Here at Christmas

Well, this is my third attempt at creating this blog posting, so here is hoping that it actually works.
This Christmas we are staying Reno, that has to do with Dallin working on Christmas. We are not too upset about Dallin working because someone has to and we can still enjoy Christmas even if it is at the firestation. This Christmas we did something different, we got everything done as soon as possible sothat we are able to just enjoy the Christmas season. For instance, Christmas cards were sent out at the beginning of December. Also, shopping was done quickly and effectively so I would not be stressed out and do any lst minute rushing around. I think that it helped that i made a list so I was not walking around aimlessly through crowded stores.
The biggest project that I encountered was trying to get pictures of all the grand kids on both sides. I asked everyone in September to give me 1 or 2 wallet size photos (depending on the person) of their kids. Not a hard task especially because they could of sent them to me on email or got them printed, as I did, at Wal-Mart for $0.63 for 2. Anyway, I finally got the last one 2 days ago. I took these compilation of photos and made brag books for all the grandmas and Jenny, who is on her mission. They are cute and the grandma's will love having a picture of all their grand kids with them at all times.
We are looking forward to talking to Jenny and to see Grandma Jean for the Christmas holiday.
We also, as we try to do every year, did some anonymous service. We hope this person really enjoys the service that we gave to them because we had a fun time doing it. Giving service has been a great way to really keep the holiday spirit and not think so much about ourselves.
We hope everyone has a great holiday season and we promise to be better at blogging next year.

Family Pics november 2009

Here are some of family pictures. We got them taken at Rancho San Rafeal in November. Evan Zinser of Zinser Photography took these shots plus many more. They were all great and we had a fun time. Thanks Evan.

We Suck at Blogging

Well, it's apparent that we're no good at keeping and updating a blog. Dangitall! A lot's been going on lately. October 3rd was the day Kristen and I ran the St. George Marathon. It was pretty tough but we finished together at 5:07:00. We stayed together the whole run, and had a few minor setbacks (Kristen had to wait 5 minutes to get into a bathroom at mile five(ish?)). Being a big oaf, it was pretty hard on me but I kept a pretty positive attitude throughout the run. Anyone who talked to me during my training would know that my positivity was a miracle. Training for me was a time to ask questions like: Why am I doing this? How did I get talked into this? Am I stupid? Do I hate myself? Is this even good for me? etc... I got pretty discouraged multiple times, but luckily my pride and ego got me to the race. We ran the whole thing, with the exception of Kristen's bathroom stop, and me needing to work some cramps out at miles 16 and 19. We did walk through the water stops. I'm not sure if drinking and running can be compared to sneezing with your eyes open, but it doesn't work for me. Drinking and running is just code for choking. We were both so sore for the next 2 days that walking, standing, sitting, and carrying around our man-child became pretty daunting tasks. Luckily my Mom and Mason came down to watch Preston while we ran/recovered. Sometime I'll tell you the story of how it took my Mom and Mason 13-15 hours to make a 6-8 hour drive, resulting in us leaving our kid with a complete stranger. Another day. All in all it was a fun trip, and I'm glad the whole thing is over.

Preston is growing up very quickly. We've hit major milestones such as rolling, sleeping for 11 hours at night, sitting up (at least trying really hard), laughing, holding his own bottle(huge), and being an all around good kid. He's developing some personality, and it's pretty hilarious. He talks incessantly (not sure what language), and he can shriek higher and louder than can be heard by humans, dogs, or dolphins. He is really fun and he loves his Mommy and Daddy. He wakes up with a smile on his face (opposite of me), and goes to bed angry. He is a joy, and we've decided to keep him around for a while longer. I'll post some pictures soon hopefully. Our camera isn't working correctly, so I'll have to figure something out. Well... until next time...

PRESTON!

Young Preston came home yesterday from the hospital. It was an exciting experience for everyone... especially Henry. I'll get to that in a minute. Preston was born on April 21st at 1:21pm. He weighed 9 pounds 5.8 ounces and was 21 inches long. He has a full head of strawberry blond hair. Preston was larger than anyone had anticipated, and so Kristen battled to get him out. She started pushing at 9:30am and he didn't come out for 4 more hours. On his way out he did some good damage to his Mommy. 10 stitches later she is still very tender, but well medicated. Kristen handled the whole thing like a champ. She was exhausted by the time Preston made his way out. For those who know Kristen well they will appreciate that at the height of the pain she was screaming at the top of her lungs etc... As soon as Preston got all the way out she said in a normal voice, "Sorry everyone, that was a bit dramatic.". All the doctors and nurses started laughing. I'm sure not many people who pass 9 pound babies apologize for screaming. After his birth Preston was very calm and cried very little. The hospital stay was extremely tiring, but it wasn't his fault. The staff at our hospital made good work of popping in periodically to wake us up for random crap. Apparently the time to get your morning blood work done is 2:30am. Overall the staff was very helpful and did a great job of trying to keep Kristen and Preston Comfortable.

Arriving home yesterday was an interesting experience. Henry was very excited to see his mama, so Kristen went in and gave him all sorts of attention before we brought in Preston. When I did bring him in, Henry was using all of his strength (which is a lot) to find out what was in that car seat. I literally had to drag him away and give him a chance to look for a minute before he crushed our kid. He has responded very well to having this little guy in our home. The only problem we've had is that he is a little overprotective. He goes nuts barking when cars drive by, or the neighbors come home etc... Thankfully Preston sleeps through the barking well. He gets very concerned when Preston cries and always goes into his room to see whats going on. He also "needs" to be in the room when Kristen is feeding the little monster. When Preston is in his crib sleeping, Henry goes into the room and watches the crib. After a while he starts crying and whimpering(Henry does), so I lift him up so he can see that Preston is still there. I think they are going to be great friends. There is a video clip of Preston at the bottom of this page.

Henry and the sickness

Poor little Henry has been really sick today. He threw up this morning on the bed and then outside. We even went to the park this morning for about an hour. I thought he was feeling better but then again this afternoon he was at it again. I feel bad for him because I don't know what is wrong. It is not anything he ate because he has not eaten anything, it is just stomach juices or something. The worst part about it is that Dallin can't handle throw up very well and so I am the one on my hands and knees trying to get yellow bile out of our tan carpets. Dallin is down stairs trying not to throw up himself. Thanks Dal. Anyway, that is the most interesting thing that has happened to us all day.
Oh, we went to the doctor yesterday and he said that the baby is head down, ready to go. I have 6 weeks (or less) and I am ready to go when the baby is.

Video Clip

Just added the video clip. I didn't realise it, but when I uploaded it to youtube I accidentally added on a nice prego shot of Kristen. Hang on til the end for a special treat!

The Beginning

Well I guess we're gonna try this blog thing. We're kinda new to it but we'll do our best to update it regularly. I think Kristen and I will try to switch off typing. She is a much faster typer than me. As far as what's new in our lives right now, Kristen is 33 weeks pregnant, and getting big. We're looking forward to a little boy in the end of April if he doesn't come sooner. We've decided on the name Preston Spencer Smith. The last name was easy to decide. I'm still working for the Reno Fire Department, and unless Preston comes early Kristen will go back and teach the first 2 weeks of April, and then she will be done until further notice. The plan is for her to be a stay at home Mom. Henry is as sweet as ever, but he's about to recieve a huge shock when Preston comes along. He will already be devastated when Kristen's sister Jenny leaves on her mission. Then when there's a new baby sucking up all of his attention, life is gonna be hard. Gonna have to think of some more stuff to write. Any Ideas? Let us know.