Beautiful Pictures

In September, I went to the "What Women Want Show" and found the most wonderful photographer. She had a newborn special that I signed up. I knew I wanted some of the pictures of Halle right after she was born. We went for our photo shoot when Halle was 10 days old. I was planning on only getting pictures of Halle, but Heather included the whole family in the shoot. She even did her own mini shoot with Lexi that turned out so cute. Check the pictures out: http://heatherbrownphotography.typepad.com/my_weblog/ I know I am biased, but I think they are so cute. I can't believe how good they turned out. I would recommend Heather to anyone who wants so fantastic pictures.

Two Weeks New!!

I can't believe it, but our little Halle has already been in our lives for two weeks. We have had such a wonderful two weeks with our little angel. While I can't believe she has been with us for two weeks, I can't remember what life was like before she joined us.

Halle had her two week check up earlier this week and she now weighs 8 pounds 9 ounces. I guess I don't have to worry about her not getting enough to eat. She is a very happy baby as long as someone is holding her. She doesn't like to be left alone, but we are working on it. She is learning that her crib is an okay place to be when it is time to rest.

Lexi is such a good big sister. She loves helping out with her sister and giving her lots of loves and kisses. She likes to hold Halle and is so careful when she holds her. We are so lucky to have both of the sweet little girls in our lives.

Introducing....

Halle Lyn Beckstead

December 30, 2008

4:41 PM

8 Pounds 1 Ounce

19" Long

Our Halle arrived with a little help on December 30.

Since Lexi arrived 12 days early, I had it in my head that Halle would be born early as well. This is not a good idea to plant in your head, because when the baby doesn't come early, it is very frustating.

When I went to my doctor's appointment on Monday, December 29, he told me that there wasn't room for me in the hospital to be induced the next day. This automatically sent me into tears, so he scheduled me for the next day, December 31. I wasn't thrilled to be having a baby on New Years eve, but at that point, I would have settled for anything.

Later that night, we recieved a phone call from the hospital telling me that there may be room for me on Tuesday and to call just in case. I was so excited, but decided not to get my hopes up since they weren't promising anything. Luckily, the next morning they told me to come in and they would induce me - YEAH!!!!

Halle was born late in the afternoon. The labor and delivery was fairly easy and she was born with bright eyes. She didn't cry, but she was looking around at everything and everyone. I will never forget that moment when they placed her on my chest and I got my first look at her. She was so beautiful and perfect!!

Grandma Jil, Grandma Susan, Aunt Shannon and Aunt Ashlie were in the delivery room with Ryan and I to help welcome Halle into the world. Grandpa Gary, Grandpa Steve and Uncle Chaz were all waiting for her big arrival in the waiting room. They were all so happy she was here.

Later that night, Lexi came up to check out her new little sister. I was still hooked up to some IV's, so she was pretty scared. She really didn't know what to think. When she came back the next day, she was a little bit better and she has loved her new little sister more and more each day since we came home (she did ask me to keep her quiet at night so she did wake her up)!!

We have had so much love and support from our family and friends since Halle's birth. Everyone has been so willing to help out with anything we have needed. Thank you to everyone for all your love and support during this special time in our lives.

2008 Year End Updates

Again, it has been way too long since I last posted. We have been so busy getting ready for the baby and with the holiday's that my blogging has fallen behind. Again, I will try to keep up on this in the upcoming year.

Disney on Ice

We took Lexi to Disney on Ice and she loved it. She especially loved the when the princesses were on stage. Since her daddy was such a good sport to come to Disney on Ice while the Utes were playing, we went to the Skybox after for dinner so we could catch the rest of the rest of the game.

Thanksgiving

We had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday this year. The Sunday before Thanksgiving, we celebrated with Grandma Susan and Grandpa Brad. We had a yummy turkey dinner with Grandma, Grandpa, Chaz, Whitney and Grandma and Grandpa Brady. We sure missed Brady and Zach this year and hope that everyone will be together next year.

On Thanksgiving day, we had dinner at Grandma Jil's and Grandpa Rick's. After dinner, Grandma Jil helped the kids all make trees that listed everything they were grateful for. They were so cute. Lexi told us she was grateful for everything from her mom and dad to the cookies she gets at snack time.

Later in the afternoon, we all went to see Bolt. This was a cute show and Lexi did pretty good in it. She still has a ways to go on learning to sit through movies in the big theater, but she is getting better and better.

That night, Shannon and I slept at Grandma Jil's so we could get an early start on the shopping. We started at 4:00 AM and went until 1:00 PM. I have to say I was pretty impressed with myself that I was able to hold up that long. We had a lot of fun and I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Lexi's Christmas Dance Recital

Lexi had her Christmas dance recital on the same day as the first big snow storm. Luckily, we planned ahead and didn't run into too many issues.

Lexi and her dance class did such a good job on their dance. They danced to Santa's Mambo - It was so cute. Unfortunately, my batteries on the camera died so I didn't get any pictures. Lexi is learning so much in dance class and we are so proud of her. She loves going to class each week and does such a great job!

