A New Found Hobby

After having surgeries on my knees two years ago I haven't been able to do very many of the things I love...at least not as intensely as I would like. No serious running- just short intervals of "waddling" as my mom calls it. Me riding a bike up a hill is quite the sight to see. Rock climbing would probably be close to impossible. Slalom water skiing or snowboarding are still out of the picture. I've felt like a little kid with 60 year old knees that can't keep up. Its been quite the challenge for me to not be as active as I want.

Before Jack was born I realized I needed to stop having a pity party and find something new I could enjoy  and easily do as a mommy. Finding a new hobby wasn't easy. Heath was hoping I would fall in love with correcting Spanish papers but that didn't happen. One day I walked into a fabric store with my mom last summer and I knew I had found it. Quilting- A hobby that matches the age of my knees! You wouldn't think quilting and running are similar, but they are. Give me a chance to explain...

I loved running because of the solitude I found on a trail, the challenge during a run, and the overwhelming feeling of triumph afterwards. Running up Logan canyon invigorated my senses. I was addicted to the crisp fresh air that filled my lungs. Hearing the rushing water of the river along side my favorite trail and seeing the beauties of nature put life in perspective for me. The rhythmic crunch of my Asics on the rocky trail created all the music a runner could need. My body felt a rush of adrenaline as I thought of the switch backs I would eventually reach. I eagerly anticipated the coming challenge. 

After a few miles the pain would slowly set in. My legs began to feel like they weighed twice as much, little aches would start to surface, and my lungs would burn. Then the mental battle would begin...should I just stop and walk for a bit? It feels as though each mile gets longer. Can I really finish? My form would get sloppy and my mental focus would waiver. Why did I want to run so many miles today? Motivation hit as I remembered the last race I competed in. Step after step the end gets closer. Soon I would feel the exhausted gratification that I couldn't get enough of. That sounds exactly like quilting doesn't it?

Quilting is like a mental retreat, a creative challenge, and another chance to conquer. The bell chimes as I open the door of the Cotton Shop. I am instantly energized by the sights and sounds. I see the clean vibrant colored fabrics line the walls of the store. There are too many prints and designs to choose from and my mind begins to race. Touching the crisp cottons and fuzzy fleece and hearing the humming of a sewing machine in the background sends me into a focused trance. It seems the standard music for any fabric store is the endless chatter of women. As I wander down each isle of fabrics I'm overcome with a giddy excitement as I envision my next project.

The real work begins as I carefully cut and sew each piece together. My fingers are tired of pinning, my foot is cramping from pressing the pedal, and my neck and back are developing knots from sitting in the same position for so long. The inner dispute begins...should I give this up for a few months? It seems like the rows are never-ending. Am I ever going to get this finished? My stitch is far from straight. Why did I decided to make a queen size?? Ambition returns as I admire blankets given to me by a few quilting experts. Piece after piece the quilt begins to come together. Soon I can wrap up in the finished product satisfied. 

Captain Jack's Pirate Blanket

This one is a rag quilt- not quite finished

Back of the Pirate Blanket

I started this quilt over a year ago.
I wanted to make a queen size quilt for
our bed. Eventually I'll get it done!

I had it professionally quilted-
I can't take credit for the swirls.

T-Shirt Quilt from all my HS Sports

House Hunting

A few months ago Heath and I were talking about how ridiculously expensive rent is. We did some researching and found we could have a cheaper house payment for a home than a two bedroom apartment. We are sick of dumping our money into a teeny tiny apartment we don't even like, I am beyond ready to have a second bedroom for the Captain because he is a bit of a noisy sleeper, and we really don't like living in the city...and so the house hunting began. Of course Heath needs to be close to his beloved cows, we both like small towns, but want to be close to Salt Lake for Heath's job so the search started in Stansbury Park.

