Miss Izzie.

Sometimes it is vital to wear a beach hat at breakfast.

Next week Isabelle will be 21 months old. SHE IS ALMOST TWO. Seriously, that kills me, I can't believe she is growing so quickly. I took her to her well-visit last week and she was 25 pounds and 34 inches tall- 50% for her weight and 95% for her height! Whaaaat! She is such a tall, thin little thing. Maybe she will grow up to be a dancer. Or to play basketball. Or just reach the high shelves in the kitchen. She wears mostly size 24 month/2T clothes, though the majority of her her pants/shorts are still 18 month.

I remember when I was pregnant, we were in disneyland with our family and I was watching Madilyn while the adults were on a big fun ride. She had a dirty diaper so I went to change it and I was astonished how HUGE the size five diapers seemed compared to the newborn diapers we had stocked up in our nursery. I couldn't imagine ever changing my own baby with such a giant diaper. We bought our first box of size fives this week and I almost cried. Isn't that silly? Stupid pregnant hormones.

Isabelle loves to eat, though sometimes she picks and chooses. Some days grapes are her favorite, and other days they get thrown on the floor. She loves mac and cheese, rice, applesauce, yogurt, fruit snacks, pretzels, and anything sweet. However, she does not eat the purple fruit snacks...just not her thang. She also does not eat much meat, I think the texture freaks her out and she immpediately slops it out of her mouth. Her favorite thing in the world is cold milk- and if we let her she would have a cup of milk in her hand at all times.

I think the thing I want to remember most about Isabelle at this age is how extremely opinionated she is. She definitely has outfits/shoes/toys that she prefers and will let us know if we have made an incorrect selection. A great lesson my mom taught me is if it doesn't really matter, let it go. If Isabelle wants to wear crocs with a summer dress, let her. If she wants to bring her baby in the car, bring the baby in the car. If she wants to walk around with her toothbrush, no big deal. It won't hurt! As much as I like to control things, having Isabelle has made me relax about things like that. Izzie also has started to throw fits. If she doesn't want to leave, her body goes totally limp and she lays on the floor.

Isabelle, mid fit.

I love watching Isabelle play. She is getting so good at pretend, she loves to mix things in her kitchen and bring them over for me to sample. She really likes repetition, we often play the same games and she remembers exactly what to do. This morning I was cleaning the kitchen and she wanted me to play so she came and got me and walked me to the carpet and pointed to the floor and said "down." And my heart exploded. She is talking a bit more- she sais "hehwhoa" into the phone when she holds it up to her ear. The funniest thing she says is a whole sentence, squished together- she means to say "No, I don't want to." But it sounds like "NoIdonwaaaanto." Hard to describe via blog post but you should hear it because it's so cute. She is sleeping through the night 99% of the time now and taking great naps. IT IS AWESOME. This is why people have more kids! They learn stuff! And they sleep! Exclamation point!

I am loving this stage. I love how smart and receptive she is when I explain things to her. I'm amazed how much she understands when she listens. I love that she skips and runs and laughs at silly things. I love her tiny baby teeth and her fluffy mullet hair. I love the smell of her skin and the little birthmark on the back of her leg. I love the way she says mama and whacks me on the leg to get my attention. I love that she is obsessed with her babies and has to sleep with them tucked perfectly under her body every single night. I love that she twirls and shows off her outfits and shoes to anyone who will give her the attention. I love that she knows to kneel her little body down and fold her arms when it is time for prayer. Occasionally I get this overwhelming feeling that I am so lucky that one, I have this beautiful little child in my family, and two, that I actually love being with her everyday.

Isabelle's cheese face. Further proof that she is Jazz's offspring.

Summer Bucket List

Isabelle picking berries.

Technically summer has been here for awhile but I just barely feel the exhale from our busy spring and finally feel ready to enjoy the heat. And by enjoy I mean sweat or stay inside, it was 110 degrees last week. I was thinking the other day about my how I spent my summers as a child, and I think we went swimming every. single. day. After our music studies, of course. "Set the timer!" Right around lunch time, mom would bring out tuna fish sandwiches with pickles and we'd sit on the patio and eat in our wet swimming suits just long enough to dry off, and then be back in the pool. Some of my favorite memories are playing games with my brothers and sisters and the neighbors and friends and anyone who knew how to swim, they were invited.

