The days are going by so fast, and yet so slow at the same time. I can’t believe it’s the first of October already–but, most of the time days are long without much seeming to happen this week.

We did have a fun day out on Saturday. is quite the exciting place with a baby and an 18 month old. Our cousin Shannon was getting a table and chairs for her adorable little boy Mateo and asked if we wanted to come along. Ikeas are so huge, with so many products it’s easy to wander around for hours and still not see everything. But, we did have success with the intended mission. And, we found some frames that I’ve been needing forever so I could put up some pictures in Brit’s room.

We got home just in time for me to throw on a dress and head to the Women’s Conference. I wasn’t too excited about going by myself, but what do you do? Then, Mark called and said they were broadcasting it online! So, I whipped right around and settled onto the couch in my comfy clothes to watch instead. He took care of Brit and made sure that I was paying attention and not multi-tasking. Thanks Sweetheart! It was good and I learned more about the importance of Relief Society and it’s purpose.

Brit hasn’t been sleeping well lately. He used to go down at 10, sleep till 3ish, eat, sleep till 6ish, eat then sleep till 8 or so. No more. He goes down at 9-9:30, sleeps till 11ish, cries for his binky, sleeps till 12ish, wakes up and cries again. Then sleeps till 2ish, cries again for his binky. Sleeps 20 minutes then wakes up again. Sleeps till 4, cries till I go in, quiets down then fusses 5 minutes later. Repeats this till I feed him. Sleeps for another few hours till he does it again. It’s getting really annoying. I think he’s teething.

Last night we gave him frozen binkies with water in the nipples and he LOVED it. I got the idea from one of my magazines, and apparently it works. He went right to sleep. Poor guy. So, I think I’m going to get him some teething tablets to help him out.

Monday Brit participated in an infant study at the UCLA Baby Lab. After he was born we got a thing in the mail to fill out if we’d be interested in participating in their studies. My friend in DC, Marianne, worked for NIH doing child studies and it always sounded interesting, so we filled it out and sent it in. They contacted us and we went in. He looked at a computer screen that had 3 moving shapes. Two were the same, one was different and the different one always popped into an object, like a star or monkey or octopus toy or something and made a noise. They tracked his eye movements to see where he was looking, and he ended up doing the same thing the 7 babies before him had done: After a few times, he started looking at the different shape, anticipating its change and following noise.

It was simple and easy, but he did well and he even got to take home a gift. He picked a rubber ducky. I’d definitely do it again if they asked.

With all of his movement lately he gets into some pretty interesting positions and places.

Just lounging with his toys….

His new favorite spot!

When he’s in the bath it’s so cute. He loves to splash now.

He’s getting so big in his chair!

Whew, this has been a busy week. I may need to start posting more often in order to keep from writing a novel. Brit had several firsts in the past week, and I had a first today.

My first…an earthquake. Los Angeles (well, actually most of Southern California) felt the effects of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake this morning around 11:45. Brit and I were in the living room when it started shaking. I didn’t think anything of it at first because sometimes we shake a little when a big truck goes through our alley, but I quickly realized there was no truck and this must in fact be an earthquake. So, I jumped up and stood in our hallway doorway. Brit had no idea anything was happening and just hung out in my arms. Mark pointed out it probably felt like it always does to him when we hold him–a little bouncing and swaying. Only a few items fell, and those were things that weren’t on really sturdy ground to begin with. It was a little bit scary, especially when my phone didn’t work, but the internet did, so Mark was able to IM me and make sure we were ok.

Interestingly enough, we’re the Emergency Preparedness reps at church and we just had a stake meeting Sunday about getting everyone prepared. The hard part is motivating people to actually do something, but I think this event may be just the thing we needed to make people realize it’s serious.

And, now to Brit’s firsts because they’re super cool.
First, on Saturday he had his first “solid” food of mostly liquid rice cereal. He didn’t hate it, but really wasn’t a huge fan either. I need to get a different spoon because since it was so liquidy it barely stayed on.

First Bite

I’m not sure about this, Daddy save me!

Ok, not so bad.

And our favorite: Mom, seriously, what are you doing? I kind of hate you right now.

That first feeding wasn’t too bad, but subsequent attempts haven’t been very successful. He now turns away from me when I try to put the spoon in his mouth. Not good. Another reason I need that other spoon…the food is in the handle, then you squeeze to get it out, so it’s less messy and he may think it’s cooler.

Another first–Sitting on his own. He’s been close, but always topples to the side or front. But, at church on Sunday he was sitting on a blanket and actually stayed up for a couple of minutes! Eventually he did fall forward, and as a bad mom I didn’t catch him quickly enough so he face planted onto one of his toys. Mark heard him screaming inside the chapel. Sad!

