ONE YEAR OLD

I'm about four months late but I figured I'd better write down the details of Tally's first birthday before I totally forget! We had such a fun day.  Braedon made him pancakes for breakfast and after he got in a good nap we took him to the museum of natural curiosity.  It was fun, but more of a "big kid" place.  He loved playing in the play-place with all of the balls!  He doesn't quite understand sharing yet and kept walking over and trying to take balls out of other kids hands!  Super funny to watch.  That night we had family over for dessert and Tally's cake smash.  He was kind of a pill during his cake smash, he could see his cousins playing with his new toys and I think he just did NOT want to be in his high chair-he wanted to play!  But we got a few great pictures and videos.

Size (Diapers, Onesies, Etc.): Still size 3 diapers, and in size 12-18 month clothing.  He was 19lbs (17%) and 31 inches (90%).  Just a string bean!


Eyes: Tally's intermittent exotropia has basically completely resolved which is pretty amazing.  We'll continue to watch it and see if it comes back.

Hair: Hair is strawberry blonde I guess? It's the exact same color as Braedon's was at his age! And I am obsessed with his curls.


Sleeping: Still sleeps through the night and takes two naps a day :)


Eating: He is starting to get a little pickier, and it has been a challenge.  He LOVES berries, especially raspberries.  He also loves yogurt, and tilapia.


Milestones:
-Walking!!
-Says Mama, Dada, Hi, Ball, Dog, Uh-Oh, What's that?, Pretty, Nose, and lots of gibberish
-Can point to where his nose, hair, eyes, and belly button are
-Knows what the "monkey says" and what the "dog says" haha
-Says "No!" ALL the time haha (apparently we use that word a lot)


Loves:
-Dogs, baths, swimming, books, eating, snuggling mama, being chased by dad, singing

Hates:
-Still hates getting cleaned up after he eats! He throws a fit every time I wipe his face.  And like I mentioned earlier meal-time is messy so I'm ready for him to just accept that his face has to be wiped after we eat! haha

I'm Back

Mother's Day 2016

^^ this boy gives the best snuggles and kisses ^^

My husband is so hot haha

It's been a while since I've blogged!  After having Tally and all of the craziness of becoming a mom I kind of felt like I lost my voice for a while, other than monthly updates about Tally.  While I know I'm pretty irrelevant in the blogging world I still love having a place to gather my thoughts and journal about our family.  I have lots of "private posts" that won't ever be posted but that I love to re-read and add to them.  I know I should probably hand-write them but typing is just so much faster!

For a while it honestly felt like life was swallowing me whole.  I was having a hard time getting used to my "postpartum" body, couldn't seem to keep my house clean, and was just in kind of a slump for a bit.  I made a goal at the beginning of the year to finally actually complete the Kayla Itsines guides and I'm proud to say I did it!!  I noticed that other parts of my life that needed improving started to change as well.  On days that I worked out I had more energy, and I was happier to get housework done.  I also found that I was growing spiritually- I was taking care of myself and felt like I had more time to read my scriptures and ponder.  I got into a good routine-workout in the morning, then read scriptures and have "me time" during Tally's morning nap.  It's still a habit that I have to work on EVERY day.  Some days I love working out, but most days it's an internal struggle haha.  I also have the biggest sweet tooth alive, and probably always will, but I'm kind of ok with it.  Like I've just come to terms with it now, you know?  I'm going to have my cake and eat it too.  Well mostly just the frosting.  I love frosting.

Ok! lots of rants going on.  Update on our family...

Braedon: Mr. Smarty pants graduated, on the deans' list, and has accepted an offer from George Washington University Medical School.  We will be making the big move to DC this summer!  I have lots of feelings about this, mostly excitement and nerves.  I've been trying to pack a few boxes in my spare time and have found that Tally is packing too-so far I've found a few legos, a binky, and a ball in one of my boxes ;) I also found a separate box that contained one of each of my shoes ;)

Me: Still working as a nurse at St. Mark's in the nursery,  but I only have a couple shifts left.  It's a bittersweet end- I love, LOVE, my job but I love being a mom more.  It'll be interesting to see where my nursing career takes me in DC. Right now I'm just focused on being a mom and a wife. I also just started my second round of Kayla and I'm trying not to think too hard about moving.  I've read about 5 books in the past month, it's been a good distraction!  I've LOVED The Nightingale and Me Before You.  I also enjoyed Big Little Lies, and the Hypnotists Love Story.

