I saw a friend of mine on Facebook have a day of fun just for her daughter before she started preschool… I loved that idea and decided to do the same. So, on Tuesday the 18th, we did a couple extra fun things for Eva such as getting an ice cream cone at JCWs and letting her wear her mermaid dress out. I think the best part for Eva was just being able to say it was Eva day! She kept saying, “Oh, I LOVEEEE Eva days!” And then in her prayer before bedtime, she said, “Thank you for Eva day!” It helped cheer me up a little bit because I think I was the one who was having the hardest time with Eva starting school.
Here she is on Eva day:
And here are some more cute photos of her recently that I need to document. I sure can’t believe this cutie will be four in a few short months.
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-09-01 12:54:252015-08-28 17:05:01Eva Day
I have been trying to plan little FHE activities for our family on Monday evenings because we have gotten out of the routine of holding it in our home. It’s been casual and usually just a fun activity Eva will like and then on our way home, we read a chapter in the Book of Mormon together. It’s better than nothing and I know that our little effort of spending some quality time together as a family really will pay off. I like this talk by President Faust… he gives a lot of good ideas and thoughts about holding FHE in our home. Give it a read.
Regular participation in family home evening will develop increased personal worth, family unity, love for our fellowmen, and trust in our Father in heaven. It is our promise that great blessings will come to all who conscientiously plan and hold weekly family home evenings.
I had heard about the theater down in St. George called Tuacahn and really wanted to see a show there. It combines some of my favorite things-being outdoors, the red rocks, and musicals. So, when I heard Beauty and the Beast was going to be there this summer, I really wanted to go and take Eva! I was worried it would be really hot, but we lucked out and had cooler weather that night because of some rain earlier in the evening. Eva was a little nervous in the first half because of the theatrics and it was past her bedtime, but overall I think she really had a great time! And as for me, I absolutely loved the show! It really was a neat theater, so next time you’re in St. George, see a show there!
I was trying to explain to my sister how the stage was set up outside, so here’s a photo:
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-08-30 11:39:362015-08-28 17:32:57Beauty and the Beast at Tuacahn
In about one month I will have a baby boy and officially be a mother of two… Crazy. Absolutely crazy.
I blogged only once in July… all-time record low. I don’t know why I’m in a blogging funk but I plan on getting back into it and really want to get out my other camera so it’s not just instagrams on here all the time.
I finished decorating Eva’s and Baby Boy’s rooms for the most part! Next step for our town home is to get a washer and dryer and a bed frame. Can I tell you how hard it is to get in and out of a mattress on the ground over and over again through the night when you’re eight months pregnant? It is terrible.
Eva is obsessed with mermaids… specifically blue mermaids. I need to write a post about her soon because she is so funny right now and she is starting preschool next week! What will I do when she’s in school three times a week?? Probably cry a lot at first, then treat myself to naps and matinee movies. Okay… and get caught up on all of my work, Dad!
I thought we had settled on a baby name. I seriously felt like I just KNEW his name last week. Yeah…. that has passed. I mean I still like the name. But I definitely don’t feel passionate about it anymore. Can someone just convince TJ to like the name Lee, short for Leland? Lee and Leland are family names and I really love the name Lee… but he won’t do it!
We are now primary teachers for 4-5 year olds. I don’t mind the calling but now I feel like I won’t ever get to know anyone in our new ward. I definitely am so happy we moved back to Utah and to where we lived, but I really miss the Jersey City 2nd Ward so much. They were like family. A crazy, diverse, intense, funny, welcoming family.
How is it already almost halfway through August? I swear we were just wearing our Winter coats in NYC complaining the cold would never end and now I find myself aching to wear my Fall clothes and boots… but I think most of that is because I’m ginormous and want this baby out.
Well, that’s about it for now… my daughter is currently wearing her ariel dress and running (well, pretending to swim) all over the house and I need to control the situation before she kills herself/drives me nuts! Here’s a bump picture from 33 weeks… I’ll be 35 weeks Thursday! Final stretch!