I’m really upset that I missed this one….but he rolled completely from his back to his front. He’s been rolling onto his side like crazy lately, but just coudn’t get over far enough to get his arm out. Well, yesterday I was in the kitchen and he started squawking like he was upset. I figured he’d scooted himself somewhere he didn’t want to be, so I went to help him out and he was just finishing the roll and extracting his arm! Could the stinker do that earlier when I’d been playing with him and he’d made an attempt? NO! Then, this morning he did it again. Now diaper changes are super fun with him turning all the time.

Here’s a cute pictureto break up all the words:

yes, it’s meant to be sideways ’cause that’s how he was laying.

Brit is a born water baby–just like his mom! We went to a free swim class to try out the school, and he loved it! There were 5 other babies and moms and the instructor was great. We sang songs and did motions in the water, and Brit just kind of did it. During each song there was a part where the baby got their face in the water, and he loved it…or, at least he didn’t cry or make a face or anything. He just came up and was fine. I liked being in the pool too. It’s been a long time for me. I think we’ll put him in the lessons when we get back from our trips in September.

So, he’s been busy this week. If he keeps up this pace he’ll be walking by next month! He’s so animated and “talks” all the time. It’s lots of fun having him around and see all of his developments.

More shots today and Brit was a trooper. He screamed and cried while the nurse did them, but after I picked him up he calmed down, and actually fell asleep as soon as we got in the car. Thank heavens! We’ll have to see how he does the rest of the day, but I think he’ll be fine. He’s been trying to roll from his back to his front, and he actually did it (except for a stubborn arm that stays stuck) while waiting for the doctor.

4 Month Stats:
Weight: 14.3 pounds (34%)
Height: 26.25 inches (88%)
Head: 16.25 inches (23%)

Apparently he got taller and skinnier than last time, so the doctor said I could start him on solids (rice cereal) and ssee if that helps. He does seem to be hungry a lot lately, and is definitely strong enough to hold himself up. He also lets me know he’s done eating now by trying to sit himself up, so it won’t be a problem knowing when he’s done. And, when we’re eating he’s very interested in what we’re doing and tries to put things in his mouth. He loves to try getting the food on my plate too. I’m not sure I want to start that yet though. It’s another sign that he’s growing up and I don’t like it. He’s barely 4 months, so I may hold off for a couple of weeks. Feeding them “solids” is just so they can get practice eating anyway, since you just start out with a teaspoon a day…I’ll see how I feel about it and let you know what I decide.

Lately we’ve been sitting him up and he does pretty well. He can sit for a few seconds on his own before toppling to one side, or tipping over in front. He’s getting better though, so I don’t think it’ll be long before we actually call it sitting on his own.

The other day I was trying to find an outfit, and put this dress on the bed where Brit was sitting. He immediately reached for it, tipping over in the process. So, I sat him back up and gave it to him, and he was overjoyed! With such big smiles and giggles I had to get the camera.

Over the weekend we went to a couple of parties. Brit had fun in the swings, though they’re still too big for him. I just love this outfit too! He looks so adorable in it.

We also went with our friends Paige and Maverick to this thing called Glow in Santa Monica. It was a night time thing where people created interactive “art” works. There were probably a 50,000 people down around the pier and on the beach area. It was crazy! Unfortunately, they didn’t have as many cool things as we expected or hoped. But, Mark did get some cool pictures. I’ll post a few, but He’ll probably post more on his site, Mark.KirstenandMark.com.

This is water with light projected on it.

This is some big white balloon looking thing in a cool shape.

Look closely and you can see Brit. He has a glow necklace on his head. He enjoyed the first part, but fell asleep before it was over.

I finally got around to getting a couple videos off the video camera and getting them posted here. Enjoy!

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Our lives haven’t been too exciting in the past week. But Brit has lots of new tricks that are fun. He really doesn’t like to be on his stomach for too long, and doesn’t like to roll over. It’s like he’s forgotten how or something.  Sometimes when he’s on his way over he stops himself and makes sure he stays on his stomach.

He tries to roll from his back to his stomach though. He reaches for toys and things to the side and only needs a little push to get over. But, the biggest “on the move” moment was when he scooted 180 degrees! I put him on his stomach facing one direction and dangled a toy to his left so he would try to roll over, but he started moving his arms and legs instead and ended up facing the opposite direction. I should have gotten pictures, but was too busy being amazed. He’s always kicking his legs and pushing. Sometimes we find him in a completely different position than when we looked last. We’re sure he’s going to be a swimmer or a track star.

