December

Anson's outfit to our Christmas ward party

November

November 1st Mike blessed Anson in our ward. We had most of our family there from both sides. If was so fun to see everyone. Thanks everyone who came!
Our little family

Shaw family photo

Anson's blessing tux. Aunt Martha let us borrow it.

We spent Thanks Giving in California and visited family in Mapleton

Anson and Grandpa Shaw

Anson wearing the adorable hat Aunt Natalie made for him

October Highights

These events are out of order because I can't figure out how to change them.

Mike and Ali's clogging performance in battle of the dance

Anson's Halloween costume that says Future little climber

Halloween fun

Anson and daddy sleeping

Lots of the cousins during conference weekend

Anson's baby shower with my cousins in Utah

Mike's 25th b-day on Oct. 23rd

Anson now

We apologize for not updating our blog like we should. We know everyone wants to see lots of pictures of Anson. That is why I did three posts today.
Here are some pictures of Anson within the last week.

Our little eskimo

Monkey Rock

It is lots of fun to take Anson with us. A few weeks ago before it got really cold we went swimming to Monkey Rock. Anson really didn't like the cold water so we let him stay in his carseat and watch.

This past weekend we went rock climbing to Midget Widget with Anson

Don't be fooled. It looks like Mike hasn't lost the baby weight yet but really...

he is keeping Anson warm in his jacket!

Lots of fun

Fun with Anson

Mike and I are really enjoying being parents. I can't believe Anson is almost two months old. He is getting bigger, about 7 pounds now. These are pictures at about one month old.

Anson loves getting his picture taken

He is so photogenic!After so many pictures he gets warn out

Anson is Home

Anson came home on Sunday morning. With the lack of sleep I got mastitis, but luckily it is gone now.

Anson update

My how time flies! Anson is a week old tomorrow. He is definitely the cutest baby in the world and keeps getting cuter every day! He is in NICU but he is doing really well. He currently has a feeding tube to help him get enough food. Once he starts eating enough by mouth we will be able to take him home! The dr. is saying about one more week till he can come home. We'll just wait and see what happens.

We feel very blessed by the Lord to have such a wonderful new addition to our family. We know heavenly father has answered our prayers, helping Anson get bigger and stronger. We also want to thank our family and friends for their love, support, and prayers in our behalf.

I think being a mom is one of the hardest but most rewarding things I've ever done. I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything, even my sleep.

The Little Baby is Born!!

Its Aug 17th, 11:52 pm, we just walk in the door from a fun afternoon of rock climbing and dinner with friends and without warning WHAM...Ali's water breaks. Confused at the mysteriousness of the scene we, quite befuddled, go to the hospital. It's confirmed the baby is on his way. So, as traumatic as Ali knew this experience would be, she decided to put off the rest of the contractions and painful stuff till the next mooring and got a solid sleep. At 8:00 am she decided to start the contraction process (you think I'm kidding, I'm not.) Details aren't necessary about the contraction process, if you have any questions about what was said just visit your local sailor. (just kidding) Ali did fantastic and delivered 100% natural. (she's a trooper)

Anson was born Aug 18th at 2:56 pm weighing 4 lb 11 oz and 17 in long. He was put on oxygen then taken off 2 hours later due to good behavior. Though, there were thought to be complications there were not. The Dr's say he's stronger and more vibrant than normal pre-mature baby's of his age and size. He is going to stay in the hospital till he learns to eat a little better. Ali was up and walking around that night and is continuing to recover with the strength of a marathon runner.

I was out of town through this whole event. Fortunately the neighbors husband took Ali to the hospital and gave me all these great details. No that's not true, really I passed out when her water broke, as I fell my head hit the toilet seat cracking my mandibular. I was in surgery next to Ali as she delivered, saw the whole thing. We now share a recovery room together and my jaw is wired close. Life's good.

Ali and I just getting into the contraction process.

Rambo Ali taunting the contractions with a wet rag on her head and a smile on her face.

Ali holding Anson for the first time.

Anson before he was even cleaned off.

Anson carrying on the family name.

Anson the newest and cutest member of our family.

The Newest News

So, its been awhile since we've updated our blog. Well...Ali's still pregnant, she's handling it very well, hasn't really gotten sick all that much. Mostly now adays she's just hot all the time, sleeps a lot and pee's uncontrollably, I'm just glad we don't have to pay the water bill. Though she's been feeling well, its has been a time in our marriage that we're gaining new insights about each other. Its been a time for us to grow closer and find our who we really are. Some times these times in our lives are difficult, this is especially one of those times for me. Ali finally shared with me one of her deepest kept secrets, knowing this secret helped me come to understand Ali so much more, and has given me so much insight that I wanted to share it with all of you, so you too can understand what it is about Ali that makes her so uniquely special, wonderful, and...Ali.

At first she didn't want to share it with me, so when she did it really brought us closer together and allowed me to relate with her on so many more levels. I love her so much more knowing what I know now, and here it is: Ali's the Terminators sister. I KNOW!! Crazy hu?! We'll all I can say is that it all now makes sense. I've always wondered how somebody could be so wonderful all the time, I guess she's just programed that way. Oh, well I must be back to studying for finals, I wish Ali could take them for me...she'd blow them away (hahaha!). Anyhow, she really doesn't like any jokes about it, it's obviously a sensitive topic so please be supportive (or you might die).

Ali caught unsuspectingly while giving me "the eye."

Climbing the White Line

This last weekend Justin and I went out to the Lost River Range and climbed the White Line Couloir on Peak 11,308. It was a great climb and we made great time leaving the truck at 6 am being on the route by 7:45, summiting the route by 11:15 and being back to the truck by 12:45. It was my first mixed climb (mixed meaning rock and ice at the same time) and I led the first crux of the route, which wasn't by any means a graceful lead, but it was a great experience. Justins a great climber and I learned a lot from climbing with him. Overall a great experience, I can't wait to improve my skills and get back to the mountains.

Me half way up the first ice formation of the first crux.

Accending the second pitch behind Justin.

Justin taking the lead at the second belay.

Justin at belay of 3rd pitch, view from top of route.

View from top of route.

Mike traversing to exit couloir.

Justin (opposite direction from the above picture)