4 Generations (Paul is the baby)

Today marks 9 years since my grandpa was called to service on the other side. He was known by many and loved by all who knew him, but he belonged to us. Once people realized what my last name was, I would frequently be asked. “Any relation to President Judd?” Because of this, I had constant reminders that I needed to be an example to those watching me. I am lucky to have had so much time with him. We got to see him more since my grandma watched us when we were little, and we lived with them for a summer later on. Grandpa would take us for rides on the horses, let us crawl up his legs and flip, and always had a hug for us. He would clap his hands together first, then hold them out for us to run to. So to my sister and my cousins, remember, “We are precious.”

This Memorial Day weekend was a special one.  We decided before Ella was born, we would have her baby blessing this weekend in order to help our families attend. They would have a 3 day weekend to come vacation with us, along with participate in this special event. The weekend was kicked off when my dad and grandma arrived. Ella met her Great-Grandma Judd for the first time.

Grandma came in and immediately went for the baby, while Dad brought in the luggage. Who can blame her? Ella is named after her for goodness sakes. (Grandma’s name is Eula Mae.)

Saturday, we headed down to meet up with my aunt and uncle for lunch. They live about an hour from us. Sadly, I did not take any pictures while we were there. Maybe Dad can send me the picture from lunch??? and I can insert it <here>. We had a delicious meal at Austin’s and Jameson watched the boats in the Sound. It was great entertainment for him. After lunch, we headed back to their house for a little longer before heading home. Kevin and my Dad headed into Seattle and met up with my brother. (My mom, step-dad, brother, and step-sister got to Seattle late Friday night. They stayed in down town Seattle and did the touring thing.) Grandma, the kids, and I headed home for naps. We spent Saturday night relaxing, and Ella got to know her grandpa.

Dad also got Ella a hat. It’s a little big for now. Sorry, my kids have small heads. I’m not quite sure how that happened. Have you seen our heads? Not the smallest things.

Sunday morning we got to church on time, thankfully. Mom missed an exit on their way, and made it as the opening song started. Whew! We had an eventful Sacrament meeting. We had a confirmation and Ella’s blessing.  As Kevin stood up to give the blessing, I realized I needed to get a pen and paper.  As I was doing that, the men gathered at the front. The next time I looked up, there were more people up there than I expected. I couldn’t quite see everyone, so I was trying to figure out who was up there. We had 8 people up there: Kevin, Stan Judd (my dad), Don Gordon (my step-dad), Justin Chambers (friend), Dan McCulloch (friend), Randy White (Bishop),  Dennis Yool (first counselor), and Steve Jones (second counselor). I had forgotten to add in the bishopric. I’m glad they were there. Everyone in our ward has helped us out so much. We stopped for pictures before heading home. It had started to rain, so we had to stay close to the church.

4 Generations

All of our family that came…

We are truly appreciate of our family that made the long trek up here for this special occasion. It was fun having visitors, and other arms to help with our children. They both loved all the attention.

After church, we headed over to the park for some lunch. Luckily, it stopped raining long enough for us to enjoy some pulled pork sandwiches, funeral potatos, macaroni salad, watermelon, and cookies. Everyone helped carry our kids and food down to the park.

Jenny, Papa Don, and Jameson

Grandma, Papa Don, Jameson

Uncle Weston helped Jameson with his bike. He kept getting stuck with his plastic wheels.

Jameson also got to have lunch with his best friends here. The McCulloch family joined us at the park.

Dad kept Ella safe and warm for me.

Grandma and Dad flew out Sunday evening. I got the kids and I packed and ready to leave on Monday. I was riding back to Sacramento with my mom to start our two week trip to Sacramento and Reno. Jameson had to show Uncle Weston where we keep the suitcases. In the loft in his bedroom.

Monday morning, Kevin dropped me off at their hotel, and we began the 14 hour ride to Sacramento.

This is specifically for Uncle Paul. Jameson has not forgotten you, or what you taught him at Christmas. (Paul gave Jameson a piece of candy every time he answered correctly, which is why Paul is his favorite uncle.)

Here are a few videos of Ella. They are not that exciting as she was not cooperating. She is always so happy first thing in the morning, laughing and smiling. Once the camera came out, she would just stare at the red light. I thought the Grandmas and Grandpas would like to see it anyway.

Ella telling stories…

Ella, up close and personal…

Last Wednesday, Kevin took a quick road trip. That night that he was gone, Ella decided she wasn’t going to let me sleep. She cried off and on from 10:30 pm till 2:30 am. She would fall asleep, then 20 minutes later be screaming. And I mean screaming to where her face is turning purple.  The only way she would sleep was laying on my chest while I was sitting up. I’m pretty sure she had a stomach ache, but nothing was helping. So I ended up getting very little sleep that night, as the sitting up position does not allow much sleep. The next morning, while I was trying to get a little more sleep on the couch once Ella was back asleep, Jameson decided to get his own breakfast. I woke up to this sight…

He was in heaven. And who wouldn’t be with your favorite shows and a box of cookies?

Ella continued to be a little fussy throughout the day, but that night did much better. I don’t know how mothers handle colic babies.

My aunt has made some adorable headbands, and she is selling them. They come in all sizes, and she can make any color, any size. The headbands are also adjustable, with a button on the back.  The clips are interchangeable. You could also just use the clips alone, without the headband. If you’re interested, let me know. I can send you more pictures, or check them out on my facebook photo album. I have taken more pictures, but haven’t had a chance to get them posted yet. So take a look and let me know! (Model not included.) Here are a few that are for sale…

Hats

Some headbands…

If you’re looking for a specific color, let me know and I can send you pictures of what I have. I can also pass along an order. They range from $12-$20 or you can just buy the clips.

Jameson showed off his muscles for us…

This next one, the last 2 seconds are the best.

Our little girl is 11 weeks now. Somewhere I got ahead of myself, because I’ve been telling everyone she’s 12 weeks. Oops. She sure is starting to get some chubby rolls. See…

She is also starting to smile back, tell us stories, and on the verge of laughing. They aren’t distinct giggles yet, but they are close.

You know you want to come visit us and squish those cheeks!

Today we had another check up with the cardiologist. Everything is the same, which is good. We don’t have to go back for 3 months. Yay! The Doc said at that appt. he will probably just listen and no EKGs or Echos will be needed. That means it will be a quick appointment. I was excited to hear that. They are actually monitoring her pulmonary valve more closely than the hole in her heart. They want to make sure as she grows, so does her valve. They also check to make sure the right side of her heart isn’t strained and overworked. So far, so good.

By the way, today she was over 13 pounds. I don’t remember the exact weight, but that’s like a pound a week at least.

My boys decided to be walruses after seeing them on tv.

I’m really sad this picture is out of focus, because I love all of their faces.

Jameson does show his love for his sister.

Yes, she does get wrapped like a burrito every night. It’s called “The Miracle Blanket” and is awesome. If you’re looking for a good swaddle blanket, they are found here.

Lately, Jameson has started to be nicer to his little sister. This all comes after he sprayed her in the face with a water bottle while she was sleeping peacefully in her swing. Anyway, he is getting more possessive of her and has been wanting to help me with simple tasks. Tuesday night, May 4th, he wanted to help with her bath. He sat up on the counter with me and wanted to help scrub her head. I’m not sure how many times I said, “Do it softly.” in the 10 minute bath time period. He had a good time, though, right? And no one was injured, that’s always a bonus.