parents was actually a lot easier than I originally expected it to be, and I really enjoyed being with them. Plus, they were super helpful with Tommy- my mom really is the Baby Whisperer. She and Tommy are best buds. I’m pretty sure he misses her. Just the other day I called her because he was in a happy, chatty mood, and I wanted her to hear him talk. As soon as he heard her voice he burst into tears! I like to think it’s because he misses her.

Being away from them is hard sometimes, but it’s also really nice to be back in our own little place as our own family unit. And it’s nice to have more than just a bedroom for all the stuff we own! We even have a dining room for the first time! And a dishwasher. Ah, the joys of life.

And we’re only a couple hours away from my sister and my aunts, and we’ve already visited them twice! My almost-thirteen-year-old nephew is already 6 feet tall. I can’t get over it.

[Tangent: On the way to Yara’s last time, there was a small herd of ZEBRAS on the side of the road! Of course there are about a million and a half cows all over the plains here, but all the sudden there were Zebras! How random is that? We think maybe someone raises them for the circus? Who knows!]

Let’s see, what else is going on... Like I said, Tommy is 9 weeks old now. He had his 2-month appointment a few days ago, and his stats are:

Height: 23.5” 71^st percentile

Weight: 12lbs 8oz, 69^th percentile

Head Circumference: 37½ cm, 5^th percentile.

Everyone thinks he's older than 2 months when they first meet him, because apparently he's a pretty big boy! Except for that little head- no, that’s not a typo for 50^th- Tommy’s head really is a teeny little peanut in the 5^th percentile. No giant Cloyd noggin over here! :)

He had to have two more shots and an oral vaccination too. Poor baby screamed his little peanut head off when they stuck him. He does not like shots. But who does??

Also, if you’ve seen the photos on Facebook, you know we went to the annual Wiener Dog Races out here, and it was awesome! It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Definitely going to go again next year. Then Tommy will be able to enjoy it too!

So there’s a quick little update. I’ll try to get back to blogging again more often!

Catch-up Day! Kansas

Earlier this month my cousin Megan got married, and it was a great excuse to go see my Kansas rellies. I haven't been back there in many years, and haven't seen a lot of them since.

We (dad, Cait, niece TJ and myself) crashed at my sister Yara's house, and got to hang out with her two awesome kids. I was so impressed with them! I can't believe Niece and Nephew have gotten so big. They are smart, and funny, and fun to be around. And good-looking!

We mostly just hung out- which was wonderful. We went to shule with them, and I really enjoyed it. I learned that there is actually more common ground between Judaism and Mormonism than I ever realized!

We went to Z's softball game. It was freezing cold, but it was fun to watch and cheer for her.

 

TJ liked to pick the flowers in the grass.

 

Her hair is crazy 'cause she lost a ponytail.

TJ decided she loved the book, "The Ugly Truckling" and wanted it read about 1,000 times. I was happy to oblige her.

Megan's wedding was beautiful, as was she. It was outside by a pretty lake, and geese (who mate for life!) flew overhead as they said their vows. Can't get more perfect than that!

Then we all partied. Yara and I rocked out with Aunt Jennie (above), and it was great fun.

The next day we had brunch with all the rellies. Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, etc. It was fun- especially teaching the old-fogies how to play Catchphrase. I think I laugh harder with these people than with anyone else!

Our last day in Kansas my dad and I went driving around Lawrence, where he grew up. I love hearing all the stories from when he was a young troublemaker- Something different about growing up back then, when kids actually did cool-but-harmless pranks, like carrying the principal's car up the stairs of the school to put it on the roof (though that one was my grandfather), or putting an outhouse over the school's lion statue (dad's friends).

Another story: one time my Papa and Nana got in a bad car accident, breaking Papa's neck and Nana's leg. She walked about a mile back to the farmhouse on it to get help. Pretty awesome, huh?

This is the one-room schoolhouse my dad went to for a year. The wheelchair ramp to the left is a modern addition, of course...

Lawrence is so pretty, and I want to live there. Perhaps someday...

Pura Vida, Week Two

Sunday, June 13-
Went to church again. Helped my suegra (mother-in-law) teach a lesson to the young women, in Spanish. Celebrated the suegra's birthday with delicious vegan cake. Relaxed.

Monday, June 14-
Mostly just relaxed all day, I think...

Tuesday, June 15-
Nate's helicopter ride! The Bishop of his parent's ward has his own helicopter, and Nate (who was the top flight student at his military school back in the day- bet some of you didn't know he can fly!) was super excited to go. They ended up only having one seat, so I stayed home. Nate loved it. Rainstorm hit and they had to land at a random airport and catch a taxi for an hour-long drive home.

 

Wednesday, June 16-
Went to Manuel Antonio National Park with Nate and the suegra. Hiked through some jungle, then down along the beaches. Saw monkeys, sloths, toucans, lots of iguanas, a snake, and a raccoon... Swung on a vine. Came home and relaxed. Awesome day.

Thursday, June 17-
Ran wedding errands, made flower arrangements. Read, relaxed, watched movies.

Friday, June 18-
A mostly lazy day, I think. Finished getting flowers ready, stayed up late decorating the cake with Leah.

