We're going to University of Arizona! For PhD school in the Fall, that is. We're pretty excited just to have a decision made and to know where we're going so we can start planning our summer. The above pic is from a visit we had there Thanksgiving 2008 to visit my friend Merissa who went there. At the time, Ryan did not want to be in a picture with the U of A mascot. And now he's going to attend there! Below is a pic of me and Merissa at a fountain at U of A:

Ryan is really excited to do research there, and it will be nice to try something at least somewhat new.

I'm a little sad to be leaving Provo, and there are some things here that I've always wished to do, but won't get the chance now. So if you're still going to be in the Provo area, do what I didn't!
  • Participate in True Blue Football
  • Throw colored chalk at the Color Festival at the Krishna Temple
  • Do the drive-through Christmas display in Spanish Fork
  • Go tubing at Soldier Hollow (there's still a chance we might do this :))
  • Hike Mt. Timp
  • Go see the Lavender Fields
I'm sure there are other things, but I can't think of them right now. Here's some things I'm excited for in Tucson:
  • The Dance Loft- it's a dance studio for adults, and you can take individual classes without having to sign up for a whole class!
  • Getting tan again (just from swimming so often, not purposely go out and tan)
  • The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Being in a real family ward (I've loved our student wards, but I'm ready to move on)
  • Being close to family
  • Arizona sunsets
  • The Biosphere
  • Kitt Peak
And I'm sure there will be more as we find out more!

Hyrum is my little monkey. And he loves his stuffed monkey that is nearly the same size as he is:

Even though he's still small in size, he's growing up! Hyrum turned five months old on Tuesday and I can't believe how much he changing. He is almost sitting up on his own without falling over and has started to say one consonant (MMM-muh!). Besides that, he loves his jumper, as seen in one of the previous posts.

We have also started Hyrum on solids. Here's the new highchair we got- he looks so small in it!

Here is what he thought of rice cereal:



Isn't he cute? Please note the rice cereal all over his pants. That's because he kept spitting it out :) He likes homemade applesauce a lot better (thanks Jess!).

Here's Hyrum getting his nightly chest percussion from Daddy. He takes it so much better these days!



So I'm not a very crafty person, but I do enjoy making cute things sometimes. Here's the couple of things I've been able to do since Hyrum was born. The first is for his room. Here's what his bedding looks like:

And here are some letters I made to match it. They aren't up on the wall, as you can see because we are moving in less than two months and I didn't want to make those holes in the wall for that short of a time. Also, I'm still deciding on how to hang them, lol.

Here is Ryan with all of the cute things he got me for Valentine's Day. He is such a cute and wonderful husband! Anyways, he is also pictured with the bouquet he got me that was wrapped up and not in a vase. Still pretty, but not arranged. So, this is kind of the before picture.


And here's the after picture! The lilies bloomed and something just had to be done with the bouquet. Here's what I did (I guess that floral design class was good for something!):

Yeah, these aren't huge things, but it made me feel good to create something.

video


Hyrum is our first baby. As such, I get pretty excited when he learns a new "trick," as I call it. However, I later realize that besides being exciting and necessary for his development, Hyrum's tricks can also be not so great at times. Here are some recent examples:


When Hyrum started making more noises like he's talking to me, I got really excited and would try to get him to make those sounds all day by repeating them to him and talking back to him. However, that next Sunday in Relief Society (and every Sunday since), Hyrum decided right then was the time he wanted to start a very loud conversation. The poor instructor!


Hyrum has been rolling for over a month now, but when he first started, I thought he was the best little boy ever and was excited to show off his skills. I have since realized this now means I can't set him anywhere high without keeping a hand on him. It also means that when he's on the floor, I have to constantly help him out of corners he has rolled into. And I know it's only going to get worse!

Hyrum looks pretty cute when he's reaching out for me or something he wants to grab, and again I was excited when he started that trick. But now I wear my hair in a ponytail almost always, can't wear necklaces, and have almost been exposed in public a couple times. The real kicker was when I was happily eating my bowl of cereal in the morning, holding Hyrum as I usually do, and all of the sudden I had milk all over my clothes. Yes, my little boy now reaches for every piece of food I eat and every cup I drink while holding him.


No matter what, I'm still glad he's developing. And how could you not love such a cute boy?


Another CF mom told me a couple of months ago that we will get used to the "new normal." Aka, having breathing treatments twice a day along with whatever medications or treatments come along. It took me awhile, but I think I am finally getting used to it. I'm just happy he's healthy and happy. We also found out recently that one of his genetic mutations is consistent with mild CF, which means he has a good chance of living longer, always having a functioning pancreas, and having fewer lung diseases. Yay! Of course, it's no guarantee, but we're optimistic.


Anyways, there's a lot more to Hyrum than CF. In fact, I really don't even remember about his CF most of the time. Here's some fun things about him:

  • Hyrum has about a two minute fit right before he falls asleep during the day. I guess he hates missing the action.
  • He is in the third percentile for BMI: 84th percentile for height and 21st percentile for weight. Don't worry, we're working on chunking him up.
  • He can roll both ways! Front to back and back to front.
  • His favorite snack? His hands. With a side of blanket.
  • He likes to sleep with his face in my armpit. I wonder if he would be upset if I ever changed my deodorant scent?
  • The most frustrating thing in the world to him is not being able to get something in his mouth.
  • He has ticklish armpits, and if you tickle them just right, he'll laugh for you :)


In news not about Hyrum, Ryan has officially applied to PhD schools and is currently working on visiting some of the schools. I can't wait till we know where we're spending the next 4-5 years of our life! I also had my 23rd birthday, and am feeling a little old (even though I know that's silly). Thanks to everyone who made it so special! My favorite gift was going shopping with my Mom when we were home for Christmas. It was nice to have some time with her like I used to have. Thanks Mom!