The Most Amazing Dinner!

As part of our birthday celebration, Jessie and I decided to splurge and eat at a local Italian restaurant. Jessie insisted on making the reservations because on a Friday night her schedule can be a little crazy depending on how it goes babysitting David.

She set a really late reservation so we could do some shopping first, and was "silly" enough to forget her coat back at the apartment. Of course, one cannot go to a restaurant without a coat so we went back to the apartment, at which point I was greeted with this sign:

I can be a little clueless, so I did not realize what was going on until I saw our excellent waiter and waitress, Justin and Michele Smith.

Jessie had completely surprised me. She had spent the entire day cooking a fabulous meal that included Caeser salad, roasted vegetables, the best salmon I have ever had, and an ice cream centered dessert. Justin and Michele had decorated our apartment turning Eliza's room into our own private dinning room. They also used their recently acquired language skills while in Belgium to add to the ambiance of an Italian/French getaway. The food was delicious, the hosts were gracious and the company divine. I would recommend "Il Restorante" to anyone. It really was one of the best birthdays I have ever had and I am so grateful for such a loving spouse.

Pictures:

Birthdays

November is full of birthdays, for both Ryan's family as well as mine. Add them together and...well, you get what I mean.

The first birthday of the month is our new nephew Royal McKay Smith, son to Jordan and Rachel Smith. He is such a cute boy with hair to rival Eliza's, even though hers is longer. From what we can tell he has such a sweet disposition, but then again, any one week old typically does. Happy BIRTH-day Royal and welcome to the family. You have two awesome parents and two really cool siblings.

The next birthday to come was Ryan's on the 9th. He turned a big 'ole 25!!! He officially feels OLD. It was fun to reflect on the past 25 years with him and make goals for the next 25. His greatest desire is to become CEO of John Deere and Co...Nah! His biggest goal is to be the best dad there is, and maybe even a grandpa by then. (Kind of weird to think about.) I love how his first thoughts are always about our family and our well-being. He is truly the kindest, humblest man I know and am honored to be his eternal companion. Happy birthday Ryan.

My dad's birthday was the day following Ryan's. Next to Ryan, my father is the best man that I know. He has always been such a support to me. I love how he always makes our family laugh through his wit. He is constantly trying to "make" my mom laugh. She more often rolls her eyes, which then make the rest of us laugh. I could not have asked for a better father. Happy birthday Papa.

When I was little I always thought that my dad took work off just for my birthday, which is the day after his. As I got older I realized that my birthday fell on Veteran's Day and he would always get my birthday off, but not because of me. Oh well. I had a great birthday. I got just what I wanted from Ryan, a ladle and a new shirt. (I had to "hint" so he would know.) Ryan made waffles for me that morning and his famous fried chicken that night. Thanks Ryan. I also turned 25 and officially feel old, but not as old as Ryan. ;) Happy birthday me.

My mother-in-law's, LeeAnn, birthday was this past Monday. I hope it was a wonderful day for a wonderful mother. She is an excellent person that everyone should know. She is so kind, caring, and loving. She is constantly thinking of her children and of ways to help them grow up to be the wonderful people they are. I have learned so much from her example. I am truly honored to be considered as one of her daughters. Happy birthday Mom.

The final birthday of the month is yet to come; my niece Lauren. Lauren will be turning 10 this year. She has been such a joy to our family. I remember how excited I was for her to be born and the fun times we have had as she has grown up. I love how we sit and just talk with each other about her school, or goals, or just random things her siblings do. She is also one of the most brilliant and talented 4th graders I know, my nephew Max being the other. She can tell you just about anything you want to know about astronomy. When she was real little she said she wanted to be a "star scientist" and I bet she would make a great one. Happy birthday Lauren.

Halloween!!!

Ryan and I were John Deere farmers that raise sunflowers.

Rolling over...well almost

And just because I think this is so cute, here is a video of Eliza laughing that same night.

Timpanogos Cave

Ryan's brother, Brad, invited us to go hike Timpanogos Cave with him and his friend, Kenzie. We had a total blast. Ryan carried Eliza up the mountain in the Bjorn and then I carried her through the cave and down. I found my part to be the easiest. We had a total blast. Thanks for inviting us






Brad and Kenzie

Overlooking the canyon

Eliza was a little wary of the dark at first, but then soon fell right to sleep







Ryan is having a grand ole time, while Eliza doesn't quite know what to think.

WE HAVE A JOB!!!!!

John Deere extended an offer to Ryan for the Financial Development Program (FDP). We accepted the offer and Ryan will be an official John Deere employee. We will find out sometime around February where we will be moving. But for now we are excited to have a job.