Tally:  Running EVERYWHERE, repeating words, and getting smarter by the minute.  He's got such a personality.  One minute he's doing something naughty and the next minute he's up in my face giving me kisses or snuggling me.  I can't help but laugh at everything he does.  He's super into "organizing" right now.  He'll grab random household items; lotion, legos, cars etc. and just line them up on my book shelf.  Then he moves them up and down on the shelves and just gets super concentrated.  It's so cute.  He loves playing with cars and balls, and "dances" to music.  He is honestly such a light in our lives,  I love him more than words. He has been teething the past few days and has basically had a fever the whole time and it just breaks my heart.  I love the extra snuggling but hate that he is in so much pain.

We are honestly just loving our simple life right now.  Yes, we have trials, but we try to just be grateful for them because they make us who we are.  We feel super close as our little family of three, and I'm so lucky to have such a patient and considerate husband.  We are doing our best to save money (I'm not super helpful, sorry babe) and just prepare for this next HUGE adventure. We have lots of great memories to make ;)

Noodle and Boo

^^This is Tally's face when his teeth hurt, his little lips all pursed! So sad.^^

^^ K side note, please excuse our disgusting grout!  I have seriously tried everything to get that to go away, I guess it's just one of the joys of apartment living.  Suggestions more than welcome. ^^

^^ Who could stay mad at that face?? ^^

Monday morning was such a "Monday".  I went to change Tally's diaper and low and behold he had his first big blowout for me (thanking my lucky stars we made it this far)!  You guys, it was up to his SHOULDERS!  I wanted to cry haha.  The worst part about it is Tally has gotten so busy and thinks it's hilarious to flip over and crawl away while I'm changing his diaper....SO not cool with poop all over his little bum!  haha!  Needless to say, we went straight for the bath.  I was especially annoyed because I had been feeling ambitious and I had us both all ready for the day before 10am and had planned to go to the grocery store!  However, one thing you learn to do as a mother is just roll with the punches!  I let Tally play in the bath for a bit, lathered him up with lotion, called up my girlfriends and we had an impromptu lunch date.  Much better than errand running!  Plus it ended up snowing so I was kind of super glad I wasn't hauling grocery bags out to my car.    

This little mishap also gave us a great excuse to try out the bubble bath and hair/body-wash from Noodle & Boo.  When they reached out to me to review some of their products I may or may not have squealed! If I've ever talked to you about baby products then you probably know how much I LOVE their lotion.  It smells heavenly (seriously everyone tells me Tally smells so good), it doesn't dry out their skin, and it lasts FOREVER!  We use a different brand for the newborns at the hospital and I have to say it just doesn't cut it for me.  It makes my skin (and I think the baby's skin) super dry! I don't mind your typical baby wash for a day to day basis but after trying the bubble bath and hair/body-wash from Noodle & Boo I think I might be converted.  Especially as we move into winter.  I'm already noticing random dry spots on Tally and I think he needs a body wash that is more moisturizing and sensitive on his soft skin.   

I've also tried the reed diffuser and I love how subtle it is.  I keep it in the nursery and it just makes it smell fresh and I don't know... baby-ish??  You know what I mean.  Just that heavenly newborn scent.  Anyways, I was talking with my girlfriend and we both agreed that the Noodle & Boo lotion (or any other product for that matter) makes such a great baby shower gift.  It pairs so cute with one of those adorable animal hood newborn towels, or bath toys!  Or I mean...just buy it for yourself cause it is seriously THAT good.  

Noodle & Boo Super Soft Lotion

Noodle & Boo 2-in1 Hair & Body Wash

Noodle & Boo Reed Diffuser

Noodle & Boo Bubble Bath 

TALLY'S 11 MONTH UPDATE

Size (Diapers, Onesies, Etc.): Still size 3 diapers, and in size 12-18 month clothing.  We will see his pediatrician at 1 year to find out how muc he weighs, etc.  He seems like he is growing like a weed, he is SO tall to me!!



