A "pick me up" video you should see

A coworker sent this video to Curtis and we wanted to share it with everyone. It is very powerful and gave us both chills when we watched it. In a world full of dark it is wonderful to know our Savior is there fighting for each of us, especially when we're falling.

My little boys are growing

Jack had a doctor appointment this morning and he is sure growing fast. I was surprised to find out that he has gained over a pound since his last visit which was a week and a half ago. His last visit he was 8lb 9oz and today he weighed 9lb 11oz! Good to know my milk is doing his body good :)

Last night we had a visit from my parents and grandparents. Garrett was having a lot of fun entertaining himself and all of us. He got his little cowboy hat on and at first was riding on the wooden rocking horse but soon found that Gma's legs were more fun.

He went over to Great Gma and threw his hat on her head. He kept saying "Wee haa!" and waving his hat in the air when he was on his horse. Our little cowboy.

Garrett absolutely loves his baby brother! He gives Jack more attention than big sister Nikki does. He's always giving him kisses and patting his head. And if I'm down on the floor talking to Jack, Garrett will come right next to me and do the same thing. He is such a sweetheart.

Friday morning Jack's circumcision ring came off and so it was a green light to give him his first real bath. I think he would've enjoyed it more had he not been hungry during the bath. The plan was to give him a bath, then feed him and put him to bed in hopes that he would sleep longer. Unfortunately he did not sleep any longer that night. But last night he slept the longest he's ever slept. I put him to bed around 10:45pm and he didn't wake me up until 5 am. Thank you Jack!

The baby diet

I've lost 25 lbs in 2 weeks! The secret, have a baby. Ha ha

Before

Now (2 weeks later)

I've still got some work to do to get rid of the last 10 or so pounds but look at the difference so far! This diet is guaranteed to make you lose almost 10 lbs instantly. LOL

Jack's blessing & Curtis's departure

Yesterday was a special event as Jack was given his baby blessing here at our home. It was the first time we'd ever had or been to a baby blessing in the home instead of at the church. Our home was filled with both of our families and our bishop and his wife. It was a great experience and we could definitely feel the spirit. We were also able to get some pictures taken, so here they are.

This is at the airport this morning when we were sending Curtis off again. Garrett looks as if he's saying "You go over there!" or something like that. Just before I got this shot he stood there with his hands on his hips watching Nikki & Katelynn running around. It was too cute. I wish I would've gotten the shot with his hands on his hips.

One last family shot before Curtis got on the plane. We will sure miss Daddy. And yes, it was more difficult for me this time. I was feeling pretty sad and depressed all day until Curtis finally called when he got to Chicago. After shedding a few tears and talking to him again I feel a lot better. He's pretty good at giving me pep talks. What a wonderful husband I have! Now we get to look forward to his next vacation that will be in 6 months. (6 months so that he can come home with his brother this time)

Feeling normal

Thank you to everyone for your advice on the clogged duct. I am happy to report that it is all cleared up and Jack is feeding well on both sides now. I'm starting to feel a little bit normal again, as in I can feel like doing things again. I thought you'd like to see more pictures of our little guy.

I love the color yellow so I had to get some pics before I changed his clothes.

Here's his mug shot

Here's my boys! For once Garrett is sleeping while Jack is awake.

Thursday night we had Grandma come over and give Jack his first sponge bath at home. It's kind of become tradition to have Grandma do the first bath. He seemed to enjoy it more than most newborns would.

Jack had his first doctor appointment on Monday and he is as healthy as can be. We are so blessed to have no complications with this baby. I really just wanted to enjoy this one. Jack also had his circumcision done on Wednesday and he weighed 8lbs 9 oz at that visit(he gained 1 oz since his Monday visit). Now that he is feeding well I am starting to stretch out the feeding time at night and hopefully soon he'll be sleeping thru the night. Of course last night he ended up waking me up before my alarm did. Maybe he's having a little growth spurt now to gain the weight back that he lost. I'm also very happy that Jack has been my best nursing baby. It only took him a week to get the hang of it as opposed to Nikki taking 2 months! Garrett never got the chance since they bottle fed him in the hospital and it ruined everything. But we were stressed out enough with Garrett having surgery anyway, that we didn't want to try too hard.

But everything is going well now. For all those who are wondering how they can help me after Curtis leaves, I'll have to let you know how things are. I think I will mostly just need a break from the kids sometimes and have some company. And someone to watch the kids when I need to go to the store. Thank you everyone for your continued support and help offers!

Plugged duct

For all you nursing mammas out there I need your help. I have a plugged milk duct and need suggestions on how to help get rid of it. So far I've been able to keep from getting mastitis for the 3rd time and would like to keep it that way. Thank you!

For those who don't know Jack!

Testing out the new bed. She didn't realize at the
time it was going to be her home for the next 54 hours!

Here Deedra is in the middle of delivering Jack, and
ordering clothes online (she is great at multitasking)!

After finally finding the perfect spring dress
Deedra agrees to finish this thing and five
minutes later out came baby Jack.

The welcoming party gets some photos with
the new arrival. Glad he had a safe journey.

Some people are happy to see the new addition
to the family, and some are not sure!

A mother and her two sons....she is certainly going
to have her hands full! We'll be praying for you.

Here is the little guy, Jack Porter! Cute as a button!
Make an appointment if you would like to come see
him. Schedule all appointments through his secretary.

Our week so far with Curtis home

Monday afternoon Curtis made it safely home for his first vacation. We were all so excited to see him. Here are some pictures from his homecoming and what we've been doing this week. And to those who are wondering, no baby yet. We are scheduled to go in at 6am tomorrow morning to be induced. I'm a little nervous because I've never been induced before but I'm sure everything will be fine. We're just anxious to see our baby Jack! In the meantime we are just keeping busy and relaxing.

Our first hug.

Garrett was a little unsure at first, but later that night he was kind of clinging to Daddy.

Can you tell how happy I am?

And at last, Curtis got to see his big surprise that he knew nothing about. It's kind of funny because I bought this for him on my birthday. I had to keep it a secret for over two weeks. I knew that if I even told him I had a surprise for him when he got home that he would somehow figure it out. He's good at that.

Tuesday morning Daddy and the kids were sprawled out on our bedroom floor watching "Toy Story", which is Garrett's new favorite movie. Garrett could watch that movie all day and be happy.

Then Curtis got busy and decided to take apart the bunk bed so Garrett could have his own big boy bed.

So now Nikki's bedroom looks more spacious and it's easier to make her bed since I'm not bumping my head on the top bunk.

Curtis getting the crib ready for Jack to use.

Last night while Curtis was warming up our dinner I had to get my ball to sit on and then Garrett jumped on the back and we had fun bouncing up and down. Here, he had a mouth full of carrots.

And this morning Curtis gave Garrett his first hair cut! What a milestone. Nikki is 5 and I still have never cut her hair. It was fun to watch Garrett. He was so good.

All smiles for this boy. He thought it tickled. I never thought it would be so easy to cut his hair. He did great! What a big boy he's becoming.