My 25th birthday

My favorite b-day present.

Trying out the new stroller

My b-day brownies

Yesterday was my 25th birthday! It was also the 3 year anniversary of me and Mike getting engaged!
My birthday was full of surprises from Mike. First he gave me breakfast in bed, then he took me to lunch, next he took me to the Black Swan Inn so I could see the room we'd be staying at that night, the Romeo and Juliet Room. He is so thoughtful and so romantic. Then the biggest surprise of all...he got me a Phil and Ted's jogging stroller. It was such a surprise and it is my dream stroller. I am so excited to start using it. It is a single stroller that can also be changed into a double stroller by adding a seat in the back. The stroller can have an infant and a toddler in it together. It is pretty much amazing. I love running and this is such an awesome stroller. He really made my b-day special. I couldn't ask for a better husband!
Some family and friends came over for dinner that night and then we all went roller skating. Mike surprised me with the stroller at the skating rink. I was able to try out the stroller with Anson around the skating rink. Anson really loves it and so do I! Thanks for making my b-day so special Mike!!!

X-Country Ski Overnighter

We decided to cross country ski up to a cabin in the Scout Mountain area last night where we spent the night. It was about 3 miles to the cabin and due to a storm and starting after sunset, it took us 2 hours to ski in. Anson enjoyed the trip bundled up in our baby backpack (which has a storm hood that is not shown in any of the pictures below). To keep him warm we stuck hand warmers in the feet of his snow suit and he slept warm and compfortably the entire way there. It was a blast.

The cabin had propane lighting and no plumbing, the only heat was from the fire place so we had to wake up in the night to keep warm. It was a small and primitive cabin, but that just made the experience more fun. It's nice to be able to go out and enjoy recreating as a family. And really fun to see Anson enjoying being with us for the adventure.

Anson enjoying the ski trip back to the car.
Just enjoying our time as a family.

All of us are happy, except James, he's crazy.

The cabin.

Happy New Year

I am really frustrated because yesterday I spent a long time writing a new post and then the computer froze and I lost everything. I'll see if I can be quick this time.

Here is an update of what we have been doing the last few months

• Before Christmas Mike went rock climbing in St. George and had a close call. We are very grateful he is still alive.
• Christmas week we were in Mapleton with Mike's family. Anson loved all the attention being their only grandkid! I also loved getting more sleep!
• New Years weekend we spent in Island Park at Papa's cabin. It snowed about a foot.
• January we moved to Pocatello in with my parents so that Mike could start his internship with the pharmacy program at ISU doing cancer research. He is also busy studying for the MCAT 4 hours or more a day.
• MLK weekend we went to Bear Lake with my family to stay at the condo.
• Jan. 18th was Anson's 5 month b-day! We started him on solids like rice cereal, yogurt and bananas. He loves it!
• Jan. 22nd we went to to OR show in SLC at the Salt Palace and met up with Mike's parents.
• Jan. 25th I got mastitis and had a temperature of 103!
• Feb 10th next Wed. is my 25th b-day and everyone is invited to go skating at Deleta at 6pm!

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.