Hank's First Week of 1st Grade

 I distinctly remember taking a picture of Hank in every new outfit he wore when he was first born.  I would get him ready in the morning and he looked too cute not to snap a picture.  I have photo albums full of all the outfits he wore the first month of his life.  Fast Forward 6 years to his first week of school.  I couldn't resist taking a picture of each new outfit as he got ready for school every morning.  Hank has his own sense of style for sure.  He had to approve each look.

 Day 1 (the V-neck tee is courtesy of Uncle Rick)

Day 2 (the shoe lace idea was 100% Hank's)

Day 3

 He was settling into the routine by now.  He is, by far, the most stylish 1st grader at Snow Springs.

Randy takes him to school every day on his way to work and I know that was a great idea on the first day.  I'm sure I would've adequately embarrassed him.  I realize I'm pregnant and emotional but I swear I would feel the same way if I wasn't.  Being a parent is agonizing at times.  Obviously I worry about his diabetes every second of the day but then I worry about him making friends, feeling lonely, not having anyone to sit by at lunch, and most importantly leaving me for 6 hours a day.  I have to run up to the school every day before lunch to give him insulin so it's the perfect excuse to be a stalker mom.  

The lunch room is CHAOS!!!  I was immediately reassured to see his adorable cousins waiting for him.  Isabel sat by him on the first day and I forgot my camera so no shots of her...but trust me she looked darling and calmed my fears for sure.  

 Lucy is sort of the tour director of the lunch room.  She has her eyes open for Hank's friends and directs them to his table.  Colby always scoots over to make room for Hank to sit.  

 I just can't stress enough how comforting it is to have these amazing cousins at the same school.  They look out for Hank and put my mind at ease.  Not that Hank has any trouble in the friend department, but family is just different.  Poor Max has to tag along with me every day.  He loves seeing Hank and he is always willing to hold his hand while I give him his shot.

Of course his buddy Boston is never too far away.  These two shove their lunches in their face so fast it's amazing.  They can't wait to get out and play.  Notice Max in the background, munching on popcorn I didn't bring!  After the first 4 days of school I realize just how amazing and confident Hank is.  He handles his diabetes with so much responsibility.  I need to learn to give up my control issues and let him grow into the amazing kid he is becoming.  It's easier said than done, but I'm learning.  I think I can relax...right?

Time to Celebrate!

Life can be tough, let's face it.  However, when you have these beautiful ladies in your corner, life becomes much more manageable.  Sarah and my mom had the genius idea of throwing me a baby shower.  I realize it's not the norm to have a shower for your 3rd baby but when you have family like I have, they are always down for a celebration.

Sarah made these adorable invitations.

 

 My mom's house looked beautiful and festive as always.  She provided enough chocolate to put me in a  sugar coma for a week.  Crusher loves chocolate.

I was overcome with emotion (surprising huh) looking at all the amazing women who came to support me.  Their love is overwhelming and so appreciated.  I had to make sure everyone knew just how much they mean to me.  After sufficient crying on my part it was time to open the presents!

 

Crusher and I received so many thoughtful and wonderful gifts.  Sarah came up with a game to help me decide on a name for this baby.  Everyone filled out a card and I read each one as I opened their presents.

 

We giggled at the answers everyone provided...unfortunately I don't think I will be able to use Abraham, Ulysses, Marv, Niles, or Theodore.  I loved my that my darling grandmas put Sherm Wankier and Karl Tucker as their favorite athletes.

 I am so lucky to have these amazing grandmas.  They are the definition of strength, beauty and grace.  

 Robyn, Maddie, Barbara, Becky, and Hayley

 Mom, Missie, Jessie, Molly, Rocco, and Crystal

Kate, Lucy and Isabel

 

Jenni and Jeri represented the Griffin's

After nearly 20 attempts of a picture with Sarah, I finally realized I was just going to look huge no matter what angle I tried.  I can't express my gratitude and love for my amazing family enough.  Sarah and my mom knew just what I needed to lift my spirits.  It was a night of celebration and support from the ladies I love the most.  It makes me so excited for my baby boy to arrive.  Thanks again Sarah and mom!

Sometimes I feel so weighed down by Hank's diabetes, I tend to forget how important it is to let him be a normal little boy.  When the kids heard the ice cream truck roll through the neighborhood it was a major cause for celebration.  Of course I'm thinking, how many carbs does the ice cream have, it's almost time for dinner, he'll have to have an extra shot, what will this do to his blood sugar, blah blah blah...but I couldn't resist when I looked at Hank's face.  

 Hank went for the Pink Panther option and Max went with Leonardo of course.

 They even shared a lick of each others.

 Max felt like he was looking in the mirror!

 Look at that face...pure bliss.  I love the simple joys of a 6 year old.

