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 :)