5-6 Weeks Old

"I think babies deserve to rock the world of those around them a little.  To stir things up, to make us rethink priorities, to bond-totally and completely giving ourselves to them when they need it most.  Even if that means little things like fat pants for awhile, or a makeup drawer that goes untouched for months, or big things like lots of "no's" to invitations and commitments, or everything that once seemed so important plummeting down that priority list and maybe even disappearing.  Of course we can rebuild slowly-on the baby's timeline-but things shouldn't look the same ever.  We all need to move over and make space for this precious new life we brought into the world.  Babies deserve it, and we moms do also" - Sarah (Author of Clover Lane Blog)

This spoke volumes to my hear when stumbling upon it during another nursing session. I told my mom when she got here on Day 5 of Jenna's life that I had no idea how Natalie had grown up to where she is now and I didn't know how we were going to make it with Jenna. Granted, I had just had one very long night with a crying baby who wanted to nurse and couldn't because of engorgement problems. Really though, making it to the 6 week mark is a huge accomplishment! I forgot how much work these little babes are, GREAT work, but still long hard hours of work. We are slowly making room in our life for this new adorable, special, incredible human being. I can say for sure that life as we knew it will never be the same, and that is awesome.

She is such a joy to have in our home. She definitely makes her presence known and has a different temperament than Natalie. Her little digestive system does not tolerate chocolate at all! If I eat it, I can expect a full puke shower within the next 6 hours. Without chocolate, she is still a bit of a spitter all the time. We keep our washing machine busy with burp cloths. She loves to be held, and mostly just by mom. She started smiling at 3 weeks. I know that sounds crazy, but that was her first smile at me, and it was not gas bubbles. She did/does smile a ton in her sleep, ever since she was born. More than I remember Natalie ever smiling. She even giggles at times in her sleep and it makes my heart melt. Tolerates tummy time for short amounts of time. Wakes up 2-3 times a night. Is in 3-6 month clothes and must be at or close to 11 lbs. She is about 23 1/2 in long, making her a very tall girl. Enjoys bath time, and hates when you get her out of it. Likes to stay up late at night, doesn't usually go down for the night until somewhere between 10:30- midnight. Tolerates outings, but I think likes being at home. Prefers to nurse with a shield, though she can without it. Takes a pacifier, only when she is in the mood for it. Loves to smile at and talk with Natalie. Is doing very well and we all sure love her.

July 8th

Another one of the unusually hot days this summer.

 I had a meeting this evening so Justin took Natalie to the splash pad. 

She had a blast and we had a really good evening as a family of 3. 

Little did we know it would be our last. I put Natalie to bed that night and took some extra time to lay with her and sing while she fell asleep. I think my body knew our baby was coming, and I am grateful I spent a little more time with my first baby soaking up our time together before her beautiful sister came into the world.

Grandma Corn

 

In the event of waiting for our baby girl to make her debut, this beautiful woman passed away.

Lois Corn, my paternal grandmother died on June 30th. 

It had been a very rough year health wise for her and was steadily declining since April.

She had a quiet calm passing, and we all knew it was coming.

Her passing was really a series of events that kept me in close contact with my family for a couple of weeks. Being 38 weeks pregnant it was not a good idea to be traveling anywhere, so I sadly missed seeing her one more time and the funeral.

I am so grateful I was able to be with her in April and again over Memorial Day this year. 

Technology was a huge blessing during this time as I was able to facetime a cousin to watch her funeral service. My family did a beautiful job in carrying out the program.

Growing up, whenever I was asked the question "Who Is Your Hero?" Grandma Corn's name quickly came to mind. 

My memories of  spending time with her overflow 

with feelings of being content, happy, special, and very loved.

I remember always convincing her to buy me some cowboy boots to wear to the rodeo in the summer time, raiding her candy drawer when I visited her home, riding in the harvest trucks and listening to her sing beautiful fun songs, and the truly magical Christmas Eve night she created with her turkey dinner and Christmas tree full of brightly wrapped presents.

She taught me to always look for the good in situations, others and 

myself and to find joy in living the every day life.

Since leaving home, I mostly saw my grandmother only when visiting my parents. Occasionally I would call her, but not frequently. Strangely though, knowing I cannot call her and won't see her next time I drive through Ontario has made my heart hurt. I miss her a lot. 

I do know I will see her again someday. 

I also know she is happy and enjoying being with those who she dearly missed. 

Like my brother Kevin said in his talk at the funeral, "If we were all a little more like my Grandma Corn, this world would be a better place." 

