Our Recent Activities in Photos

Payton's new rocker from Cracker Barrel

New hair cut courtesy of Mom

Payton with Daddy before the big race

Payton sleeping through our walk along the river in Rockford

With Grandma and Aunt Liz in the Rockford Rose Garden

Inner Space Caverns with Aunt Elizabeth

Up in Cambridge, ID, playing in the pool with Aunt Danielle

Lunch in Round Rock with Grandma Swanson

Playtime

This is Payton playing at Ready, Set, Play! He also stars in their commercial. He is getting so big and already 18 months old. He can do all sorts of things like spinning in circles, walking backwards, climbing on everything, and being a big helper. He loves to laugh and make funny faces.

Baby Product Reviews

I've decided to review baby products that we have used with Payton in order to give other moms some ideas of what to buy and what products you shouldn't waste your money on. I see new parents registering for their babies and often yearn to stop them and give them some advice. I will review eight products today and will add until I run out. Hopefully, someone will find this helpful.

Rain Forest Bouncer- I would give this product three stars out of five. It has a great vibration option and baby can produce sounds through moving objects. Payton didn't ever stay in it for long periods of time.

Graco Swing- Five out of five stars. Awesome! Six different speeds and great music. My 15 month old tries to climb in it still. Great battery life.

Rain Forest Swing- Zero Stars. Horrible! Motor moved the swing an inch or two at the most. We thought the plug in feature would be great, but without the swing moving, what's the point?!

Graco Pack-N-Play- Five out of five stars. Don't know what I would do without it. Holds up to abuse from an active boy and folds up for quick packing.

Little People Barn- Great sounds and babies love to carry the life-like animals around.

Little People Noah's Ark- Hard for a 15 month old to open the doors, but love the animals. Helps teach matching with pairs of animals.

Little People Wagon with Blocks- Shaped like a school bus. Large blocks that are easy to build with. Payton even loves to sit in the wagon to play.

Little People Fishing Boat- Sinks in the tub, maybe better for older kids.

Giving Up

I just thought I would let you all know that I'm giving up on posting pictures on here. I have spent countless hours trying to upload pics with no luck. However, I do need to update everyone on our family and Payton.
Jonathan is in his last semester of school! He should have his MBA completed on May 9th. We are so excited about his graduation and our future opportunities because of his faithfulness. God has given me a very smart husband! He is also still serving as our treasurer at church and teaching the high school class. Work continues to go fairly well. Jonathan just received a raise and is up for a promotion. Very exciting!
I am still staying at home with Payton. It is amazing to me how challenging it is. I have definitely been stretched and have had battles with loosening up my perfectionist personality. MOPS has been a blessing to me this year. I have met some truly wonderful ladies and have been asked to serve on the Steering Team (a leadership position) next year. I am trying to open up to new friendships, which has also been hard since I tend to be a bit on the shy side. Payton and I are exploring the nearby parks on days when we have nice weather.
Payton is growing so much! He is walking and running all over the place and will be 14 months on the 31st. He loves to play with all of his toys. His favorite seems to be his shape sorters, but has recently discovered the wonderful world of balloons. Payton has a very strong personality which continues to be a challenge, but he is so loving, that you tend to forget his sassy times. He loves to go outside and explore. He loves to jabber and his favorite word is "da-da". He also says hi and duck.
Jonathan and I are trying to start a once a month get-together for our young married couples at church. Pray that we can get this off the ground so that we can nurture some friendships between Christian couples. There are not a lot of people our age that are faithful to church, so we think this is an important ministry. Well, I think that covers pretty much everything.