Brit is practically a genius too. He’s already getting the concept of “object permanence” which doesn’t really start till 7 or 8 months. It’s the concept that when you can’t see something you still know that it exists. I showed him his ball and then put it under his burp cloth so it wasn’t visible and asked him where his ball was. He immediately reached toward the cloth and tried to move it. I thought it was a fluke, so I did it again and he reached out and touched the ball under the cloth! So, we tried a different toy. He did it again! This was a couple of days ago, so I tried it again today and he still knows what he’s doing. He kept reaching for the cloth to take it away–and actually succeeded in pulling it all the way off once. Then, I just put the cloth down with nothing under it and he didn’t reach for it at all. He looked around for the toy.

Every once in a while I get this still….It’s my favorite! He just looks like an angel.

Something new going on that is definitely worth posting about. (Don’t worry, Brit’s update is at the bottom).

My mom and I started a company called Sprout Shell. We make stylish infant carrier covers. Well, technically we don’t make them–my sewing skills are practically non-existent–but it’s our product and our business.  There isn’t anything else like them on the market, so we’re really excited for the world’s babies to finally get the protection and covering they need!

Our Web site is SproutShell.com

Mark has been great at designing everything, from out logo to our business cards and Web site. Thanks sweetheart! You’re the best!

We think that all babies need a Sprout Shell. All the background is on our site. We’ve used one for Brit since he was born, and I’m so happy I didn’t have to use a blanket to cover him! It was so nice being able to take him out–to restaurants, the store etc. and not have people be able to breathe on him or touch him. It keeps out the wind so babies don’t get cold. It keeps out the sun so they don’t get burned while you’re out and about, or have the sun in their eyes while in the car. Now that he’s older I lift it up and have it partially cover him whenever I need to.

I know, I sound like a commercial. Sorry, I’m just really excited that these are finally available. We’ve been working really hard the past few months on them. So, If you know anyone who is pregnant, has a new born, or knows lots of people who are pregnant, tell them about it. It makes a great gift too.

So, about Brit–He continues to be a good-natured baby. We took him to a dinner party on Sunday and he stayed in his carrier just playing with his toy or looking around the whole time. Later people asked us if he was asleep. He has started to get scared at some noises though–like the whale sounds in Whale Rider or the Ringgggggggg of a telephone. But, he’s also very curious about everything and continues to reach out for toys and objects and put them in his mouth.

He is such a sweet angel while he sleeps! I love to just look at him.

I thought he looked so cute in his little out fit…

Our little Britton was born! I can’t believe he’s already 3 months. It seems like it’s gone by so fast, but at the same time, it seems like forever ago.

I weighed him on the Wii this morning, and it says he weighs 13 pounds. Apparently his growth has slowed down, because he’s only gained a pound in the past 3 weeks. But, he seems to be getting bigger and chunkier to me. He is about 24 inches long. Brit is still sleeping well at night, only getting up once to eat (though, that time varies from 4-6 am) and then gets up around 8 or 8:30.

It’s really hot here, and he gets really hot when he sleeps, but I still have to swaddle him or he wakes himself up–seriously. Mark watched Brit Saturday morning and he got him to take a 2 hour nap. Brit probably would have kept sleeping if we hadn’t gone in to get him. I asked Mark his secret, since he only sleeps about 20-30 minutes at a time for me. He swaddled him. So, I’ve been trying it during the day too and it works better than just leaving him. But, I feel bad doing it.

Mark had his first Father’s Day on Sunday. He got breakfast, his favorite meat for dinner and a special request dessert (Triple Chocolate Chip Cheesecake) that actually turned out quite well–despite being something I’ve never made before and it required a lot of steps. He also got a couple of presents, but my favorite is the one from Brit.

He wanted to tell his dad something…

For his Blessing, Brit’s Grandpa Jim gave him a couple of toys that he loves to play with.

Brit is in love with his hands these days…they’re always going in his mough when he’s bored, tired, or hungry. I caught him falling asleep while trying to stuff both fists in.

And, he finally fits into his outfit that we bought for our baby before it even existed…I’m glad things worked out and it fits at the right time. It was so cute I just had to buy it. It fits him well too…whenever I see him I just want to Squeeze him.

I’ve noticed how big his eyes are in most of his pictures, and I have 2 theories:

1. His eyes really are huge and he can’t help it

2. He is very curious and when he sees the camera come out he has to look at it, making a wide-eyed expression.

Either way, I love it!