It is the truth. Until we meet again Grandma. I love you.

July 4th

Our 4th of July this year included 100* Heat and a whole lot of red, white and blue. Starting with Strawberry, Blueberry, Whip Cream Crepes for dinner on the Eve.

Then the Corbett 4th of July Parade. We always sit out front of the Paul's house for this. Natalie seemed pretty confused by the concept of a parade. (Sitting right by the road and having people throw candy at you) She enjoyed it though and was really well behaved.

One of the floats that came by was shooting squirt guns at the crowd. I guess I looked pretty hot being pregnant and all, because they soaked me.

Enjoying a sucker, one of the few good parade candies.

Shish-Ka-Bobs for dinner. Yumm!
I wasn't feeling very well after dinner from the heat and ongoing contractions. Justin took us for a drive in the air conditioning. We stopped at 7-11 first for some ice cold drinks and then went exploring on some back roads to kill some time.

Fireworks in Sandy. They were beautiful! Natalie kept running away from us and trying to play with a little boy that was near by. His parents didn't want him to play with her, so it was a constant battle of calling her back and then running after her to make her come back. I did enjoy a few of them though.
It was a fun day!

Justin's flag I got him for Father's Day. He proudly displays it every day he is home.

Art work compliments of Daddy trying to impress his 2 year old daughter.

Ready for church on Sunday. We often get to set up chairs in the Primary Room. Natalie enjoys speaking into the microphone. She usually starts praying into it.

Dinner after church on July 5th at our good friend Linnea's home.
I soaked my feet in the pool while Natalie swam and it was heavenly!

Blessing Day

A lot has happened in the last couple month and by a lot, I mean ONE huge thing has happened, that is we had a baby girl! Jenna Ruth was born July 9th at 1:11 a.m. I have many posts planned, but due to some asking from aunts for pictures. I am going to start with a current event and then catch up on the others.

Last weekend our amazing families came to support us as we blessed our second beautiful daughter. Justin's parents and maternal grandparents drove 12 hours, my parents, sister, two nieces, brother and his girlfriend also made the long jaunt across the state. We also had several dear friends we have made since moving here join us for this sacred event. It was a fun, beautiful, spiritual and very few hours of sleep weekend.

I once heard a LDS General Auxillary Leader describe the beauty of Priesthood Holders encircling a little baby in that Priesthood Power that is given to protect them and help them return to their Heavenly Father. It truly was a special experience to once again witness this. Justin is an amazing father and strives to honor his Priesthood. He gave Jenna a beautiful blessing and I could feel the spirit very strong testify to me of Heavenly Father's love for our daughter.

Our Dark Haired Beauty,  Jenna Ruth Blazzard

My oldest sister was so kind to lend us this dress. Her sister in-law has made several dresses for her girls blessing days. This is one of them. I loved the pop of color with the purple flowers. I made the head band and the bracelet was made by a dear friend of mine in the last ward we were in. This girl was dressed in love.

 Do I look a little frazzled? We were trying to get out the door for church, which isn't until 12:30, but some how we always barely make it these days.

 Family of 4!

 Natalie is obsessed with picking flowers these days. We used these as decor for the dinner the night before. She insisted on having one in her hair today, however it only made it as far as the van.

 Kevin and Elizabeth. This was my first time meeting Elizabeth. It was a pleasure!

 My cousin Katie was so kind to drive over from Vancouver for the blessing. It was a long day for them as they had already gone to their church block before coming.

 The Blazzard side of the family.

The night before we had a dinner with family and friends to celebrate the occasion. Our friend Garrett Thornton smoked the pulled pork for the dinner and it was DELICIOUS! I don't know that I have had BBQ that good, ever. The rest of the meal was yummy as well and we had an enjoyable evening visiting. We had planned for more, but had a quaint crowd. I even did table decorations, which is pretty fancy for me. Mason jars tied with purple ribbon and white daisies in them along with pictures of Jenna and our family on the tables.

 Justin was trying to "capture" a picture of me- haha, not quite sure what I am doing here.

 Good friends Savannah and Linnea. These two joined the church in our old ward. We have loved getting to know them and so appreciate their friendship.

 We feel so blessed to have our newest babe. 

 We forgot to take pictures with the Corn side of the family on Sunday, due to the busyness of everything. We hurried and snapped some before they headed back down the freeway. 

Good thing we did the blessing last weekend. This weekend roads are closed all over Oregon due to wildland fires. It is so dry!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard