The Week in Review

So, not a whole lot to update. I'll be quick. AJ and I were sealed in the Logan, UT temple last Saturday. And then Joseph was sealed to us. It was a long and tiring day, but a wonderful day nonetheless. We are so grateful for all the support and for the family and friends that made the effort to show up after such short notice. Thank you for your efforts and for sharing that special day with us. After our sealing, AJ was able to bless Joseph at a near-by ward building. That was really neat.

The Boys... and Joseph's Blessing Circle


My sister-in-law and her brand-new little girl...
she's even younger than Joseph!

AJ has been working days this past week. Our schedules and biological clocks are so messed up right now, we've been flipping back and forth between a night schedule and a day one... but it's worth being able to spend some time together as a family. We were also able to spend some more time with Grandma and Grandpa Wolff. They came back to Pocatello on Sunday night and didn't leave til Wednesday morning. We were able to go up to Blackfoot on Monday and spend some time at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. It was good to get to see them again before they headed back North.

AJ had drill this weekend. I won't lie, I'm getting tired of this whole Army life. Too bad, so sad for me... because we have 5 more years of it! I'm tired of only seeing my husband for a couple hours a day, if I'm lucky, and then the first weekend he gets off work in like a month he has drill! The Army always finds a way to ruin things it seems. If he were looking to join now, I probably would let him... only because if you haven't lived the life of an army wife you don't have any idea what it's like. One weekend a month and two weeks a year doesn't sound that bad... but that's not reality. But, you better believe AJ won't be re-upping when his contract is up. =] That's not just my opinion though. If he REALLY wanted to... I'd let him, I just wouldn't be happy about it.

Joseph is still growing like crazy. He now eats about 4 ounces every couple hours. And when he's really hungry... oh, goodness! This boy will eat us out of house and home long before he hits his teenage years. We better start saving up for his monthly grocery bills! He is finally fitting into some of his newborn size clothes, Which is nice, because now he has more than two outfits and I'm not doing his laundry every day! I can't believe he is already a month and a half old! He is growing up so fast!

Joseph... One month old.


Joseph being silly... he's almost smiling. =]


Joseph at 6 1/2 weeks old. It was nap time... see those tired eyes?


Told ya so... =]


My little monkey... he's so good. He puts up with all of Mom's craziness.



I love to play with my boy; but, as every mom knows, there is still nothing more
precious than a sleeping baby.

Family And Friends... What More Could I Ask For?

So, in response to my sister-in-law's comment, I was a quick learner and Joseph's next really gross diaper landed him straight in the bath tub, sans half a pack of wipes. That's probably what would've happened the first time, except I didn't realize it was as bad as it actually was until I got half way through the package of wipes. This time it was pretty obvious this was a bath tub diaper change. If the most horrid smelling gas I've ever smelled didn't clue us in, the diaper's inability to contain everything did. The good news: this time Daddy was home! We also discovered Joseph is like his mommy... he HATES a cold bath (or even a luke-warm one). We finally got some decent pictures of Joseph in the bath tub and not screaming like we were torturing him. I will have to post them as soon as we get them off the camera.

We have some pretty awesome friends... you'd have to be pretty awesome in order to take care of two babies under three months for an hour and a half. Awesome or insane. Either way, I'm glad Ashley is our friend. She graciously agreed to watch little Joseph while AJ and I went on a motorcycle ride. That is one thing I most definitely missed while being pregnant. It was a little consolation that it spent most of the summer in pieces in the garage... it' super selfish, but I would've been way jealous if AJ had been out riding all summer and I couldn't. It was so good to be able to get away and just forget about things for a while. I didn't have to be the responsible mommy for a brief few moments. I got to just have some fun with my husband. I absolutely love being a mom, but sometimes I miss the simplicity of life without a newborn. So, thank you, Ashley... I totally owe you.

Life is going pretty great. My parents-in-law came to visit. They pulled into town tonight and are staying a few days before heading further south to go see their newest grandbaby. That's right, Joseph is only 4 weeks old and he already has a cousin younger than him. It'll be fun having so many cousins right around his age though... even if they are all girls. Joseph got to meet Grandma and Grandpa Wolff and, apparently, has taken quite a liking to them. Especially Grandpa. Joseph graced Grandpa's playful chatter with his first real, intentional smile. It melted my jealous heart. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen. I can't wait til I get a real smile.

I've got my amazing husband, awesome friends, great family and the cutest little boy ever... what more could I ask for? After next weekend, absolutely nothing!

Happily FOREVER After

The day we have been waiting so long for is finally in sight. We will finally have forever instead of 'til death do you part'. We have our temple date! If you're interested in attending, let me know. I'll try to get the information to you. Please understand, seating is limited , but if there's room... we'd love to have you!

September 5th, 2009
in the Logan, UT LDS Temple.

Forever, here we come!

Bath TIme!

So, from the moment we found out we were having a boy I've been a little apprehensive. I don't know much about boys... aside from my brother, my husband, and my father I have relatively little experience with boys. And the three men in my life are all very different relationships. Since my brother is two years younger than me I didn't change his diapers or anything, so having to change my little boy and take care of his little boyhood has been a new experience.

Joseph had his first bath today. We weren't going to give him a bath in the tub until his circumcision had healed completely... but circumstances called for an adjustment in those plans. It had been a couple days since Joseph's last dirty diaper. He were getting a little worried that it'd been that long. Well, this afternoon remedied that concern... it took two diapers, half a container of wipes and a bath to clean up. And he tinkled all over me... twice! I won't even start on the smell! Yuck! However, sadly, the only camera I had was on my phone so those are the only pictures I got of his first bath. He seemed to really like it though... which is good, 'cause I see many more baths in his future.

Growing Like A Weed

We are ever so slowly settling into something of a routine. AJ started back to work last week and has been working long and hard to financially provide for us. We absolutely are very appreciative of all his efforts and we miss him when he's gone.

My mom and sisters went back home last week. We miss their help and the extra sleep we got while they were here, but after almost three months away, I know they're glad to be back home and living out of closets instead of suitcases.

Joseph and I are fast becoming good buds... I'd be good buds with the hand (or whatever other anatomy) that fed me too. He is growing so fast. When we went to the doctor last week he'd gained 9 oz and grown a 1/4" since he'd been born... that was only 10 days! He's such a good little boy and I'm so glad that he has come to our family. He's quite the little snugglebug and I love to jst sit and cuddle him. Joseph loves to swing... he likes his little swing, but his favorite is to swing on the patio. I don't know what we're gonna do when it gets too cold...

Joseph... Two Weeks Old

Families Are Forever

Abundantly Blessed

Here's a few pictures of our little boy. Joseph is doing so well. He is such a laid back and relaxed baby. We have been blessed beyond what we deserve and are so grateful for the love, trust and the sweet little boy that have come into our home. As cheesy and corny as it sounds, I really don't know what we ever did without Joseph's sweet spirit. We absolutely love being parents, despite the sleepless nights and dirty diapers.

Minutes after Joseph was born.

One week old.

Also, we wanted family to know that we are tentatively planning/really hoping for a baby blessing and temple sealing Labor Day weekend. It's not 100% for sure yet, we're still waiting on some technicalities and paperwork... but if you can make it and would like to tentatively pencil that into your schedules, we would love to have you attend that special event with us. We will be sealed in the Logan, UT Temple. Just a heads up and we'll keep everyone posted as more info comes along...

Joseph Logan Wolff

Here he is!

Joseph Logan Wolff
July 30, 2009
4:19 pm
6 lbs 15 oz
20 inches long

The Light at the End of the Tunnel!

So, I guess it's time to put out the official word, not that we haven't already been blabbing about it (and I did hint in my last post), but we are scheduled to be induced on Thursday, July 30th. That's right, in two days. AJ will be able to come home sometime tomorrow and, given that there are enough beds at the hospital, we will head up to the hospital around 6am Thursday morning. Heaven willing, we'll have a little boy sometime later that day. Hopefully, not too much later that day... and really hopefully not the next day! Or the next week...

I will be 39 weeks tomorrow. That is the earliest my doctor will induce. She will be out of town the following week, durring my due date. The dates I discussed with her were July 30th and August 10th (if I hadn't delivered before then). Any woman who has ever been pregnant knows you pick the earliest date available... especially during the summer time. When there was one spot open, I snatched it right up. And by inducing Thursday, AJ gets about a week's time between Annual Training and having to go back to work at his 'real' job, time he'll get to spend at home with us.

We still don't have a confirmed name, but I promise Baby Boy Wolff won't leave the hospital without one (I don't want to have to deal with all that paperwork alone). We will keep everyone posted and let you know when he gets here, although it may be a few days later if we don't have your cell phone number... otherwise I'm sure Daddy will be sending out picture messages like a mad-man. I'll be so tired I probably won't care if you know right away or not... but that's what a husband is for. Otherwise check back here in about a week and I'm sure there will be a picture or two.

Wish us luck! =]

just playing

It's been a while since I got to just play with our camera. When I get a new 'subject' next week, I'm sure I'll do plenty of playing, but until our little boy makes an appearance guess I'll have to stick to flowers, bugs, and our fish. =] Hmmm... wonder how it makes my son feel to be considered a 'subject'...?

Like Two Little Birdies

So... apparently it isn't just pregnant women that get the urge to nest. Lol. We have done a few 'home improvement' projects the last week or so. I don't know how AJ has found the time to do any of these projects (and I am grateful that he has put our wants before his wants. I know he'd love to get his bike done, but working 60hrs/week has taken up a lot of his time and then I take up the rest of it... =] But he doesn't mind that part too much, I don't think).

Project #1: We have a utility room just off our kitchen. We weren't able to use it for much as there wasn't a ton of space in there for one and there's only so much stuff you can store in a utility room. So, we had an idea. This has been an idea we've wanted to follow up on for a while and since AJ has been working so much we decided this was a worthwhile investment. A chest freezer! You know you're old and married when you get excited about a chest freezer. =] Well, we wanted to put this freezer in our utility room. Only one problem: the door opened into the room... no way a freezer would fit in there with the door opening that way. So, my ever-handy husband got his hands dirty and flipped the door jam.

The new placement of the door latch

and the patch where the hinges used to be.

He did a very nice job. It isn't quite done yet and the freezer is still in the box, but we have just a few finishing touches left and we'll have doubled our freezer space. If you've ever seen our freezer, you know this is very exciting.

The utility room door opened outward and the laundry room door opened inward. The utility room used to open just like the laundry room.

Project #2: The weather here has been so random and spastic. We didn't turn the air conditioner on until the very end of June. When my menopausal mother got here she thought she was dying at night (we'd just been opening our window at night, but the room they are staying in is literally right off the freeway... she wasn't really crazy about the ambiance and mood noise. ps, love you, Mom). We'd noticed that our 2nd level was quite a bit warmer than the lower level in our house, even with the air conditioner on. It wasn't uncommon for there to be a 5-8 degree difference from the upstairs and the downstairs. Everyone sleeps upstairs. I, personally, can't sleep if I'm too hot and the air conditioner just wasn't cooling the upstairs enough at night. SO... we put in a ceiling fan.

Our awesome ceiling fan! With fan control and dimmer switches. In this case, there really are no strings attached (or for AJ to hit his head on...)

Again, AJ got down and dirty and rewired the lights, added a fan and worked an air circulation miracle. I married such a stud! He's not an electrician (he did only shock himself twice though...), but with some guidance from Lowe's electrical department manager, the internet and, of course, Father Wolff, we have an amazing ceiling fan that helps keep the temperature difference to about 3 degrees.

Project #3: This project was not as involved or detailed as the previous two... but I sure have enjoyed it. We got a new shower head! Again, you know you're old and married when... Well, we did this mostly to try and get our pipes to stop groaning. And they have... now they scream instead. There just is no pleasing those pipes. The toilet used to groan, AJ stopped that... but now the shower screams. Ah, whatever. A little fiddling with the shower head or the knob that changes the water from coming out the tub faucet to the shower head and it usually stops. This project was so exciting because the new head we got... has a massage setting! Yay! =]

The other projects are mostly things I've done to keep myself busy. They say you 'nest' in the last weeks of pregnancy because you want everything to be ready and pretty and such when your baby gets here (not to mention, it hits you how little free time you will have once that little bundle of joy shows it's face and you decide it's better to re-wallpaper your house with all the ailments of being 9 months pregnant than to do it with a newborn). I have a different opinion... you do it to try and convince yourself you aren't as bored as you actually are. You're stuck within an hour or so of the hospital so exotic vacations are out of the question. And when your belly hits the steering wheel before your legs hit the pedals in the car, you're stuck within walking distance when you don't have a chauffeur. I do all these 'projects' because at least that way I feel semi-productive when my husband comes home from working a 15 hr day!