Playing Catch-up for September

So much has happened during the past two months and I feel completely overwhelmed by how much catch up we need to play regarding Eliza's life. (I really do feel like our blog has just become a diary of Eliza instead of our whole family, so I am going to try to remedy that, however it really is mostly about Eliza.

I have to say that Eliza is such a good baby. She is so wonderful and hardly ever gets cranky. As you will see in the pictures she is a happy baby that loves to explore the world.

September began with Eliza's baby blessing. We had a special get together during the week with family and friends and shared some beautiful moments. The blessing was wonderful and everyone could feel the Spirit there. After the blessing Great-Grandpa Cobia and Papa Smith gave some remarks. There were laughs and smiles and again the Spirit could be felt. Thank you for everyone who came and shared this great moment with us.

Our family

Eliza in her blessing dress

Two days after the blessing Eliza's uncle Jason (aka Woody) married his sweet wife Jill. Again it was a great occasion to be with family. Eliza got to meet her Great-Grandpa Klemetson, Aunt Kathy and her family, and Uncle Rick for the first time. There was no shortage of relatives willing and begging to hold her.

Aunt Brittney holding Eliza. She was a great babysitter while we were in the Temple. Eliza was so good for her.


The whole wedding day wiped Eliza out. She was like this most of the time.

A "real" family photo

The day after Woody and Jill's wedding was Eliza's cousin Melanie's baptism. After the baptism Uncle Jordan and Aunt Rachel hosted the whole family for boating down at Utah Lake. Eliza hung out on the beach with Papa Smith while Ryan and I went out boating.

Eliza in her swimming suit, although there was no swimming.

Ryan and I on the tube (above)
Me surfing, at least trying to (left)
Ryan chillin' (below)

Eliza has continued to grow and develop. She is such a joy and a wonderful addition to our family. We could not have asked for a better baby nor a happier month.

Eliza in her Bumbo

She has turned into a total thumb sucker. You can see she has knocked out her pacifier and replace it with her thumb.

Eliza with her "twin" Adam (left) and her friend Jonas (right). She didn't like being squished too much.

Eliza during bath time.
She was kinda shocked when we first put her down. She really does love bath time though.

Such a Happy girl!

Fashion Show

Ryan and I were invited to go out to dinner with all of the BYU interns and Professor Swaine from BYU on Tuesday. Dinner was fantastic, but more importantly it gave me a chance to dress Eliza up in one of her super cute outfits and take pictures. Here's the latest.

For the Grandmas

Eliza is now three weeks old and so many changes have happened. She is growing every day. At her two week check up she weighed in at 9 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21 inches long. Her favorite thing, other than eating and sleeping, is snuggling. She is such a good baby and is really content with life.
Here are some recent pictures of Eliza and how she is growing up.

Preview of dress for Woody and Jill's wedding.

Showing off her chubby cheeks.

So tired.

Even tireder.

Reading Catching Fire with Daddy.

Okay, so she still has some growing to do. But she is just so cute!

One Week Older and Wiser Too!

I really meant to do this yesterday on Eliza's actual one week birthday, but found sleeping much higher on my list of priorities.

This past week has been one of the best in my life. I love being a mom! Sure getting up in the middle of the night is a bit challenging, but I am doing it. I love Eliza's hiccups, sneezes, frowns, smiles, glares, stares and the really random noises she occasionally makes. She is so much fun to be around. I often find myself just watching her and getting nothing else done. I can't help it though. I love her too much.

We have had a fun week as well. First, Grandma Smith was here to help hold and care for Eliza. She also helped take care of me by making sure I was drinking enough water, making me take naps, and helping me cook in the kitchen. I love how we got to bond and be a little closer to each other during that time. Thank you, Mom, so much for making the effort to come all the way out to Iowa and be with us.

After Grandma Smith left, Grandma and Grandpa Klemetson came to town the next day. It has been nothing but a joy to have them here with us. I love watching how much they love and care for Eliza. They have been such a tremendous help to me and Ryan while being here. Not only are they such a help now, but they brought two weeks worth of meals already made up for me and Ryan for after they leave. Wow! Thank you so much. I really do appreciate the time and the effort it took to make those meals and then transport them all the way here. The food has been excellent. However, the company has been better.

Thank you Grandma Smith and Grandma and Grandpa Klemetson for making this week such a special one.

The Car Seat Dilemma

So our daughter successfully faced one of her first obstacles. Please enjoy the below videos chronicling her dilemma and successful solution :)

More Pictures

The night before going to the hospital.


You can tell I was still in early labor based on my facial expression.

Baby Eliza being weighed. She was so alert.

Daddy and Nurse Jodi giving Eliza her first bath.

Grandma Smith holding Eliza.


Mommy cooing over baby.

Sleepy Baby

Mommy loves Eliza!

So does Daddy!

Classic Fist to Mouth.

Ride Home on a Dream