I’m pretty sure this is the longest I’ve ever gone without blogging but I’ve had a busy couple of weeks and frankly just wasn’t in the mood to blog. My blog turned five years old this summer and it’s quite amazing to me that I have just about every single thing documented since TJ and I were married. That being said, I will jump back on the wagon this week so I don’t forget to document anything and maybe that will get me back into the swing of things again!
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-07-27 01:12:272015-07-27 01:12:27Checking In
How is 2015 halfway over? Baby boy will be here before I know it, the holidays are practically around the corner. Okay… maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but this year is really speeding my me.
I feel like I’m a little out of my blogging routine right now because of moving into our new place and the pace of life just different than Jersey, but I’ll get back in the swing of it soon!
We moved into a townhome in Lehi about a half mile from where TJ works, so he can walk to work in ten minutes which is amazing. He really likes his new work. The projects and the team all are really great so far and he’s glad he made the change. I am so glad he is happy and enjoying what he is doing. Our new place is also really great. We had planned on getting an apartment out in Eagle Mountain because they’re quite cheap there, but when we found this place right by his work we just couldn’t pass it by! It’s really perfect for our growing family and even has a pool for us to enjoy this summer!
Let’s see, what else is going on recently… Oh well I am in my third trimester of pregnancy. So that’s pretty crazy. I’m definitely starting to feel it, though, especially if I overdo it through the day. Sciatic pain is going to be the death of me. I also have gotten probably ten charlie horses in the past couple weeks while sleeping. Do you remember how painful those are? I used to get them back in middle school, I think, and they’re so terrible!
We are going on a vacation with my family next week and I can’t wait, except that TJ doesn’t get to join us this time. Afterwards, I’m visiting KY for a bit and it’ll be my last time there with just one kid… such a weird feeling.
I think that’s about it! June was good to us but time needs to SLOW DOWN!
These two get so goofy together!
Eva wanted to get in this water so bad!
Lots of fun cousin time here in Utah!
This was at 27 weeks.
When I had my glucose test, Eva held my hand and kept telling me I’d be okay! It was so cute.
I met up with old friends for some ice cream.
Eva likes sitting on the vents to make her dress float up.
Going to the car wash is just as good as a Disneyland ride to Eva.
Another night in the pool!
I found Eva in bed with a baby crib, five dolls, a notebook, a picture frame, markers, and a blue drawing all over her face.
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-06-29 11:56:322015-06-29 11:56:32End of June?
Eva is now three and a half and so I thought I’d write a little post about her. She is still our spunky, energetic, and friendly little girl obsessed with all things princesses and the color blue. She likes to joke with me, say the same joke over and over if she knows it was a hit the first time, and wear dresses nonstop. If she’s wearing shorts, a bribe or threat most likely was made… I don’t know what it is with that girl, but she just HAS to wear a dress/skirt nonstop.
Eva has done well with the move. She has only said she misses her old place in the city two or three times and each time it was when she was really tired or already upset about something else. Eva loves Ariel from Little Mermaid and Elsa, and wants to listen to the song Popular from Wicked on repeat whenever we are in the car. I love the Wicked soundtrack more than the next person, but listening to Popular twenty times a day is getting pretty old. She also likes the Muppets right now and calls them “muffits” which is pretty much adorable. Going to church is another favorite of Eva’s. She has loved Primary this year and has done so well. Because she loves making friends and playing with lots of kids, I thought she’d enjoy soccer and so I took her to a free soccer practice and game meet up in the city a couple times but she wouldn’t do it. She was acting so shy, which was so weird. We will put her in dance this fall, hopefully that one will be more enjoyable!