I know Isabelle doesn't care what we do this summer. She would be perfectly content to watch Tangled every moment of every day probably the rest of her life, but of course I'm a mean mother and won't let that happen. But I still want to fill the next few (warm) months with fun things for me and for her. Soon enough it won't just be "me and iz" and I gotta make this time count!

Personally, I work so much better when I have goals written down, for some reason it is so much more motivating than having a list in my head. That's why you will find zillions of papers around my house with grocery lists and baby names and stuff not to forget just scribbled down. It works for me.

Summer Bucket List

1. See Harry Potter

2. Refinish our corner hutch for the kitchen

3. Learn how to make homemade potstickers

4. Visit turtle bay

5. Go on a date to Kobe

6. Turn 27

7. Visit the temple

8. Swim until we are pruny

9. Take Isabelle to the lake

10. Put Isabelle in swim lessons

11. Hit up story time at the library

12. Roast marshmallows over a fire

13. Take Isabelle to the dollar theater

14. Attend the farmer's market

The rules are I can add or subtract anything I want at anytime for any reason. That's why I'm in charge. This week- maybe the lake, possibly the dollar movie, definitely the swimming pool. What are you doing this summer?

the rest of Utah.

One of our favorite parts of being in Utah was seeing our Sorensen side of the family. Isabelle would have been fine if we left her there forever, she loved seeing her cousins/aunt/grandparents.

Izzie and Ellie playing with a doll stroller.

Miss saucy did not want her picture taken.

This is Dayton, Izzie and Ellie. I think Isabelle looks so much like Dayton- especially his baby pictures.

I love this picture- Isabelle was SO TIRED and she just let Ellie hold her while they watched Cars. She actually snuggled!

Jazz's mom just moved to a wonderful house up in Willard, Utah. It sits on this big open land and they have chickens and big dogs and a bison lives next door! Isabelle was in heavvvvvven. Bobbie and Mike were such gracious hosts- the cooked us delicious meals and had such a comfy bed for us to stay in. We really didn't want to leave. The big yellow dog in this picture is Lily and despite Lily having 80 pounds on Isabelle, Isabelle was zero percent shy. Also, Ellie and Iz are holding hands! Presh.

I'm pretty sure this chicken is named Coocoo. Cuckoo? Meaning, crazy. I wish you could see the full smile on Isabelle's face.

Saying goodbye. We just didn't have enough time!

OK so awesome story. Because we were leaving from north of SLC, our Garmin told us to go north and catch up with 80 some time past Winnemucca. We took a chance and did what it said and we were pleasantly surprised to have some really beautiful scenery just near the Idaho border. We were driving along and noticed a big shadow on the road in front of us.

Not a shadow. A cattle drive. With real cowboys wearing chaps. And a cattle dog. And ropes and hats and everything. Seriously the best part of my day. I would totally go that way again. Though next time we might bring toilet paper because there are not a lot of restrooms. Not revealing how we found that out.

Isabelle did so great in the car for thirteen hours twice in a week. Car Champion! Except. On the way out, we were about an hour out of Redding, feeling so good and ambitious, and Isabelle got a bit car sick and barfed. Not like spit up a little stuff, like full-on breakfast and milk vomit all over everything. We stopped at Susanville and bought some chlorox wipes and febreeze to take care of the mess, but the smell lingered. We really thought we did a great job cleaning up.. until about 2 pm when Jazz reached under the carseat and came back with a handful of... throw up. Worst parents ever. How did it even get under there??? We love our carseat and it washed out great once we got to Utah. Isabelle didn't even cry, just wanted to watch a movie for awhile. Once a movie was over, she would sign "more" over and over. How can you say no to that?

Next time we will have to plan a longer trip, we just loved spending time with our family. (And the chickens and the dogs and the bison.)

odds and ends.