The head of our bed. I finally took the time to measure out the spacing for the lettering. And off to the right of the picture I have the baby's "domain" set up. You really can come anytime, little tyke!

It's a Zoo Around Here

Last weekend, for the 4th of July, we made a little excursion to Salt Lake. My aunt and uncle (and some of his family) that live in Tennessee and Florida came out for their first grandbaby's blessing. Since so much family that we don't get to see very often was so close we decided to go see everybody. Our first stop, however, was Hogle Zoo.

Penguins make a sound kinda like Chewbacca. You learn new things everyday...

Brothers... ugh. =]

We got there around 3pm or so... and got in for FREE! I love FREE. It's my favorite price. They have a Military Appreciation event at the zoo every year around the weekend of the 4th and military personnel and their immediate families get in for... FREE. Ok, I'm done, promise.

AJ had never been to Hogle Zoo (in fact, I think that was the third zoo he's ever been to in his whole life), but we both have enjoyed both of the zoos we've been to together so far. And he's married to me... there are definitely more zoo visits in our future.

We got some pretty fabulous pictures. AJ's always so good at that and I had no problem letting him carry the camera. Especially since he carried it around his neck, the safest place for it not to get dropped and such. And for me to carry it around my neck... well, it sat in front of my belly... which was a little humorous, as it looked like our baby was taking pictures at the zoo, but my stomach sticks out plenty on it's own... we didn't need to add another 6 inches with the camera.

We didn't get to see quite everything. It's a big zoo and we only had like 3 hours to see everything. And a 9-months pregnant woman can only walk so far and smell so many different animals before she needs to sit for a minute. Especially in 90 degree weather.

My favorites were the monkeys. They are so much fun to watch. So silly, but you can almost always tell what they are thinking and the reasoning behind their actions. It's cool to see how they interact in their little families.

After we left the zoo, we met up with everyone else at the hotel (my aunt and uncle, and aunt and grandma came down as well). We went and ate and the Florida/Tennessee family came and met us at Arby's. My grandma got to meet her newest great-grandson. AJ and I ran a few errands. He didn't have any clean clothes when we started packing sooo we had to go get him a few shirts to wear. Long story and a miscommunication on both our parts... it was a little funny.

We went to a picnic the next day with all the family. We didn't eat though, because I kidnapped my husband and he took me on what will probably be our last pre-baby date. We went and ate lunch at Tucano's. Absolutely delicious, as always. And we only had to pay for his meal... I got mine FREE. Yay for birthdays. =] It was yummy and I enjoyed being able to just sit and relax and talk with him. We don't get many of those moments anymore, and I have a feeling they won't be soon to return. After I'd eaten my weight (which is considerable) in grilled pineapple, we went back to the hotel to get my mom and sisters. We had a trip to IKEA planned... We went looking for a closet for our baby, but came home with a new coffee table instead. Babies don't really need closets, right? Actually, we already had something else that had closet possibilities and what we saw didn't suit our fancy... we aren't going to hang the baby's clothes over the shower rod or anything. I love IKEA... I could spend a million dollars there, if I really tried hard enough. AJ and I took my sisters swimming that night. The water was a little cold and there were some obnoxious people, so we didn't stay super long, but it was fun nonetheless.

Sunday, my cousins blessed their little boy and we had lunch at their house. It was nice to sit around and just enjoy each other's company. AJ and I had to come home that night... AJ had to work the next morning. We had another adventure picking up a truck for some friends, but that's a long story and this post is plenty in length. We did see some pretty awesome lightning on our way back. And it was nice to sleep on our comfy memory foam mattress. But it was a fun vacation too.

Happy 22nd Birthday!

Ok, I guess the next occasion I need to catch up on is... my birthday. I turned 22 on July 2nd (hey, that's the same day I turned 21 last year... imagine that!). It wasn't real exciting, I didn't even get to pay another $35 to the DMV for a cool, horizontal big girl driver's license this year. AJ had to work all day (well, he did come home around 5:30 or 6pm, which is earlier than the usual 8pm), but he got Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. It was amazing to have him for three whole days. And being the amazing husband he is, he brought three of my favorite things home with him. Flowers, Jewelry and, my very favorite, a card that he had actually written in! (Last year he bought a card... but it's still in our office... blank.)