We potty trained Eva back in January and it went relatively well, except that she wouldn’t go number two on the potty, meaning everyday she’d insist on using a pull-up for when she needed to go. I tried everything that I could think of (seriously, I even cut a hole in a pull-up and sat her on the potty) and read every mommy blog idea but nothing seemed to stick. So, I just stopped caring for a couple of months but once we moved, we decided to get it done and cut out pull ups all together (even at night). It definitely hasn’t been easy. The first couple of days were lots of unsuccessful trips to the bathroom, tears, tantrums, and prayers. Then once she was doing so great and even going if we were out and about, she randomly would have a couple days where she didn’t want to do it again. Some days have been such a pain and honestly makes me so exhausted. But overall, I am SO glad we did it and that by the time fall comes around when she is in preschool it will be in the past! Oh and on the plus side, I was extremely worried about stopping the pull-ups at night, but that part has been a breeze!!! She has woken up dry almost every single night!!! It was amazing, I don’t even understand it because her pull-up used to be wet each morning.
Eva finally is becoming a better eater. She still won’t eat everything we give her, but usually will try everything and even eat meat! I know that probably sounds so silly to you, but for so long, getting Eva to eat anything was a huge struggle. She wouldn’t even eat chicken nuggets… what kid doesn’t like chicken nuggets? Haha! So i’m glad we’re hurdling over that struggle. Plus a dessert bribe if you eat all your dinner definitely helps!
In the Winter, Eva stopped taking naps regularly. I would still put her in her crib everyday with books because she definitely needs quiet time. Then once Spring came around it was too nice to be inside, so we just would put Eva to bed earlier and she’d sleep in later, making up for the nap. But let’s face it, three year olds are just more pleasant to be around at the end of the day if they get a nap, and so, since moving here and getting a car, she finally has been taking some naps here and there in the car! It has been amazing. Going along with sleep habits… now that we have moved, she slept her last night in the crib back in Jersey. I cried after putting her to bed realizing she would sleep in a big bed from now on! Our little Eva is growing up, so it’s a good thing there’s another baby on the way to distract me!
I think that’s enough rambling! Now on to a couple funny Eva sayings:
Eva loves being here with her grandparents and always wants to go with Grandma/sit with Grandma. One day she said to TJ, “I want Grandma to take me, Dad, but I don’t worry, I love you still.”
TJ asked Eva what animal says, “Squeak squeak?” She said, “A bath toy!”
I told Eva it was time to leave the park and she said, “Mom, nooooo, there’s nothing to worry about! We can stay!”
One particular weekend, Eva was being extremely blunt about our appearances. She asked TJ, “Oh do you have owies under your eyes?” Then she gets closer, “Oh, no those are just circles.”
That same weekend she said, “I’m just gonna get a small toy, mom. Small like your head.”
TJ got a new messenger bag for his birthday and she said, “Ooooh, I liked daddy’s new purse!”
“Mom, I want to keep my body. I don’t want to put it underground with a rock on top.”
And to wrap up the weekend with subtle insults, she said to TJ, “Daddy, you have a gold tooth!”
“I have a belly ache, mom, in my mouth. Just like you.”
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-06-17 11:32:442015-06-17 12:01:323 1/2 Years Old + Funny Eva Sayings
It is TJ’s birthday today! We celebrated with an ice cream cake and time at the pool with family on Saturday and then last night got to have a date to see Jurassic World together! TJ is such a hard worker, incredibly talented artist, easy going guy who puts up with his overly sensitive pregnant wife, and fun dad! Thanks for being you, TJ!
As you may know, we moved. 2198 miles. It was kind of a big move. And very emotional. But let’s go back a couple months.
It was the end of March and we were about to sign our apartment lease for another year. TJ was offered a full time job with Johnson & Johnson, the company he had been with for two years but as a freelance employee. It was our dream. We had prayed for the whole two years that the hiring freeze at J&J would be over and that they’d bring him on as a “full time” employee, which the only difference was a that it was a salary with benefits job, instead of an hourly wage. Well, the freeze was finally lifted and they really wanted him to stay once his freelance contract was over. He was about to say yes and sign another year for our home, when one of TJ’s old adjunct professors from BYU randomly called him and said he had a full-time senior designer position available in Utah and wanted TJ to take it.