You guys, wasn't that a super fun surprise! Did you even see it coming? I am the worst secret keeper in the world and it is so hard to keep my mouth shut about stuff like this. I had to be extra careful not to blog/tweet/facebook about certain foods or how tired I am/was. So, officially I am due January 9th, which puts me at 11 weeks 2 days pregnant. Which also means that I will be so huge by Christmas time, I will be available for hire as jolly saint nick.

It's amazing how much I have forgotten about being pregnant with Isabelle. I seriously can't remember what it felt to be 40 weeks and so miserable and uncomfortable and round. I'm sure that's why people have more than one baby- they maybe forget how awful labor/delivery was or how sleep deprived they were at the very beginning. This time around, some days I swear I feel so different so IT MUST BE A BOY. And some days I'm like this is the exact same as last time so IT'S DEFINITELY A GIRL. The nice thing is we are thrilled either way- a sister would be so fun, but it would be great to have a brother too. One thing that is new to me is a complete aversion to really rich, sweet treats. Like wedding cake. And Sprite. Just the thought of it is really disgusting and makes me cringe. Weird, right?

Isabelle is oblivious and will be for awhile, probably until we bring this new baby home. I'm interested to see how she reacts to a sibling, and how I react to sharing time between two babies. Isabelle is getting bigger and more independent but she will always be my firstborn baby girl. My memory of being pregnant might have faded a little, but I will never forget what it felt like to hold her for the first time-she is that tiny being who made me a mother.

For now it's nice to know we have some time til this baby is due to join our family, and we can relax for the summer and play in the pool. Did I mention my parents are moving? Like, right now? Don't worry it's just around the corner to this fab new house but it still makes me sad to see my childhood home be turned over to someone else. (Just kidding Mom I'm so excited!) (30/70.) Between the two weddings, a vacation, selling their house and moving into a new one, my poor parents have been super busy. Mom needs a nap. And maybe some ambien.

I still need to blog about the rest of our Utah trip, and do an update on Isabelle because she is SO FUNNY at this stage. Almost 21 months. She think's shes three, no big deal. Now that we are home again and settled in, I'll get back to blogging, promise.

father's day with a twist...

Happy Father's Day!

To my favorite husband and dad

who always helps out

for which I am so glad.

He reads stories and colors,

cleans dishes and pooh,

my life wouldn't be the same

without wonderful you.

I 've got such a fantastic family,

I really couldn't ask for more

But this Father's Day we've got big news-

As our family of three becomes four!

Morgan's Wedding

It feels so weird to type Morgan is married. But she is. Last Saturday we all gathered at the Mount Timpanogos temple to celebrate their sealing. I cried like a teeny baby... weddings always make me emotional but baby mo? married? the last sumsion to seal the deal? Tears.

Friday we had a wonderful grooms dinner in Salt Lake with all of our family plus JR's family. The best part is WE ALL LEFT OUR KIDS AT HOME. Well, with responsible baby sitters. But we could talk! To other people! Without filling bottles or changing diapers or chasing down speedy toddlers with messy hands! All of my siblings and their spouses sat at one big table and we all felt like normal grown ups. It was awesome.

Scott is mid sentence and Jazz is doing a surprise attack.

Saturday was the special day. (Mostly because I got to eat Noodles and Co. for lunch. Just kidding. 20/80) Their ceremony was so personal and just fit them- JR's grandpa sealed them for time and eternity. Here we are waiting for the newlyweds to exit the temple together. Mo opted not to have bridesmaids- but to have all the family wear grey, black, and yellow. It was really beautiful- all the babies wore these adorable yellow dresses and added a perfect pop of color.

Here they are, here they are!

Sabs is now dethroned as newliest newlywed. Sorry dude.

 My mom and dad....mom looking amazing in a vintage dress from the 1950's. Could she be any cooler.

This is one of those pictures I will keep and bring out in 20 years when one of these babies gets married. Madilyn, Isabelle, and Jakob, peeking into the temple.

