2 months old

Legend,
Here are some things I've learned in the second month of your life:
-You are smiling a bit more but you are still pretty serious.  You are definitely more aware of what's going on around you
-You get mad very quickly. There is no "in between" crying when you're hungry... once you decide it's "go" time, EVERYONE knows it.
-When you are awake, you feel it is your right to be constantly entertained.  You don't like to be laying down but you enjoy being held, cooed at, played with, etc.  One solution to this is I put out your high chair.  Although you don't need it yet for eating purposes, you like to be sitting up while mommy is in the kitchen doing dishes or cooking.
-You LOVE being outside (when it's not too hot).  In the evenings it tends to be your fussy time, so I like to lay out a blanket in some shade and lay you down in the grass. It works every time.  If I'm trying to get you to sleep for the night but you are too cranky, I step out onto the back porch where it's nice and cool, rock you in my arms and before I know it, you're sound asleep!
-You are doing really well sleeping at night. You are consistently sleeping 5-6 hours. Sometimes more!
-You are eating 6 oz of formula every 3 hours but now and then you will eat 7 or 8.
-Once in a while, you snort when you're angry. I can't help but laugh; it's so cute!  Your pediatrician said it could be the result of some reflux or just a little congestion, but it comes and goes.
-At your 2 month appointment you were in the 95% for your weight... you are 14 lbs 5 oz.  You were in the 83% for your height, and your head circumference is just a little bigger than average. (But what can you expect when you look at who your dad is?)

I can't believe two months has already gone by. I've gone back to work and it's so hard to leave you every day. I wish I could spend ALL my time with you! You get cuter every day!

Squeaker to Snorter

For the last couple of days Legend has started snorting.  Yes, snorting.  When he's mad, crying, and sometimes just because.  I have checked quite a few times to make sure he's not snorting because of a stuffy nose, used the booger sucker to make sure he's breathing clearly and it seems that is not the problem.  He has just turned his little newborn squeaks in to snorts!  And I love it.  Every time he inhales to get a new breath for crying he snorts and I just can't help but get the giggles! Does this make me a bad mother that I am being entertained at his expense? I don't think so.  I am still feeding him every three hours and changing his diaper and making sure he is taken care of and loved. His new little habit just makes these few things that much more entertaining and maybe I take my time a little more.  You have to enjoy these little things, right? I sure think so. 

video surely to come. 

First Month

Legend, here are some of the things I have learned this first month of your life....

-You have deep dimples on both cheeks.  It was the first thing I noticed when they handed you to me in the hospital.  I was immediately in love.

-Sometimes when you smile, you smile with your mouth wide open.  A few times you've smiled so big that your gums turned white. It gives me a hint of what it will look like when it's not just gas...

- You have a very expressive face. I can see obvious moments of sadness, disgust, irritation, happinness and peace. 

- You are a lazy eater and a snacker. You want milk to just POUR right in to you mouth and for that reason, I am not having much success with breast feeding you.

- You seem to enjoy your bath time, especially when I lay you on your tummy and pout the warm water on your back and head

- You squeak all the time.  Before you start REALLY crying you make a noise that sounds like a mix between a kitten, and a seagull.

-  Because you are such a squeaker, when you are quiet for too long I find myself getting up to check if you are still breathing.  I have never been in charge of something quite so dependent and fragile and I can't help but lay my hand on your chest at night to reassure myself that you are still with me.

- You LOVE to be constantly held and cuddled.  You also enjoy noise, which is nice because your dad and I can watch movies late at night with you right there with us and you sleep right through it. In fact, you seem to sleep better with noise, because at Grandma's house you love to be out where aunt Graci and Makenna are playing, where Uncle Tate is Jammin on the piano, and Grandma is in the kitchen cooking.  You just like to be in the middle of everything.

- It is so strange to look at you and think that YOU are the thing that was kicking my belly from the inside.  YOU are what I was watching ripple across my stomach.  And YOU are the thing moving around me giving me constant comfort and irritation at the same time.

- You are so sleepy.  I wonder if it's because you had a bit of a hard birth, or if it's because you just love to sleep?

perfection

LEGEND JACK VAITAI WILLIAMS

Born June 21, 2011 

7 lbs 6 oz

20.5 in long

I still can't believe he is all mine.

Big Decisions? No thanks!

Maybe I'll never feel ready

I'm a stresser, a worrier at best.

Bet even after defined, I have something in mind

that outweighs all of the rest.

Maybe I'll never feel ready,

There will always be reasons to wait.

I'm too young, too poor, too insecure,

Can't I just leave it to fate?

But so what if I'm not competely ready?

That's not really how it works in life.

There were things I knew would happen after year 2

When I became that certain someone's wife.

So I will put all my trust in two people;

My sweet husband and my Father above.

As I lay down my pride, they will be by my side

And forever guide me with their love.

My Baby Graci is growing up.