Eyes: Tally's intermittent exotropia has good days and bad days, the bad days are usually related to something else like teething, not enough sleep, etc.  We saw another specialist at Primary Children's and he felt like Talmage was handling it beautifully, that he definitely does NOT need glasses and that we just need to follow it closely. It's frustrating getting such different opinions, but for now we are just watching it closely and hoping it'll work itself out. 


Hair: Hmm...I guess I would describe his hair as dirty blonde right now?? Maybe with a little strawberry?  It's getting so long and he totally has a mullet, but he has a few curls in the back and I just can't bring myself to cut his hair just yet. 



Sleeping: Tally is officially sleeping through the night!!  Woo! Woo!!  Took him 10 months.  Sometimes I miss the late night nursing and snuggling, but mostly I'm just glad we are all getting some more sleep.  On a good night he goes to bed around 8 and gets up around 8 the next morning, then takes two 1-2 hr naps during the day. 



Eating: He eats everything we eat and prefers to feed himself-mealtime is MESSY.  His favorites include coconut greek yogurt, tilapia, raspberries and broccoli.  He also seems to be phasing out of bottles and it makes me kind of sad ;(



Milestones:
-Walking!!  He isn't full on walking all of the time, but he can go short distances.  It's the cutest little zombie walk I've ever seen. 
-Says Mama, Dada, Hi, Ball, Dog, Uh-Oh
-Whenever he sees himself in the mirror or a front facing camera he waves or claps and says "Hiiiii" haha
-Has four teeth on top, one bottom middle, and two molars!


Loves:
-Frozen (the movie), baths, swimming, books, eating, snuggling mama, and being chased by dad

Hates:
-Getting cleaned up after he eats! He throws a fit every time I wipe his face.  And like I mentioned earlier meal-time is messy so I'm ready for him to just accept that his face has to be wiped after we eat! haha



Tally is turning into a toddler right before my eyes and I can't decide if I love it or hate it.  He has an opinion and is starting to get mad when we take things away from him!  He also squeals, and can be the biggest ham during dinner time or when he can see that he's being filmed.  He claps his hands, makes an "oh" face, smiles this cheesy scrunchy grin, waves and says, "hiii".  If you follow me on snapchat you know what I'm talking about!! 


He has been walking around on the furniture for a while and took his first steps while Braedon was with him and I was at work- I was SO glad it was caught on video!  Ever since then he hasn't been afraid to walk, he just knows crawling is faster.  He loves how excited we get after each time he walks and gets this bashful grin when we cheer for him. 


He absolutely loves to snuggle, after each nap I get the cutest head butts.  He snuggles everything; his books, my lap, his toys, pillows, you name it.  He loves and has always loved Frozen.  If I'm in a pinch somewhere and he is getting antsy I can turn on "let it go" and he is in a trance!  Braedon keeps saying we need to find a more "manly" show haha.  I love that he loves the music! 


Tally giggles all the time and thinks Braedon is super hilarious.  He has also figured out how to make us laugh and can be super silly!  Braedon has taught him to laugh after every time he farts and sometimes he will cough over and over trying to squeeze a fart out to make us all laugh hahah the best part is, most of the time it works!!  (sorry if that is super gross or tmi to some of you). 


Seriously, this mom gig is the best, and I feel super grateful to watch Talmage grow up. 

Sunday Drive

It was a happy Sunday.  We went on a drive on the way to Grandma's and stopped at the Day Break Lake.  Braedon got out his guitar, and serenaded us while we played nearby.  Tally loved looking at the water, and as you can see, loved being thrown in the air by his Dad.  

This motherhood gig is pretty incredible.  There are hard days, but there are also heavenly days.  Sometimes I think being an adult is just the worst- paying bills, doing laundry, and dealing with the mundane can be such a downer!  But becoming parents has given us the ability to see more joy amidst our mundane responsibilities.  We get to experience the world through Talmage's eyes and the little things we've forgotten about have become magical again, like watching ducks swim!  

I've been trying to change my thoughts from grumpy to grateful.  For example, I get grumpy about doing the laundry, when I should be grateful that we have clothing to wash.  I get grumpy that I miss out on sleep, but I should just be grateful I have a baby to rock to sleep (even if it is at 4 am).  I'm far from perfect in this department, but I think people might like me better if I'm more grateful.  I mean, how unattractive is someone who just complains all the time?