Mo, JR, Madilyn, Kira, Ruby, Isabelle and Jake. Please notice that my chlid is the only one trying to escape. JR literally had to pin her between his knees. Also notice she is the only ladybaby refusing to wear a bow. You can  guess that pictures went well for us that day.

Isabelle at the reception, where she maintained a strict diet of chocolate covered strawberries, leaves, and lemonade.

Morgan's amazing cake, which of course she baked and decorated herself. This is in addition to the awesome Settler's of Catan grooms cake presented at the grooms dinner the night before. She really outdid herself, every layer was delicious. And because I am special I have the entire top tier in my freezer, suckaaas! Also, side note, you can see a broach on Morgan's bouquet... it belonged to my Grandma June and all three of the Sumsion daughters have used it on our bouquets. Fun to have a common thread in all three weddings.

Mo's dress, really beautiful, fit her perfectly and the color was divine. Mom did the hairpiece.

Cake cutting!

The only pic of me and mo. And it's the end of the day so I'm leaning a bit towards ragamuffin. I'm excited to see the official shots from the photographer, he was amazing.

Of course, Morgan had a special dance with my dad. I feel like that was just me! Tear.

At the end of the night there was this gorgeous sendoff with tons of giant two-foot sparklers. We all gathered at the front lawn and they ran out of the reception center and into their awaiting car and drove away. And then I really cried- it was so beautiful, the perfect end to her perfect day. This is how Isabelle ended her day. By throwing a fit in the parking lot and laying on the cement.

I have to say that we have some amazing friends and family who helped us take care of Isabelle so we could attend some of the non-baby friendly events. On Thursday night I made a desperate call to my friend Sydney.. we needed someone to watch Isabelle so we could go through the temple with Morgan on Friday morning from about 10-2. Syd is soooo great she watched Isabelle for us, and since she lives in Sandy and we had to be in Provo, it was an extra two hours of baby sitting. 9 am to 3 pm. Did I mention she has a three year old? And a one year old? And her husband went out of town? Seriously, if that doesn't send her the highest level of heaven, I don't know what will. Syd- thank you, thank you, thank you.

Best part of the day: Seeing Morgan so happy. She was so, so happy. I also loved seeing friends/ family/ extended relatives... Last time I saw Uncle Bob and Aunt Orlinda, I was 9 months pregnant with Isabelle! Another special part was sitting with my mom and dad, my four siblings and their spouses all in the sealing room of the temple at the same time together. Really a memory I will never forget.

Worse part of the day: Well, the saddest was watching Mo drive away (as Mrs. Williams!) and realizing I didn't get to hug her gbye or anything. More crying. Come back, Morgan. Move into my spare bedroom and raid my pantry.

Our trip was wonderful and consisted of much more than just this giant wedding celebration, so I'll do a separate post about the non-nuptial based events.

Congratulations to Morgan and JR.. we love you both!

Tres Anos

We are back! Again! THIS TIME FOREVER. No seriously I'm never traveling again. But you are more than welcome to come and visit.

Before I can do the trip picture vomit blog + Morgan's wedding + all the other stuff that I have missed, I need to acknowledge what today is to our family.

June 14th, 2008, Jazz and I were married in a lovely outdoor ceremony in Utah. It's been three years since that day and I love him more now than I did then.

With weddings on the brain lately, of course I think back to our wedding and what we would do differently, what we loved, etc. I loved my dress. I loved my hair. I loved my groom a lot lot lot. Our food was fantastic. The cake was amazing. (Morgan!) I would fire our photographer because he sucked. I literally have a teeny handful of pictures of Jazz and I on our wedding day, and not a single one of me and my mother together- so if you were there and took any pictures, we would love to see them. Not that I have stewed over this every day since then. Because I haven't. ANYWAY.

To Mr. Sorensen, you are the light of my life- though you love Nascar and shave your beard every single time I clean the sink... I don't know what I would do without you. You are the meat and cheese to my burrito. Three years has gone by quickly and I'm grateful for everyday spent with you. (and dale earnhardt Jr.)

I pinky swear I will stick around forever.

Love,

Mrs. Sorensen

here is the new blog, Morgan.