I'm sure most people will agree searching for a house is stressful. There has been a huge learning curve for us. To keep a long story short- We've seen many houses and dislike nearly all of them. Finding the right house for the right price has been difficult, stressful, and frustrating. Options to build have come up, which have add to the stress.... One night I threw all the house papers we had away in frustration and vowed to give up the hunt. Heath just laughed and called me the next morning to see if I had pulled them out of the garbage yet. I've learned I'm not always a patient person. Thankfully I have a husband who is. Not only is he patient, but thorough. I have learned from him how important it is to make sure you understand it all, even the little things. Sometimes it drives me crazy how much he analyzes and re-analyzes, but I am so glad he does and that he includes the Lord in analyzing.

The hunt is still ongoing, but I'm dealing with it more patiently thanks to Heath. I know things will work out they way they should... after all "home" for me really is just being with my sweet husband and my Jack Jack.

Captain Jack's Log - Chunky Monkey

Our little Jackster is now 2 months old! He seems to be the size of most 4 month old babies. Heath and I always make bets with how much he weighs, but at his last appointment neither of us were even close. After laying him on the scale, I was a bit shocked when it read 13lbs 13oz! Lets just say Jack likes to eat. He is in the 92 percentile for weight. I think a couple of those pounds are in his cheeks alone. Jack is also in the 43 percentile for length and 50 percentile for head circumference. It's amazing how fast they grow!!

Not only does Jack like to eat, but he loves to jabber. Dad says he inherited that from mom...I hardly get anything done all day because I can't help but lay on the floor next to my jabbering little guy and have a little conversation. Its been so fun to see how he is learning the concepts of communicating. I will say something to him and when I'm done talking he will coo and gurgle his response. Then he stops and looks at me as if he's waiting for me to reply.

Jack is full of smiles, even when mom cant get his overalls on. He is really strong too and has rolled over from his belly to back twice. His second favorite thing to eat is his right hand. I've decided it will be easier and less stressful to just accept that he is going to be a thumb sucker! I love watching this little guy grow and learn. Being a mom is the most rewarding responsibility and privilege I've had.

Captain Jack's Log - The First 3 Weeks

The Captain is changing so quickly. He hardly looks like a newborn anymore. I can't believe it! Here are some of my favorite pics of the first few weeks.

3 Days Old:

These pictures of Heath and Jack melt my heart.

I came into the bedroom after cleaning up dinner and found this...

The Mullet.

10 Days Old:

Bonding with Grandpa and Big Cousin Jed

Cousins Emily and Jarom

3 Weeks Old:

Jack's one tough cookie. At 3 weeks he could hold his head up

for about 60 seconds

Heath found his favorite use of the bobby...correcting spanish papers.

Bath time! I've been keeping my fingers crossed that Jack will be a good swimmer and not a rock like his dad. So far he likes his baths- a good sign. He was a little embarrassed to get a picture taken and covered himself to stay modest.

My Handsome Captain

Lessons from the Captain

The Little Pirate Captain Jack

Heath's brother Anthony frequently refers to Jack as Captain Jack. I thought it was pretty cute but later realized how true it is. He is the Captain day and night, so the nickname has stuck. I'm finding it can be challenging to have such a little being as my boss. Being a mom is difficult. But all difficult things provide us the opportunity to grow and become better. I think one of the reasons Heavenly Father wants us to have children is because of the lessons we can learn as parents- lessons that will make us more like Him.

The biggest lesson I've learned so far is about love. I love Jack. I love him even when he pees all over me, wakes me up several times in the night, makes it difficult to find time to shower or go shopping, won't stay asleep in his crib, and throws up all over me after I just put clean clothes on us both. Despite all of that I love him and want to do everything I can to help him grow up healthy and capable.

I was thinking about how much I love this little guy and it led me to better understand why my parents do so much for me. Even though my many imperfections and weaknesses have caused them pain, stress, and many sleepless nights they are constantly showing me love and support. A parent's love is powerful. I'm sure I'll come to understand just how powerful it is as Jack grows up.

