Oh What Do You Do in The Summertime?

Halle and Nikson

My sister Nat and her cute kiddos came up for the day yesterday. We decided to head over to Liberty Park. Natalie just thought the park was a playground with a lot of grass. Boy was she surprised. Swimming, Tennis, Paddle Boats, Splash Pad, Lunch, Mini Carnival. You name it! Nikson of course loved the water. Plus we had to have a reason to show off the steal swimmung trunks I got at Janie and Jack. So cute!

Six Months and Counting

I can't believe how fast six months has come. It makes me sad a little bit to see the newborn stage disappear. But on the positive side, I seriously have such a fun baby. The past two weeks my boss has been out of town so I have been with him constantly. He has been to work with me and we are having the time of our lives. Nikson laughs...a lot! We play all day and he finds it rather amusing that his mother is so out of control. He is talking a ton. Every morning it sounds like a screeching owl has gotten into the nursery. Blake tells me I have a crazy baby. He is so loud, but I suppose that is to be expected of my posterity. Poor Mr. Bishop. Nikson says "ma ma" and "da da" although I am sure he hasn't quite connected that he is saying our names, but we respond so enthusiastically that he smiles so big. He chews on everything, but we have no teeth to show for it. He is still so tiny, BUT the boy is longer than ever. That is also to be expected. The boy loves the bath. The sink is getting too small for him, but he fits so snuggly in there. I love it.

Nikson and Uncle Luke

Petunia Pickle Bottom

I don't know if I just didn't give this bag adequate attention or what, but as I was perusing the Nordstrom half-yearly I spotted it and my heart sang. Not really, I just really liked it. Blake would say they are too girlie, but he rarely has to carry the diaper bag. He would also freak to know they sell for over $100. That is why I am looking for every giveaway possible. Wish me luck.




There is nothing I love more than a HUGE diaper bag and I have found one to suit my fancy. (Blake, Amazon is selling them for $129. Think it over.)

Not now, not ever now...

It has taken me six months to post the nursery and I still am not ready. I know, I know...I am just waiting for his dresser. You can't post pictures of a nursery without a dresser...can you? So indulge in a little Scandinavia Inspiration for the time being.

Where'd you get those ears?

A quick Happy Birthday to my fabulous father, Elder Jones!
He has given me everything and he gave Nikson his ears.
What a pair!

The Three S's

I took two pictures while I was in Farmington. I guess they sort of explain it all.

Blake didn't go with us so for Pioneer Day we decided to live it up. All we did was...

Sleep

After the New Mexico trip we were in desperate need of some R&R. Although we do have a bit of a problem. I woke up from Nikson's nursery floor to find this culprit in my bed.

Swim

We have had Nikson in his swimming suit, but have yet to take the full-on plunge. HE actually did quite well. You could hear him catching his breath a little but pretty soon he was content splashing and watching Dad do back flips off the diving board. I think the water is our new best friend.

(Nikson has a weird fetish with eating his toes? Don't ask me.)

and Socialize.

We got to watch the Valley fireworks with Chad and Allie and we had a blast as usual. Allie's dad whipped out some delicious carne asada and we were happy eaters. I for some reason never take pictures when we are up there. One day.

The Decemberists

Date night was filled with good friends, a fabulous venue, and one of the best groups I have ever laid my ears on. I love the decemberists. and blake.

Headed for Nambe Street

Tomorrow the little and I are headed down south for Farmington, New Mexico. My darling and beautiful Granny passed away last Saturday. It's one of those funerals that will be bittersweet. Bitter because she will be missed tremendously. Sweet because the reunion she will have in Heaven will be one of the greatest. She gets to be with my Granddad, who died eleven years ago, her son, Uncle Butch, who passed twenty years ago, her mother, Mamie, who died eighty three years ago, Baby Luke, who passed in January, and so many others. The greatest reunion for her will be when she meets the Savior though. She has done everything she possibly can in this life to exemplify true Christ-like qualities. She truly knew what it meant to be a disciple of Christ. All she did was serve and for that she will be missed. She was my last living grandparent so it's been a bit sad. I am sad Nikson never got to meet her. She was so fun to be around and oh she was witty. Not only will she be remembered by her sweetness, but I will always remember hot ham and cheese sandwiches and Cheerios, half honey and half regular. She took great care of us. I love her very much.