At that point, we were so confused. Several weeks earlier we had looked at the prospect of moving away from the city just because we are expecting another kid and Eva will be in preschool in the fall, but none of the options really worked out and so we decided to stay put. But then this job just kind of fell into TJ’s lap. And when all of the details came through, we knew we had to at least consider the option. The details of the job were right but was the move? And was it right to leave J&J? We toiled back and forth day after day. We both made intense pro/con lists and then weighted the importance of each item. They were intense lists, y’all. There was the whole- we live in NYC which is really cool… do we want to go back to the burbs-attitude? It took a little bit to get over that city pride, but we really did love the city and it was something consider. The lists went on and on… We loved our ward SO much. The diversity of Jersey City. Everything to do in NYC. The simplicity of life. We had just gotten used to Jersey and considered it home. We weren’t ready to say goodbye to that life yet.
So, we went to the temple to help us decide. At the end, we joined each other in a room. As we met on a couch, we just looked at each other. I started crying. (I’m tearing up again just writing it…) We both knew. It was time to move.
The subway ride back to home was an emotional one. We couldn’t believe what was ahead of us and how this had just happened. TJ’s new job would start June 1, meaning we only had about five or six weeks until we were out of there.
We almost just wanted to move a week later because it was hard to draw it out and say goodbyes. But we decided to stop moping (well, try to… I definitely memorialized every last thing and cried if I thought about it too much) and use those next couple weeks to do some fun things! We did the bridge, saw some Broadway shows, ate at a few new restaurants, explored the city, and played hard with friends. Oh, and did the Fallon show which was on my all-time NYC bucket list! I waited until the last week to pack up the apartment because I just wanted to play and soak up every last minute.
But the day came. We said our tearful goodbyes, our apartment was empty, and with a final turn of the key (which TJ insisted we do together), we locked up our little home at The Roosevelt for the last time.
—-
You know, I always thought I would serve a mission. But I met TJ and got married before that could happen. I didn’t understand why my patriarchal blessing pretty much said YOU WILL GO ON A MISSION IN YOUR YOUTH when I didn’t get to go as planned. I mean, I know those blessings have so many interpretations, but guys… it pretty much lays it right out for me! I told myself I’d be an example to people throughout my life instead, and my blessing probably does mean that too. But when we were moving, I realized we were in Jersey for exactly two years, which is how long a traditional mission is (for a male… but that’s a technicality). We served with the missionaries, had new members and investigators in our home countless times, served in our ward to the primary and young adults, met so many people in our community, and shared pass along cards at Christmas. I may not have served a traditional LDS mission when I was 19 years old. But I will forever look back at my time in Jersey as mybest two years, fulfilling some of the promises in my blessing.
We will love you forever, NYC/Jersey! You were so good to us.
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-06-10 17:30:212015-06-10 17:33:20The Best Two Years
Some of my family came into town for a couple of days! It was so fun to spend time with them and show them around the city a bit.
This was our last time downtown… my favorite part of the city.
We took the ferry around town a couple of times which is so much fun/easy!
This was taken at Newport Green at our good friend’s birthday party! I think it’s so funny how the little girls are wearing the masks but the boys aren’t.
Just eating some macaroons at the French market.
Eva’s little buddy stopped by with gifts and a big hug to say goodbye… adorable.
We met up with some of TJ’s friend from the BYU design program, for brunch at City Bakery. Well, wouldn’t you know it, their professor/head of the department was in the city at the same time and was eating at the same place at the same time. I still can’t wrap my head around how crazy of a coincidence that was! It was great to see him and his friends.
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-06-02 19:28:162015-06-01 19:41:51End of May Wrap-up