The lesson I needed to re-learn recently is that despite all of my imperfections Heavenly Father loves me. He created my spirit and did so knowing I have divine potential. He knows me better than I know myself. The same parental concern and love I have for Jack is the same way my Heavenly Father feels about me and all His children. But lucky for us He is the perfect parent and doesn't make mistakes giving us guidance. His love for us is perfect. Having a knowledge of that love can help us overcome everything challenging we encounter in life.

I am so grateful to have Jack in my life. I'm sure the Captain will be giving me many lessons in the coming years.

A New Meaning to Life

It all began 4 weeks ago when I looked like this...

A tongue biting, dig my nails into Heath's arm, make me want to curl up and die contraction hit at 1:45 a.m. And another at 1:53, and another at 2:03, and another at 2:09...etc. I knew this was the real deal. All the little contractions I had been having for three weeks prior couldn't even compare. I was excited to finally be feeling so horrible! This kiddo kept me waiting far too long, but he definitely made up for it by giving me a short labor.

We arrived at the hospital around 3:45 a.m. and by 6:00 a.m. I was feeling great after the epidural set in. At 8:30 a.m. my dr. had me start pushing and at 9:16 I knew life would never be the same again when they laid my purple, slimy, screaming little buddy on my belly. No moment can compare to it. Pure love are the only words to describe it.

Jack surprised us by looking much bigger than we thought he would. Heath was sure he would weigh well over 8lbs. but my guess was only 1 oz off so I won the bet and a 10 min foot massage:)

Jack was a healthy 7lbs 110z, 20 inches long.

Welcome to our family Jack Heath Bleazard!

Our journey keeps getting better.

A Quarter Dead

This post is a tribute to my hunk of lovely husband. Oh how I love him. Leading up to his birthday, Heath kept saying how old he was getting. 25 doesn't seem too old to me...what is he going to think when he's 40?? I often heard, "Wife, I'll be a quarter dead!" He keeps me laughing- I love it:)

I wanted to make his birthday this year all about football because starting in July I heard how excited he was for college football. We had many conversations about the coming season (Conversation meaning- I just listened to him talk about all the new recruits Utah had and their chances in the PAC 12). I couldn't think of a better gift for him than Ute tickets.

For his birthday I made him a football cake and hid the tickets inside. I was so excited for him to cut into his cake- far more excited than he was. It was much more difficult than I thought it would be, especially after a big dinner at the Olive Garden. After several hours I got him to cut us a couple of pieces. He found the tickets and was completely surprised or at least put on a good show that he was.

The game was a blast just like the last year and a half have been. I love this guy so much. He is my best friend. And I keep learning more reasons why I love him as time goes on- He makes life fun. He honors his priesthood. He loves hard work. He does the dishes and helps me cook dinner when my prego belly is killing my back. He makes the best out of less than ideal situations. He is a big goof and makes me laugh every day. He can make a stranger a friend in 10 seconds or less. He goes swimming and does relay triathlons with me even though he really doesn't like it. He loves cows for some odd reason. He patiently puts up with and even tries to understand my crazy emotions. He genuinely cares about other people. He won't let me burp at the dinner table. He is beyond excited to be a dad. He has a firm faith in our Savior and His gospel. I couldn't be happier knowing I get to be with him even after he's a century dead. I love you Guap.

This post may be rated PG-13 due to cheesy mushiness. Read at your own discretion and with a barf bag if needed.

Babies!

My new niece Emily Ann Hatch was born a few weeks ago and I got to spend a few days at Bec's to help her out. I am completely in love with her perfect lips. She is adorable! Being around a newborn really got me excited and freaked out all at once.

My pregnancy has gone by so fast! 2 1/2 months to go! Reality is starting to sink in for us both. Heath often tells me in an endearing way- "Wife, you're getting so chubby!" He tells me its a compliment....ha. I really have been pretty lucky while being pregnant. Most days I feel pretty good. I love feeling my little buddy wiggle around. Some days I don't think he quits moving. I can't wait for him to get here!!