Newest Character in a Dr. Suess Book

I am so glad yesterday is over. Matt went to Utah Tuesday night for work and came home last night. He wasn't even gone 24 hours but I thought I was going to go insane. It wasn't anything to do with Matt being gone, Sienna and I had a great time but there were just a few things that went wrong and stressed me out. Sienna woke up yesterday morning with red dots all over her stomach and legs. My first thought was, "NOT THE CHICKEN POX!" I was seriously freaking out. I know babies having the chicken pox isn't a big deal but it wasn't something I wanted to deal with or have Sienna deal with. Luckily, we went to the doctor and it wasn't the chicken pox. What a relief. We're thinking it was an allergic reaction to a shirt Sienna wore without me washing it first. I never do that, but it was such a cute shirt from our friends and we were going to see them so I wanted her to wear it. Anyway, Sienna hasn't even noticed her rash and it isn't contagious. The doctor said it would be gone in a few days. Thank goodness. I am so glad it doesn't itch or bother Sienna and I am so glad to have Matt home.

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I should have taken a picture of it last night because it has already gotten so much better. She really looked like she belonged in a Dr. Suess book. One spot, two spot, red spot, blue spot... At least she is still smiling!

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Sienna desperately needed a new jacket since she is out growing everything. Why can't you ever walk out of Baby Gap with only one item? We ended up buying a hat, swimsuit, and a couple shirts for her as well.

Sienna points to everything now. You can ask her where anything or anyone is and most of the time she will point to it.

She still loves her puppy. She is constantly giving loves to all her animals and saying, "aaah."

Sleepy girl, time for a nap.

Quick Thoughts

I am tired and going to bed soon but thought I would put a quick post together. Last night Matt and I received calls from both of our families informing us that President Hinkley had passed away. The news was very saddening to both of us because of our love and respect for President Hinkley, but at the same time, we are excited he could return to be with God and Marjorie. After all, he was 97 and has done so much for the church and many others around the world. Conference is definitely going to be different and very hard for me. I love President Hinkley so much and will miss him forever, but the church is still true and will continue to move forward. I love the article on President Hinkley from the New York Times that my sister sent. Please read if you have a few minutes.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/us/28hinckley.html?em&ex=1201669200&en=9eab2e2b7d8eb694&ei=5087%0A

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I could go on forever about how much President Hinkley has meant to me in my life and the life of others around me. I will never forget his dedication, sense of humor, or powerful messages.

Bath Time is a Little Different Now

I have turned into a blogging slacker. I used to update the blog at least two to three times a week, sometimes twice a day. Here are a few new things that Sienna is doing lately..

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-She says "Stop" while holding her hand out

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-She constantly pulls off her socks and holds them in the air while saying, "sock"

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-She loves to sing "The Wheels on the Bus" and always does the action of beeping the horn.

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-She will grab a stuffed animal and squeeze it tight while sighing, "ohhhhhh". It is the sweetest thing. Last night she gave Matt a hug and did the same thing, "ooooooooh."
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Sienna is hilarious and just keeps us smiling. She just keeps getting bigger and smarter.

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Sienna still loves to play in the tub.

Lately, Sienna drains the tub herself when she wants to get out.

If I don't have a towel waiting, she tries to get out on her own.

Today, she got awfully close to succeeding. That is my crazy naked girl.

First Kisses

This week has been a lot of fun. Sienna and I went to play with Lauren, Ben, and baby Pierce on Wednesday and we stayed ALL day. Sienna was so happy to be reunited with Ben (it's been over a month). They play so well together.

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You can't tell if they are kissing from the camera angle, but they really were lip to lip. Oh no!

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My sister would say Sienna gave Ben the "Power." If you kiss them once, they'll keep coming back for more...

...and more.

Benjamin has an awesome play room upstairs with so many toys. Sienna didn't mind staying over there for 6+ hours.

Aren't they cute playing together?

You'll notice that Sienna still has more teeth than Ben. They play so well together. Sienna was trying to climb over the top of Ben to get into the picture.

Little poser. Not a bad choice for a first kiss.

Sienna preferred to climb up the slide instead of going down.

They have two dogs and when not playing with Ben, Sienna just stared at them through the window. She says "arrrf, arrf" and pants like a dog.

Sienna and daddy at Babe's. It is a restaurant that only serves fried chicken or chicken fried steak. Sienna enjoyed the chicken.

We Love the Park!

We have been experiencing Internet difficulties for some time now. I am finally back on the computer. Here is a quick post to update you on our beautiful little girl. She is definitely making the transition from baby to little girl. My favorite picture is the very last one.

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I absolutely love this skirt. I can't believe how big she is getting..

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This is at lunch a couple weeks ago.
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She loves lemons.
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Our friends in the ward gave Sienna this entertainment center and she goes crazy for it. It makes all sorts of noises. She loves just to walk around it over and over again.
. One of my favorite things to do lately is take Sienna to the park. Not only is it gorgeous weather to do so, but she absolutely loves it.
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She can't really go down the slide on her own because she throws herself backwards. It's still fun to watch though.
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Swinging with mommy.

Swinging with daddy.

Holding on all by herself. She even did a little pull up.

Swinging by herself. This is my favorite. She loves to swing. She was so happy at the park and we'll go back every week that it is warm enough.

Looking Back at 2007

Happy New Year! Tonight we spent a couple hours at some friends' house in our ward. It was a lot of fun but we decided to retire early and get Sienna to bed. (I am going to bed soon too!) These past couple of days I have thought a lot about all of the wonderful things that happened this year. Matt and I have experienced and seen a lot together. What an amazing year 2007 was. We have seen ups and downs but I am truly humbled by all the blessings we have witnessed and received. We were able to strengthen existing relationships while also developing many new and priceless friendships. We are in a great house, neighborhood, ward, and we have been blessed so much by the people that have come into our lives. Here are some of my favorite memories of the year.