Saturday, June 19-
Spencer & Ann's wedding day. Got ready for the reception by setting up tables, putting out flowers, hanging up tiny lanterns, etc. Then to the temple, then lots of pictures. Piled 15 people into two cars. Reception! Delicious comida típica de Costa Rica (authentic Costa Rican food)- chiles rellenos, papusas, gallo pinto, jamaica, tamarindo, and a plantain stuffed with sweet dough and fried. Then we ate some of our tasty cake, and the happy couple left. Watched movies the rest of the night and got ready to leave.

Sunday, June 20-

Left the Dorsey house at 5:00am, flew back to Utah.


Overall-
The trip was so much fun, and so rejuvenating! It was nice to get away for a while and spend time with family. I loved the 75-degree (year-round) weather, and loved that I was able to be outdoors for the majority of those two weeks! So much better than being cooped up in a tiny little cinderblock apartment. And guess what? Nate and I are pretty much planning to go live there after he graduates in December. Why not have our own little adventure while we can! We both want to improve our Spanish, too. Nate would work somewhere doing environmental something-or-other, and I could work at the art museums and/or teach English. Costa Rica I miss you!

Pura Vida, Week One

Saturday, June 5-
Visited Uncle Scott on the way to the airport, ate a tasty lunch of hamburgers. To the airport; flew to Denver. Sat in the Denver airport from 5pm till 12am. Flight to Costa Rica from 12am till 5am. No sleep that night.

Sunday, June 6- Arrived in San José, Costa Rica at approximately 5:20am. Explored the house and yard. Ate a big breakfast of omelets, mangoes, fried plantains, and OJ. It was a very yellow meal. Went back to sleep from 7-11am. Woken by a super intense thunderstorm; was so disoriented I thought the noise was someone driving on the roof. Went to church, understood about 50% of what was said. Loved that the spirit was the same. Relaxed the rest of the day.Monday, June 7-Took a tour of Escazú/San José area, learned that driving out there is extremely frightening. Went swimming, relaxed. Enjoyed being lazy.

Tuesday, June 8-
Went way up in the mountains in Quitirrisi to watch Sara teach childrens how to play the recorder. Learned that the ominous, yucky birthday candle smell is the burning trash of the locals. Then went to la Universidad para la Paz (University of Peace, run by the UN), and wandered around their "garden," aka the jungle.
Wednesday, June 9-
Woke up way too freakin' early, drove to Esterillos beach. Arrived by 6:30 am. Played in the water. Made friends with a random, cute dog. Buried said dog in the sand and made him look like a turtle. Played in the water. Saw wild horses. Lunch. Rain. Played in the water. Home, relaxed.

Thursday, June 10-
Lazy day at home. Went swimming, watched movies, read, napped, ate fruit.

Friday, June 11-
Went to Poás Volcano. Hiked through the cloud forest. Decided Costa Rica looks and feels like Jurassic Park. Stopped by a souvenir shop belonging to this really cool hippie man who's all about Peace and Love.Saturday, June 12-
Went to the Multiplaza mall that's literally right behind the Dorsey's backyard. It's one of the biggest in the world. Shopped for birthday presents for Nate's mom, settled on an awesome little fondue set! Relaxed.

It's About Time!

Yay for me, I finally graduated!!

Me with niece Traci Jane after commencement.

My whole immediate family came out, including Grandma. Having all three of my siblings was a special treat, because two of them originally weren't going to be able to come.

Here we are, all snuggled up together after a long day of getting up way too early for convocation.

(We had to be there at 7am! Yuck.)

Commencement was on Thursday, but before it started we went to the campus bookstore for some browsing. Cait got her baby some BYU paraphernalia, and grandma bought me some new shirts- score!

When it was time for commencement I was herded into a huge mass of students but was somehow able to find friend Eric Davis so I had someone fun to sit with. After commencement we all went out to eat at me *favorite* restaurant in Provo- India Palace!

Their food is so delicious, and everyone was very content. Except Traci, who was pooped- literally! Ew, frozen peas make for some nasty diapers.

Friday was convocation, which started at 8am but we had to be there at 7:00, as previously mentioned.

Here I am bright and early with the Art History kids in the tunnel waiting to go to our seats!

I was able to find my family in the crowd right away, and watched them look for me through my dad's camera. Baby Traci LOVES to "dance" or bounce, so it was always easy to spot them after looking away.

There was a saxophone number (picture bouncing baby) and some long boring speeches about life and art and whatnot, and then they finally let us file across the stage to receive our "diplomas."

After convocation we went to lunch at Rubio's, my other favorite restaurant in Provo (graduation = being spoiled). Once we had feasted on their delicious Mexican food, we napped (this is when the snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug picture happened).

Then there was some general hanging out and being lazy, playing with the baby and watching movies on TV.

At some point during the week- the order of things is starting to get fuzzy- I went with my sister Caitlin and her friend Whitney to watch Traci swim! She loves being in the water and I took about a million pictures of her.

Eventually my family had to go back to their homes scattered around the country... it was sad, but I'm so glad they all came out. I had a great time, and I have the best family anyone could ever ask for.

Thanks for all the love and support, you guys are awesome!!

Here's to having a degree!