Next time won't you sing with me.

I have a minor obsession. Let the collecting begin.

Sammy's three years later...

We had to head down to Provo to pick up a long awaited package for Blake. We went with our buddies the Zemke's and so to make the trip worth it, we went to Sammy's. "They put a whole slice of pie in your shake!" Nikson was all smiles, which is typically how all day, everyday is now.

It's fun to be in places where we once were. Remember this wall?

(It's where we took some of our engagement pictures. Fun!)

Harry Potter or Bust!

So Blake and I decided to bust out the HP series before we ended the epic masterpiece with Part 2 of Deathly Hallows...I am not going to lie...I have slept through every one! I think we need to start them at 4 in the afternoon in order for me to be completely aware of what's going on. Order of the Phoenix came out while I was on my mission in Canada and still missed it! Oh bother.

It's quiet this morning.

I've got Scandinavian design on the brain and a quiet morning to peruse some inspiring images.



Sometimes I want to re-do our bedroom. I dream of a room where we can go to get away. Calm and peaceful. Not a lot happening because I want it to be more of a sanctuary.

So that's where I am going this weekend. Away.

Some images found on Solid Frog and A Beach Cottage

Knowing what you want.

Today I was putting Nikson to sleep and as I was bouncing him he took out his soother and stuck it down my shirt. He then proceeded to gnaw on my chest until I fed him. Little stinker. The boy knows what he wants. Sometimes this tiny little man teaches me really big lessons.

This is a typical scene at our house. Down time=sleeping boys. They know what they want.

Dolcetti Gelato

A great way to beat the heat is stroll on down to the neighborhood gelato shop. Dolcetti is owned by our good friends and the shop is amazing. Super artsy and they always have entertainment. It's also a great way to go to Italy for cheap! Nikson opted for coconut and was mad when it was all gone. I was too.

He also opted for his Dad...which I totally understand.

Who will he become?

Being a mom has been quite a rewarding experience. tough? Yes. But really rewarding. Yesterday Blake and I snuggled with Nikson for a family nap and as I watched both of them sleep a lot of thoughts went through my mind. One is I can not believe that this baby is mine. Mostly because when he is sleeping next to his daddy he looks nothing like me. Seriously, identical.

He seems so perfect for us. All the fears of having a child and having our relationship suffer due to lack of time have vanished and been replaced with lots of laughter and excitement as we watch this little guy grow. I guess we were selfish in our fears of having a baby so early in our marriage, but Nikson is exactly who we need. The thoughts of "us", Blake and I, have turned into the three of us which I am ok with. Our prayers are filled with pleading with Heavenly Father that the Spirit will be in our hearts and home as we try to raise this sweet baby. I tend to think a lot about the "what if's" and the "could be's", things that I suppose are only natural for a mother to think about. Who will he become? I thought about how instead of wanting him to be a doctor or in the Olympics, my hope as his mom is that he will be spiritually strong and value the supernal gift of prayer, always knowing and appreciating that he has a Heavenly Father to speak to and counsel with. I want him to know that even though we seem so insignificant to such a Supreme Creator, we aren't and He is readily available to aid us. Prayer is power. I have felt it. I imagine my life without that blessing and think how vastly different it would be if I did not exercise my ability to speak with God. It is a real source of strength for me and has been something that has shaped my life. My little family here on Blair Street is an answer to so many prayers. I hope my son understands that one day. And I hope he learns to love to pray.

Last night we were with our friends, Chad and Allie Waite and I put Nikson to sleep in a room that viewed all of Salt Lake Valley. He looked so tiny against this massive backdrop and yet as I watched him fall asleep I couldn't help but feel I was in the presence of a giant. He felt really big to me. I am a proud mama.

.five months.

this post is a little late, but i have been more than a little busy. in the summertime we get to see a lot family, and this summer has been no exception. my parent's farewell, my best couzers wedding, in town guests, out of town guests, bbq's, smores, stadium of fire, and much more. i will update soon, but for now...look who is five months and counting...






nikson has seriously been the best baby ever. i find it difficult not to kiss him too much or to squeeze him too tight. love. he is all smiles and if he isn't smiling it's because i am putting dishes in the dishwasher instead of feeding him. i know, i know! i will get my priorities figured out.