Shepherd Christmas Party

Every year, my mom and her sisters host a Santa Claus party for the family right before Christmas. This is something my Grandma Donna always did and they make sure they keep the tradition alive, right down to the food we serve and the games we play.

Of course, Santa Claus comes to the party. Lexi was so excited to talk to him, but when he showed up, she got a little scared. She told us that she would sit on his lap as long as daddy came up with her. She was so brave and did a great job. She told Santa that she wanted a bicycle (not a bike) and a tent for Christmas. He told her that she needed to keep being good and he would see what he could do.

Christmas

The finale of the season. We had such a good Christmas!! I think all of us got what we wanted. Santa brought Lexi her bicycle and Grandma and Grandpa Tanner gave her the tent she asked for. She also got numerous other presents. At the end of the day she asked me how come Santa brought her toys she didn't ask for. I told her that it must have been because she was such a good girl!!

Here is Lexi opening her first Christmas present. It was her new Christmas jammies. We had some for Halle too, but since she hadn't arrived by Christmas, we put them away for her to wear after she arrived. Mommy and daddy also got new jammies.

We always spend Christmas eve with Grandma and Grandpa Tanner. Grandpa Brad pulls out his horse carriage and takes everyone on a ride around the neighborhood. Lexi loves this part of Christmas eve. Here are her and her daddy all bundled up and ready for the ride.

Here are Ryan and Lexi checking out all of the loot Santa left. Lexi couldn't believe everything she got. She was having so much fun playing with all of her toys, she didn't want to open the presents under the tree - I think she has caught on that all mom and dad give her are new clothes and those aren't fun to open!!!

Ryan and I also we spoiled at Christmas. Ryan got a WII and a gift card to help finish his office in the basement. I got a new camera and Photoshop, which I can't wait to use. Santa even left Halle some presents, even though she hadn't arrived. She received a rocking horse and playmat for her room. Ryan said it could count as somewhat of a first Christmas since she got presents. I don't think it works that way, but it is a good way to look at it.

Fall Fun

We have been having so much fun this fall. Since the weather has stayed so nice, we have been able to participate in all of our fall activities.

Lexi was able to go with her daddy and Uncle Chaz to the University of Utah game. I was really worried that I would get a call about half-time asking me to come and pick her up, but she did really good. She kept asking when the band was going to play "Utah Man". When the game was over, she didn't want to leave. I think Ryan might be buying another season ticket in the next few years.

After the game, Kody, Amy and their kids along with Grandpa Gary came out to go to the Herriman Pumpkin Fest with us. The kids had a great time playing the games. They got some great prizes. Thanks to Amy for the pictures, since my camera was dead - I stole these from her blog!!!

The next weekend, we went to Barnyard Boo with Grandma Susan and Grandpa Brad. This is something I have taken Lexi to every year since her first Halloween. She loves the games and activities. She especially loves going on the hayride. Last year her daddy scared her about the Headless Horseman, so she was a little bit apprehensive, but we had a great time.

Since Ryan was leaving town on Sunday afternoon, we decided we better get our pumpkins carved. I think this is Lexi's favorite Halloween activity. She wanted a Donald Duck pumpkin, a Mickey pumpkin and she decided to do a regular pumpkin. We had a lot of fun carving them and I think they turned out pretty good.

Lexi and Amelia

Lexi and Mrs. LaDawn

Lexi and her dance class

We have had such a fun Halloween season. Lexi had a party at pre-school and another at dance class. She thinks all the fun games and crafts are great, but she LOVES the candy. She makes such a cute "pink" Minnie Mouse.

A New Addition!!!!

This weekend we found out that we were going to have a new addition to our family...

I know what you are thinking, but no body is going to have a baby (other than our little girl), but Ashlie got engaged.

We are so excited. Ashlie is going to marry Brandon Edwards. He is such great guy and they make such a cute couple. We are so excited for them and I can't wait to welcome Brandon to our family!!!!

Congratulations - Brandon & Ashlie

A Visit to the Witches

This weekend, we made a quick trip to Gardner Village to see the witches. Lexi was really excited about the trip, but once we got there, she wasn't so sure.

This was the first time I had been to see the witches and I couldn't believe how cute they were. There were all different ones, but I think my favorite was the one who lifted her dress so you could see the cat run around her legs!!!

I think the highlight of Lexi's trip was a visit to Sweet Afton's. Lexi and I have made several visits there before so she wasn't going to let this time pass. We weren't the only ones with the idea. There wasn't room to move. I stood in line for 25 minutes to buy a candy I could buy at Harmon's, but I guess the idea was to have the candy from Sweet Afton's.

There was a spot where you could go on a ride with a real witch. The line was pretty long the first time we tried, but it was 1/2 as long when we went back. We really lucked out because there were only large parties ahead of us and so we were able to fill the wagon on the first ride out because there were only three of us - YEAH!!!!

Lexi was a little apprehensive when we go on the ride, but she quickly figured out that the witch we were riding with was a nice witch. She had instruments and we all played a song. The only bad thing was Ryan's instrument was a rat. I don't care if it was plastic, I really didn't want to sit that close to a rat - YUCK!!!

It was another fun activity for our little family. We had a great time!!!