Well how was that for a random jumbled up thought of a blog post?  

Thanks for reading!

xo, the murdock's

FALL BREAK 2015

Talmage thinks his Dad is the funniest.

How Tally and I "golf"

Fall break was heaven.  A little bit of a tease, but definitely pure heaven.  I say it was a little bit of a tease because I got to be with Braedon all day everyday.  Definitely something I'm not used to!  Between school and work, Braedon and I are passing ships.  We really only see each other at night and he is usually studying, and I am usually tired after a day full of playing with Tally.  Our typical evening involves a quick dinner, putting Tally to bed and then Braedon studies while I watch Netflix or read a book.  Braedon decided to take the week off and really just devoted his time to our little fam.  We were originally going to go to Carlsbad to visit my sister but then life happened.  I got T-boned and we learned that my car was totaled :(.  Still drivable, but the search for a new car needed to begin so we decided to save our sheckles and stay-cation.  We learned there is actually lots to do here in Utah!  Especially with this amazing weather we've been having.  

Some highlights were...

-Swimming with Tally

-Birthday lunch for my Dad at The Dodo

-A hike up to Bell Canyon

-Golfing

-Picnic-ing

-Neilsen's Frozen Custard

-Fright-mares

This is Braedon's last semester of school and I'm giddy just thinking about it.  I know we have about 10 years left of medical school ahead of us but a small break before that sounds incredible!  Counting down the days....

Tally // Seven Months

*For some reason I CAN NOT FIND Tally's seven month pictures.  Hopefully adding them soon!


Size (Diapers, Onesies, Etc.): Still size 3 diapers, and in 6-9 month plus some 9-12 month clothing.  I'm not sure of his weight right now because we don't see the pediatrician until he's 9 months!

Eyes: Still blue! Everyone we meet comments on how big and blue his eyes are.  If you saw my last post you know that Tally has intermittent exotropia.  Basically one of his eyes rotates outwards.  It mostly happens when he is tired and when he is looking far distances.  We decided to try glasses for a bit to see if that will help but if there is no improvement then we will move to surgery!  Hoping that with fasting and prayer everything will be just fine. 

Hair:  Tally has strawberry blonde hair!  I can see a few really light (almost white) hairs mixed in with the strawberry!

Sleeping: Still sleeping the same!  I'm beginning to wonder if he'll ever sleep through the night consistently! haha.  Good thing is it gives me a great excuse to take a nap with him everyday- and who doesn't love naps am I right?? 

Eating: Still exclusively breastfed and also eating solids.  So far he'll eat anything we give him!  The only things he protests with are beets and rice cereal!  I've started making my own baby food.  It's so easy to just blend something up and store it- totally makes sense to me and is so much cheaper! 

Milestones:
-Has learned to blow spit bubbles (not sure if that counts as a milestone haha)
-Sitting up so much better!
-Copies a few noises that we make! (Clicking our tongues)
-Scoot/crawls whenever he is on his belly.  He just kinda digs his head into the floor and uses it to help him move!  So funny. 


Loves:
-Still love music.  We got him a mini piano and he just goes to town with it! 
-Dogs
-Baths (especially w/ mom)
-Singing, Dad playing the guitar, etc.
-Standing up with help- if I am not helping him stand up he is in his jumper jumping away!
-Being tickled, kissed, and played with (prefers it over toys)
-Sticking his hands in his mouth
-Having his face tickled with a blanket or my hair
-Going on walks
-When mom or dad gets home from work

Hates
-Being tired or hungry
-Getting smothered by anyone besides mom when he's tired

The other day I got home from working a 12 hr shift and Tally was already asleep for the night and I was SO sad!! Usually I get to at least put him to bed.  Around 11pm he woke up and when I picked him up he gave me the sweetest little hug/ head butt you've ever seen!!  He just buried his head into mine and sat there, and then looked at me and did it again like, "Mom! I missed you!" It was seriously the BEST.  Working has had it's challenges because I miss him like crazy but I'm so grateful we've been able to make things work with me working part time!  It also makes our time together that much more special.