While I'm on the topic of celebrations, I can't fail to mention Randy and my 12 year wedding anniversary yesterday.  I've had Randy in my life for 16 years and I honestly can't remember him ever being out of it.  I realize I was a clueless 19 year old when we got married.  However, I distinctly remember having an overwhelming feeling that marrying Randy was the best decision I could ever make.  We have literally grown up together.  I look at our lives, our children, and I feel so blessed.  I met my perfect match at 15 years old!  This year has tested us more than ever.  I couldn't have made it without him.  I love you so very much Randy.

 We had a delicious meal at Bambara in Salt Lake.  I suppose when you're 9 months pregnant, eating is about all you can do for entertainment!  The food was fantastic. Here is a picture of us in our room at Hotel Monaco.

Sarah was our babysitter of choice since she is most up to speed with Hank's diabetes routine.  She even agreed to sleep at our house.  Despite her perfect carb counting and insulin administration, the unpredictable nature of diabetes struck again and Hank had an unexplained blood sugar reading of nearly 500 before bed.  Sarah handled everything like a seasoned pro but Randy and I decided to head home around 11p.m. to take care of Hank and relieve poor Sarah.  There is nothing that says romance like blood sugar checks every 2 hours throughout the night.  Hank is fine today and no harm was done, other than traumatizing Sarah. 

 Let's celebrate blood sugars in the normal range today!! Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

The Griffin's Meet Owen

We've been spending quality time with our out of state family this past week.  My entire family is in love with our newest nephew Owen.  He is so adorable!

 Randy hasn't forgotten how to soothe a baby!

Just like riding a bike.

 

 Hank would hold Owen all day if he could.

He loved feeding him too.

Owen was a little scared his very pregnant auntie Annie might eat him for dinner. 

It's been far too long since we've had a baby around here.

I'm pretty sure he loves us already.

 Max crashed on Jeri's bed and when Randy woke him up he was not a happy boy.

 As you can see, he wasn't having any of the picture taking.  Apparently Lynn, Collette and I weren't either.

Max and Randy had the same expression going on.  I finally figured out how to snap Max out of his bad mood....enter Owen.

The second he was placed in Max's arms, his mood instantly changed.

That, my friends, is the most genuinely happy smile I've ever seen on Mino's face.  Hopefully Crusher has the same effect on him.

 

Max doesn't like it when I kiss Owen too much.  He told me babies don't like to kiss.

 These three happily struck a pose.

 Rick really enjoyed the rocking chair in front of Scott's shed.

 The boys have spent some quality time with their uncle Rick.  He's been staying at our house and Hank and Max have been in heaven.  They've been swimming, laser tagging, shopping, golfing, video gaming, and spent an entire afternoon at an arcade, earning tickets for a lava lamp.

Rick even mastered the art of insulin injecting.

Rusty has become quite the expert on diaper changing and nap schedules.  He is such a great dad to Owen. 

 

Collette and her finger pointin' bro-in-law

 Jeri and Scott fed us multiple times throughout the week and the food was delicious.  Randy and I also hosted a few BBQ's but I don't have any pictures to prove it.  I guess I was too busy being the hostess with the mostess.  I really love that everyone feels so comfortable at our house.  

 Rusty couldn't pass up an opportunity to educate his nephews on the geology surrounding us.  Grandma Griffin hosted a hot dog roast one night at a campground in American Fork Canyon.

I wonder if Jenni's little girl is scared to join this crazy family full of boys!  I have a feeling she will be able to hold her own if she's anything like her mama.

Max felt like looking toward the camera in this picture.

By the time we attempted this 4 generation picture he was done.

It wouldn't be a Grandma Griffin hosted event without some skits.  Hank was apprehensive to preform at first but then he didn't want to stop.

He delivered his lines like a seasoned pro.  

It's been so nice having everyone in town. I often wonder how I would handle not having my sisters live so close.  I'm so glad Randy had the opportunity to be with his brothers.  Rick has had so much fun, he decided to stay another week.  I think he should just stay until his 6th nephew arrives.  

I have to mention a pretty recent development with Max...he is a mama lover all the sudden.  We've become best buds over the past 2 weeks and I love it.  He's my buddy at the pool for sure.  After we lounged in the lazy river for a bit we decided to relax in the shade and share a snow cone.

 My little boy is growing up so fast.  He got a special package from Bear Hollow Preschool in the mail this week and I had to hold back the tears.  His first field trip in on September 29th...I hope I'm recovered and ready to go to Wheeler Farm by then.

 How can I send my baby by himself?  I don't know about this going back to school thing.  I'm not ready for my boys to leave me....ever! 

 Ignore pregnant face and look at Max's arm around my back.  I just love my boys.  Only 24 more days until another little angel joins my life.  I can't wait!