LAST POST about our trip, I swear. I was looking at pictures from last year and Isabelle looks SO much bigger. And far less cooperative in pictures. Is it just me or are toddlers super tricky to get photos of?

Isabelle is totally mad in this picture because she can see Madilyn getting into the pool without her. Also, I hate blue swim diapers. Have any good solutions?

Madilyn giving two thumbs up to her lava flow special drink.

This was another favorite place to eat, right on the beach, right during sunset. Amazing.

To be married in six days. Six!

Our view during dinner...

Isabelle was fascinated by this window display at our favorite outdoor shopping place.

Love my little family.



On the way home, the check in to the airport took foreverrrrrr. And Isabelle was so tired of being wrangled/held/restricted from running amok, I could barely keep her from wiggling away from me. We finally got all of our bags checked in plus the car seat, and set her down so she could ride the escalator. She was wearing a cute little dress and her fav sandals. I heard a little *whoosh* sound and look down- her diaper has totally fallen off of her bum onto the ground. Jazz said "what was that?" and I answered "Um, Isabelle's diaper just literally fell off." I really don't think I had laughed that hard in a long time- I wish I had time to pull out my camera. She just carried on like nothing was wrong, and I'm sure she appreciated the extra airflow happening. Not really sure why the diaper fell off, it wasn't extra soggy or anything. Maybe shifting her from hip to hip made it stretchy? Whatever it was, it was hilarious. Had to be there?

Also. If you get a chance to go to the Hula Grill at Whaler's Village, please do yourself a favor and order the cream cheese crab macadamia wontons. Really, one of the top five best parts of my trip. I will totally be dreaming about them every night until I devour them again...you can't possible imagine how delicious they are. Do you have a food that haunts you?

Maui, the middle section.

More maui stuff! Are you shocked? I know I say this every time but this is my journal and so I don't feel guilty posting all these pictures about my vacation. You can't make me!

Jazz and I left Isabelle with the one million other adults so we could have a date. We love the melting pot. The melting pot loves us. But we don't live near one anymore so we had an early anniversary date in Maui over fondue. If you go, get the Wisconsin Trio, it's our favorite.

Baby Jake and his pirate hat! This kid loved to sit in the "hot tub." It was next to the kid pool so it wasn't too hot.

I had to share this picture because I think Isabelle's hair is curly! Mostly it's just fluffy, but the bottom curls, especially after it's wet. So cute.

Last day for Rachel and Jake.

We always go on this drive up and around the coast to Lorraine's. She operates a teeny shaved ice place out of her garage, and she is ALWAYS there. I have pictures at Lorraine's from when I was like, 14.. she is kind of like Maui legend. This year I got to take Jazz and Izzie... the view on the drive is really amazing.

Bananas just growing on a tree like it's no big thang.

We got a slice of her banana cream pie and I'm not exaggerating when I say it is the most amazing pie I've ever had. And I like pie. She lines the crust with chocolate. Kill me, right? Isabelle loved it.

Can you see Lorraine in the back? She's been doing this for thirty years.

More pool time. Isabelle was obsessed with these fountains. She would fill up a bowl of water and bring it over and dump it on me. Over and over and over.

This is how Izzie looked 90% of the time. It's too hot for pajamas, and if she wears a shirt she magically disposes of her diaper. So we went with the onesies.. though they stretched out during the night so it looked like she was wearing little man shorts.

One day we found this gem of a blow up toy- a police car for infants. Isabelle thought it was awesome and cried when we had to take her out. She was too heavy for it though.. it barely stayed floating.

Meet Leilani. Leilani is Olivia's Hawaiian cousin. My family was out shopping one day while we were visiting Lorraine and JaNae spotted this BlaBla doll like Olivia. My dad totally flipped over it and had to buy it. Isabelle is completely attached to this mermaid and now she carries both of them everywhere.



PS can you see her raspberries on both knees? She would run so hard and so fast because she was so excited... her little legs couldn't keep up. She fell hard over and over again. We finally had to start carrying her from the elevator to the pool so her wounds could heal.