More Afton

Okay, you finally got more pictures of Afton. I hope everyone's happy.


Oops.. How do that one get in there?

Modern religion?

Yes, I know. Still no new pictures of Afton. Sorry, folks. Ask Tracy.

I was visiting my friend Peter Wood's blog with it's fun name: prwdot.org, read p-r-w dot dot org, and its associated blogs, Pulcher Sentio and waltondammerung.

Those of you from Ohio may recognize the authors of these blogs.
The rest of you can ignore who wrote them, and instead focus on what was written here. Besides my comment, (and I was serious, really, I wasn't trying to be a smart-aleck, Amy) it seems to me that I can boil the post down into two concepts: Churches are't focusing on God, but the people in the church, and a relationship with God isn't found by going to church, it's by doing the basics.

You know the basics. The basics are the stuff we were taught in junior Sunday School, regardless of the religion. Prayer, scripture study, faith, repentance, the Golden Rule, etc. These are the things that are open people's hearts to the Holy Ghost, so they can be touched, and without that the religious experience, isn't. The best explanation I can find for what people are feeling is a social experience.

And now I hear a "But wait! Isn't going to Church one of the basic principles?" Yes it is, but it's only one of the basic principles. Worshiping at Church is one of those things you were probably taught in Sunday School. (otherwise, it'd be kind of odd to be at Sunday School, huh?) That's good and all, but what if I only did one of the the other things? Suppose I just pray, or I just read the scriptures daily, or I just fast monthly. Alone, each action isn't enough to fulfill a person's spiritual needs. To truly bring our lives in tune with Christ, we need to be focused on him.

Why Walmart is the bomb!!

For the first time in my life, I have found tall jeans (I can even wear tall shoes with these!) for only $16. Where did I find such a good deal you might ask. You got it, Walmart! :) Top 10
reasons why these jeans are so awesome:

1. They were only $16. The cheapest I have ever been able to find that fit me are $40 and these are found at teenage bee-bopper stores with ultra low waist. Not the best fit with garments.
2. I can wear tall shoes with these jeans.
3. They are not ultra low-which is nice when you wear garments. They actually go right underneath the belly button. I would prefer a tiny bit lower, but I'll take what I can get.
4. They are actually cute jeans that fit well.
5. They are only $16.
6. I don't have to worry about my garment top showing. Hallelujah!!!
7. OK, so I can't think of any more reasons, but man O man am I excited!!!!!!!!!
8.They are only $16.
9. They are only $16.
10. THEY ARE ONLY $16. (Sorry couldn't think of any other reasons from 7 on!

P.S. Afton must be going through a growth spurt. She ate 10 oz. in 3 hours. If you need a comparison, she usually eats 3 0z. every 3-4 hours. Man, what a pig! :)

P.S. Afton

Post Pregnancy

So Afton slept in the bassinet all night-with the exception of feedings. It was amazing what sleep will do for you! :) Hopefully, she will do so again tonight. Wish us luck. So one of Afton's favorite sleeping positions is laying on my stomach with her head resting on my chest. I'm not sure how long that will last, but its the most amazing feeling. As I was watching conference, I would look over at her sleeping in her little bouncer, and feelings of gratitude and love would just wash over me. I feel so lucky to have her. (I may not always feel this way-especially at 3 in the morning.)



I noticed that our daughter (wow, sometimes that still feels weird saying) looks a lot like ET. She does this look when I am holding her (so of course I haven't been able to capture it on camera) and she's hungry. She will stretch up her neck and wrinkle her forehead; her neck is so skinny that she really does look ET. I wonder what side of the family she gets that from? :)

So I thought my hormone detox was complete until I was at the doctor's office and watching Tarzan II. There is this scene where the mother gorilla thought she lost Tarzan and I just started crying-empathy pangs. How cheesy is that. So I guess I am still in the process of detoxing the last of the hormones out. Oh by the way, Afton is doing well. She gained a pound, so is now officially at 7 lbs, 8 oz. The newborn clothes are actually starting to fit her, although she's still really skinny. Her jaundice is completely gone as well which is a big relief.

So losing the pregnancy weight really stinks, especially not being able to wear your normal clothes, but at least I have more motivation to get back in shape. I still have about 10-15 lbs to lose. Joe and I are going to run in a half marathon come October so that should help my motivation stay strong. I will definitely make sure I stay ready for the next Scoresby scamper!

Afton's First Bath

Afton's first bath was tonight. Her umbilical cord fell off this week, so we can finally give her a real bath. She did really well, except when we turned her over to wash her back.




Also, She has more pictures here:

Afton

Spring is here!