Already 12 weeks, I can’t believe it. Last week he accomplished 2 major feats: Thursday he rolled over by himself for the first time, and he remembered where the “touch” places are in his book with lots of different surfaces. We’re quite proud of him.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get photos of the roll over, but we have video, so once I figure out how to post that, I will. But, we did get some pics of him doing other cute things…

He cried if I put him down, but apparently he was tired, because he just fell asleep!

He looks so cute in his towel after a bath! I think he’s wondering what we’re doing.

We’ve entered into the drooling phase, so he’s got his bib on all the time. As you can tell, he loves it.

Brit is borrowing his cousin Mateo’s Bumbo seat, and he loves it so far–for about 10 minutes =)

He’s also getting better at playing with objects and grabbing and holding them.

He’s already to pray! Brit loves holding his arms like this and we’re not sure why. He does it even when he’s laying on his play mat looking up at toys…so funny. Sometimes it’s even hard to pry them open.

I know, it seems the topic of all our posts for almost a year have been about the baby and his development…sorry, but he’s the one who is really growing and changing the most around here. Plus, he’s super cute and we get requests for more pictures on a regular basis, so the post for this week is pretty much pictures…

Last week I said to watch for his photo shoot pics, and here are some of them. I had a super hard time picking which ones to put up.

And my favorite: It’s like he’s saying….”sup mom?”

This has been quite the week! So much has happened that I considered making more than one post…but decided to just do one really long one. I’m sure only the die hards will make it to the end…

Brit had his first really long car ride on Thursday. We drove to Vegas and he slept the whole way! My dad got us a room at South Point because he’s was moving the next day. It’s new, so the rooms are still nice and it even smelled good in there! After a terrible night’s sleep–we forgot the travel bed in the car, and I didn’t want Brit to be in his car seat for 24 hours straight, so I put him in bed with us–we slowly got on the road Friday and made it up to Highland.

Here’s a picture of the pretty green mountains. I’ve also never seen the sagebrush such a pretty color of “sage” before.

My parents went out of their way and made everything look amazing. With the large number of people expected, they got a big white tent for the back yard! From the moment we arrived Brit was the object of everyone’s attention.

Saturday mark and I left Brit for the longest time ever and went to the temple. We hadn’t been in a while, and figured that since we had Grandma Sheri as a baby sitter, we’d seize the opportunity. The weather was a bit gray and cold in the morning, but it cleared up by the afternoon, so I’m sure we were blessed for going!

He looked adorable in his outfit, and I finished his blanket just in time. I wasn’t sure he’d need it, but he did! Mark did an amazing job with his blessing. And, he had about 15 people who participated. We really do have a lot of family–and great friends!

There are too many great pictures to post, but here are a few…

A tie people? Come on!

Our little family…and a good shot of Brit’s blanket.

What a good daddy! I love you honey!

Our great friends Ashley and Jason–and Brit’s friend Hudson–came all the way from LA! Thanks guys, we’re so happy you could come and really appreciate your friendship.

Brit with my cousin Morgan. I love the contrast, and she looks so pretty too!

Finally, a shot of the entire adorable outfit…I’m not sure he’s loving it though.

Thank you so much to Grandma Sheri and Grandpa John for letting us have his blessing at their house, and especially thanks to mom for all of your hard work and great food. And, thanks to everyone else who brought food and helped set up. We really appreciate it and love you a lot!

If anyone would like a picture that we took that day, please let me know and i will email it over. We have a lot more than these! Visit our picture site.

That night we left the baby for the 2nd time in one day and went to see a movie–the first since he was born. Ironman is really good, and it was even better at only $7.75! What a bargain.

Sunday was pretty relaxing, but Mark’s mom did have to say goodbye to Brit, and she wasn’t very happy about it. Here’s a pic with Grandma Sheri and Grandma Karen

Brit hit another milestone this weekend–he actually grabbed the card out of my hand! He’s been swatting at things, and grabbing them, but this was the first time he actually got it hard enough to take it from me–and it’s not round and easy to hold.

He didn’t want to sleep on the way back to Cali, so he had a backseat rider all the way from St. George. Boy did he sleep well that night!

And, lastly, today he got his first shots! The doctor actually felt bad giving them to him, so I liked that. He did really well after ward too. He only cried for a minute, then fell asleep. He looks so cute with his Bugs Bunny Band-Aids.

2 months, 1 week stats:

Weight: 12.1 lbs (47%)

Height: 23.75 in (69%)–Yay, he’s tall!

Head: 15.5 (26%)–yes, a tiny little head

Stay tuned for next week and pictures from his first photo shoot!