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-At the very beginning of the year, Matt and set out on an adventure I never thought I would look forward to. We moved away from both of our families (me being 7 1/2 months pregnant with our first baby) and started our first home in Keller, TX. As much as I miss both of our families, this has been such an irreplaceable experience for me. We have grown so much together and I have learned so much.

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-Driving to Texas with my mom and dad. Really, they did all the driving while I vegged in the backseat scared to death of my new life in Texas.

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-Matt and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary in February (almost 3 years).

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-Matt has a great job with TWG that we both love. It is such a blessing to have such a beneficial job that is as enjoyable as it is rewarding. We have made some very strong friendships with many different people that he works with.

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-Hanging out with Carly at my house while Matt was in Utah for work. For as close as we are, we don't see each other enough!

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-March 21, 2007 My dream of becoming a mom came true. Sienna Anne Shumway was born at 5:45 am weighing it at 6 lbs 11oz and measuring 20 inches long. What big miracles come in such tiny packages. She really is such a joy to us and I couldn't imagine life without her. *Thanks to my mom and Matt's mom for being such great examples to me as what a good mother should be. I have the best to look up to and try to pattern myself after.*

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-Spending time with my mom after having Sienna. Catching up on "The Office" and trying to figure out everything that comes with being a new mom.

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-Going to Utah for the first time with Sienna and showing her off to all of my friends. Yes, I'm really a mom!

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-Having Matt's family come to Texas. Eating out, ball games, 6 Flags, and more.

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-When my dad and Jake came out for a whole 24 hours to see the new house and just so happened to buy a car...

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-Meeting my new niece Kate and new nephew Max!

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-Hanging out with Cole and Ella. Two of the most entertaining and fun kids ever.

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-Spending lots of time with Baby Ben.

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-Having "Girls Night Out" in Alabama with Ella, Kate, and Sienna. My favorite girls in the world. Even though they were sick it was a blast.

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-Going to Les Miserables, playing catch, and just hanging out like we used to with Jamie before she left for her mission.

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-Em, I know May was a roller coaster month for you with Max being born and you losing Eric, but I am glad I got to spend so much time with you. I felt bad being so far away while you had to go through all of that. We had some great talks and spent some quality time together. Love ya!

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-All the phone calls with my daddy.

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-Going to San Antonio to see Carly and her family.

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-Watching so many of our friends have babies.

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-Playing Tennis with Matt.

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-Giving Sienna baths.

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-Thanksgiving in Utah. I missed my people and I got to see so many of them. I have the cutest nieces and nephews in the world. I love when they will get on the phone and talk to me.

-Having Christmas in Texas with Matt and Sienna. What a wonderful holiday and perfect way to end the year. Even if we were all sick, everyone is happy on Christmas!

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I could go on forever. This past year will definitely be an unforgettable one. I very much look forward to what 2008 has in store for us. I have been blessed more than I deserve and most all of those blessings have come in the form family and friends. Thanks for everything. I love you all!

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Mom and dad- Thanks for everything. I truly appreciate all of the support even though you don't like that we live in Texas.

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Dan and Andrea- Ditto! You guys have been so wonderful and supportive. Sienna loves to preform for you over web cam.

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Brit and Kyle- Enjoy 'Bama. As much as "I hate the south" we'll come visit and see the new house. It looks great and we're extremely impressed with renovation done by Kyle.

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Jake and Reni- Enjoy Grandma and Grandpa while you have them to yourselves. Regardless of how it looks, it won't last forever! :) Give the boys lots of kisses for me.

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Kirk- come home to us safely! I can't wait to see you in April. Love ya, little bro. Semper Fi! Go Marines.

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Bryan and Allie- Sienna would still love a Shumway cousin, but enjoy school and work while you can. You'll need to come out and visit us sometime before you do have a little one on the way. We would love to be closer to you guys so we could hang out. Plus, I am already getting a little tired of Guitar Hero, Matt needs some competition.

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Adri and Dana- We miss you so much. Sienna loves her aunties and looks forward to every chance she gets to see you. You guys couldn't be any more beautiful or talented. We love you!

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Elder Kyle Bruce Shumway- Thanks for calling on Christmas. We are so proud of what you are doing in New Zealand. We can't wait to see you again but know you are doing well. Stay safe and keep writing.

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I'm sorry this was so long (and no pictures) but I have a lot on my mind. Happy New Year! Good night!

Merry Christmas!

We are late posting about Christmas because there has been so much going on. Poor Sienna has been really sick and cuddling her has taken up most of our days. Christmas was wonderful. We had such a fun morning together. We opened presents, played some Guitar Hero, and ate our Christmas cereals.

It was such a nice relaxing day. We had Mike and Dyan Colby and Licy and her girls over for dinner and just hung out the rest of the night. One of the highlights of the night was talking to Uncle Kyle on his mission in New Zealand. We're so happy he was able to call us!

Sienna enjoying her new sippy cup.

Matt was so excited about Guitar Hero. He has played it so much.

Matt did really well at getting me awesome gifts and they were all surprises! Most everything was from William Sanoma, and you can't go wrong with that store.

Every year we get a box of our favorite cereal for Christmas. This started with Matt's family. Yes, I love grape nuts!

Sienna has so many new toys and she loves them all. Thanks to grandmas and grandpas!