My aunt and grandma came and picked me up for lunch. I had my first taste of Red Lobster. I'd never eaten there before. I didn't get too adventurous in my meal selection as it was kinda pricey and I wanted to make sure I'd eat it. I did and it was yummy. I had to bring home some of it... the salmon had a yummy glaze on it, but it was a touch too spicy for my current tenant, so we gave it to Daddy instead. It kinda made me sad, but I know AJ enjoyed it.

We then went and ran some errands... My amazing Grandma got me a couple of nursing bras. Yeah, I know, not the most exciting birthday present but those babies aren't cheap and we have yet to discover a money tree in our backyard (we have yet to discover any trees in our backyard... but that's a whole different complaint). Thanks a TON, Grandma!

When they dropped me back at home I had yet another project to finish... decorating my cake! Before I get the barrage of comments that you aren't supposed to make your own birthday cake I dare you to tell me where it says that. The truth is... I didn't really have anything to do the day before and I enjoy baking; however, my husband and I don't need to have a 4 layer cake sitting around our house... we'd both be the size of said house. With so many people here, I decided to take advantage and bake my little heart out... from scratch. Betty Crocker who?

My parents took us to dinner at Golden Corral. I didn't really have a preference for dinner so Kaiti chose the place. After all, the nearest Olive Garden is in Idaho Falls and Tucanos is in SLC or Boise. We ate our fill and then came back to the house to eat cake and open presents. Thanks for the great gifts, everyone!

Just playing with our fun camera...

Up To The Highest Height

I have done some serious slacking as far as blogging this past month... oops. There wasn't a whole lot exciting going on... at least it seemed that way at the time. My cousin, Heather, got married in June in Salt Lake. We weren't able to go as AJ had to work and six hours in the car is a lot for my then-8-months-pregnant body. We did attend their reception. Congratulations to both of them. Best wishes for their happily forever after.

My parents came up here after the wedding. They have been here off and on for the past few weeks. It's been fun to have them, although a little bit of an adjustment having so many people in our little house. It'll sure be nice to have them here while AJ has to go play soldier. I won't have to completely entertain myself and should this baby decide that trying to exit thru my belly button may not be the best way out while he's gone, I'll have a ride to the hospital.

There was one day that I'd been out running some errands with my mom and AJ got home a little early. He had a couple of errands to run and, on his way home, stopped at Good Will. He found a fun little surprise, paid the cashier and headed to Wal-Mart to get a few things he needed to complete his surprise. When the weather finally cooperated (a little) we took it out and had some fun.

So much fun, in fact, that we took it out again a couple days later for Family Home Evening. That's right, we decided to go out and fly a kite. Or two.

A Mom and a Dad

Ok, I always knew families were supposed to have a mom, a dad and however many kids. I always felt bad for single moms, having to be both nurturer and provider. It wasn't until tonight that I realized, and truly appreciated, how divinely inspired the basic family unit is. And all these feminists that are having kids without a husband are absolutely BONKERS! I know there are other situations out there that result in single motherhood, but those that are actually choosing to be single moms... I can't imagine.

Tonight, I baby-sat for our neighbors. It was their anniversary and I figured everyone deserves to go out on their anniversary, especially if they have kids. So, when he asked, I was a little hesitant since I'd have to do it alone and they have 3 kids... 2 rambunctious little boys and a little girl who is only a few months old. And I'd be bringing my own kid along... he's still inside, but that has it's own obstacles. But, it was their anniversary. It wasn't an awful experience or anything... they were actually pretty good. I mean, they did fight a little and make a few messes and of course the baby cried an inconsolable cry while I was trying to get the oldest to bed and only wanted to be walked around with, turned facing out (which was killer on my back... and our little bean wasn't too fond of the screaming person sitting on his already cramped quarters)... but it made me grateful to have a husband that is excited to be a dad and that actually wants to help raise our kids. He even says he wants to help with middle-of-the-night feedings. I'll be on my own for the first few weeks, but once little bean can take a bottle, I won't turn down offered help. We'll see if he still actually does want to help with those feedings once we have to do a few of them... especially with the crazy, long hours he's been putting in at work. He'll probably be just as exhausted and sleep-deprived as me, even if he doesn't help in the middle of the night.

Like I said, it wasn't an awful, horrid experience. It just gave me a new sense of gratitude for my amazing husband and for the uplifting and sincere hope (who knows what this life will hold and what may happen) that I won't have to raise my children alone.