Graci is now 5! In the week leading up to her fifth birthday I was full of emotions I couldn't quite express.  I am so happy about the beautiful, sweet daughter of God she is growing up to be, but I couldn't help thinking back on the days when she was just a tiny little baby.  When she came home from the hospital our home was so overwhelmed with love for her; love that none of us knew existed.  She was such a surprise and such a blessing to our family that we all could feel the spirit just having her in our home.  I was full of gratitude to Heavenly Father for guiding her into our family and even still I sometimes sit back and watch her with utter amazement in my heart that she is my sister, for eternity. Not just an adopted sister, but my forever sister. I especially cherish the memories of singing to my sweet baby sister.  I feel that we have a special bond, whether or not she knows it, because of the spiritual guidance I received to help my parents find her. I know that they were also guided and I of course don't take full credit, but I feel that I was especially in tune with the Lord because he knew what was to come and I wanted so badly for a new sibling.  When nights were difficult and no one could get her to fall asleep, or even on regular nights when I just wanted to be there for my sister, I would cradle her in my arms, walk into the front room and sing to her. It never failed that to get her to sleep.  I still remember that year at Bear Lake.  I was in what was then the Smith's condo while my family was in the other side.  Mom came over looking exhausted and said she couldn't get Graci to sleep and could I please try so she could have a break.  I was so elated that my mom would ask me to get her to sleep. I took her in the bedroom, bundled her up in her blankets and my arms and began to sing. In as little as 15 minutes she was sound asleep. I have always felt such a connection and bond with Graci and I feel like those times were especially special for me because I alone was able to comfort her in that way.
As her birthday neared I decided to write a poem to express some of what I felt.  I hope that some day this poem might be used to help her understand a little more about her adoption and the joy she brought to me, and hear my side of the story of how she came to be in our family, where she is meant to be.

GRACI

Five years ago I was a teen, my priorities so blind,

The things that mattered most to me are now so far behind.

What I thought most important was happening day to day

Until my family decided that adoption was the way.

My mind was suddenly occupied; I couldn't help but think

of a new addition to the family, a baby in blue or pink.

Five years ago I realized that our lives would surely change,

A little one for so long missed would seem a little strange.

Then five years ago I was sitting at my job at Cherry Hill

When inspiration came to me, a voice so soft and still.

While thinking of a new sibling who would be coming in a while

Something whispered quietly and I couldn't help but smile.

So five years ago that night I went to talk with Mom and Dad,

A baby girl named Grace was all the info that I had.

They smiled at me and said, "OK" but they were still unsure,

But I couldn't be more certain as I walked out their door.

Five years ago things started rolling, all the paper work was done.

Our faith depended on the Lord to guide us to the one.

Then within a moment's notice that certain phone call finally came,

They said, "we think we found your baby" and all our feelings were the same.

Bottles, blankets, onesies and cute clothes for a little girl,

preparations done overnight, things were happening in a whirl.

Then mom and dad showed pictures to all the kids gathered around

of the birth mom and the baby that would soon be homeward bound.

Five years ago we packed up the van, the day was sunny and bright

With so much anticipations, the day's waiting would be our plight.

Mom said she hadn't slept all night deciding on a name,

Grace Christina-Marie Pearce was the thought that finally came.

On that day we met Christina, and tears came to our eyes

As we thanked her for the special gift that money never buys.

The gift of love she gave to us when she made up her mind,

To give her unborn baby more; A decision sweet and kind.

Five years ago we brought her home, this baby new and sweet.

Singing her to sleep each night for me was such a treat.

But now she's grown into a kid, a girl so big and tall

Dancing, painting, riding bikes, she wants to do it all.

So thinking back five years ago of the baby I once knew,

Brings back a little sadness; those first years are just so few.

But when I see this little girl I just can't help but smile,

So I'll be sure to enjoy her childhood years, they'll only last a while.

I'm so thankful for miss Graci because as anyone can see,

The crazy, goofy Pearce home is where she's meant to be.

Five years ago we were incomplete, we needed something more,

She adds so much love and laughter and there's only more in store.

I love you Graci!!

Oh dear old Davis High.. grow up!

So I am back at work again now after a long, fun summer.  I am at Davis once again and although I love it I swear every year I get more amazed with the attitudes and maturity levels of High School. I just sit in the front of classes and when I'm not interpreting I can't help but think, "was I like this in High School?"  I like to think I was not, but as much as I pray I was a mature, responsible, drama-free teen... I don't think I was.  Each time I run into someone from HS I feel a little embarrassed and wonder what stupid things I did four years ago that pops into their head every time they see me or hear my name.  Oh well, what's done is done.  I have been keeping track in my head some of the many thoughts that pass through my mind while I am walking the halls at Davis, sitting in front of a class observing, or watching a home football game.  Here are some of the ones I can still remember...

"... really? THAT is your idea of flirting?  Wait, don't tell me it's working.."
"Why do they they give these kids driver's licenses? How did they even pass the test??"
"Seriously, HE is your boyfriend? You're so much cuter than that."
"OK, that girl seriously needs to stop flirting with the teacher. I know he's cute and single but that's just wrong. (for the record I never flirted with Mr. Mcfabulous I mean Mr. McFadden.. *cough* when I was in school)"
"That girl needs to put clothes on... How can she even walk in that skirt?? It may be sunny outside but these classrooms are freezing! How does she do it?"
(while at the football games trying NOT to watch the marching band kids flirt with each other... you can practically FEEL the hormones racing through the air...) "eew"
"That kid thinks he is SO cool carrying around those drumsticks."
"Oh Cheerleaders... don't play dumb. Come on."
"Why is she staring at me like that?/ I am not even signing right now! Do I look that bad every day that you have to give me constant crusties while I sit here and do my job? I am not doing anything to you!"
"PDA during lunch seriously needs to stop!"

... And so on, just like that.  Oh my job can be so entertaining in the worst possible ways.